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–+ servings
Two jars of homemade vanilla extract on a counter.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Amy Duska
Homemade vanilla extract is rich in flavor and can be used in baked goods for recipes that just can't be beat!
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 pints

Ingredients
 

This recipe makes 2 pint size jars

  • 10 vanilla bean pods 5 per jar
  • 4 cups alcohol rum, bourbon or vodka are good choices

Instructions
 

  • If using a pint jar, cut the vanilla beans in half so that they will fit into the jar. Use a knife to slice the bean pod open, lengthwise, so that the beans can be released into the alcohol. Place 10 half-pieces into each pint jar. (5 full vanilla bean pods per jar.)
  • Fill the jar up with your choice of alcohol and place a piece of wax paper over the top of the jar before screwing on a plastic lid. Give the jar a shake and then store it in a dry cool area such as a pantry.
  • Gently shake the jar every day for 2 weeks. Then once week for about 2 months. After that you can shake the jar every month to help release more beans. It will be good after 6 months. See notes.

Notes

  • You can use the vanilla extract around 2 months, but the flavor will not be as strong.

Nutrition

Serving: 1teaspoonCalories: 12kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 1mgSugar: 1gCalcium: 1mgIron: 1mg