Homemade Vanilla Extract is very simple to make. It only requires 2 ingredients and about 10 minutes of your time. You can speed up the extract process in an instant pot and cut your wait time to about 2 weeks or let it slowly extract over 6 weeks to 3 months. Allow me to break down all the steps and options for you and you can decide which method serves your family best.

FUN FACT: Did you know vanilla doesn’t taste like anything? The thing we enjoy about vanilla is all aromatic! Vanillin, the most prominent compound in vanilla, gives off the wonderful woody, floral, and spicy aroma we so love and enjoy.

How is extra made?

Similar to a medicine tincture, alcohol is used as a solvent to extract flavors and aromatic properties of organic matter. Alcohols make a perfect solvent because their molecular structure allows them to dissolve both hydrophilic (dissolves well into water) and hydrophobic (doesn’t dissolve well into water) compounds. In the case of vanilla extract, the alcohol extracts the aromatic compound vanillin and gives us that wonderful aroma we enjoy in our baked goods.

Two Methods for Extraction

I’ve made my own homemade vanilla extract for several years now and only recently did I learn I could speed up the extraction process! Both methods produce a delicious and concentrated extract and are worth you time and effort. The real difference is how quickly you need your extract to be ready to use. I will walk you through both methods so you can decide which you would like to try.

Before I walk you through each method, there are a few things to note.

Most vanilla extract makers suggest using 1-3 vanilla beans per ounce of alcohol. I have tried it using 1 and using 3 and I find 1 bean per ounce, and even 1 bean for every 2 ounces, provides more than enough flavor/aroma for my taste. If you prefer a more concentrated flavor, you are free to add more beans per ounce.

For example: a 750ml bottle of vodka (or other alcohol, such as bourbon) would take anywhere from 12-30 beans. Personally, I find 30 beans to be excessive for this amount. Again, when you make your own, you decide how concentrated you want to make your extract. That’s the beauty and the fun of making things homemade!

Slow Homemade Vanilla Extract Method

You will need the following:

• vanilla beans (I use these)
• vodka (No need for the expensive brands, this is the time to go cheap.)
• glass jar(s) for bottling (I prefer these, but here is another great option.)

For this method, all you need to do is spilt open your vanilla beans by slicing them length-wise and place them in the bottle of vodka. You can leave the extract in the bottle throughout the process and then dispense into smaller bottles, if desired, when the extraction is complete. I leave mine in the bigger jar and use it in recipes from that. I have an old vanilla extract bottle my grandma picked up a flea market ages ago and it makes me think of her when I use it.

Once I’ve added the vanilla beans to the alcohol, it’s time to wait. And wait. And wait for a minimum of 6 weeks, but really you want to wait several months before using your extract for a more concentrated aroma. This is a great project to start in late spring and you will have a beautiful extract ready to give a Christmas gifts or use in your holiday baking.

Now, I promised a quicker option. Let’s get to that.

Fast Homemade Vanilla Extract Method

You will need the following:

• vanilla beans
• vodka (No need for the expensive brands, this is the time to go cheap.)
• pint canning jars, lids, and rings
• Instant Pot (I have this one.)

Similar to the slow method, you need to add the beans to the alcohol. But, this time, you want to add them to the canning jars. I add my split beans to the jars and them top them with vodka, leaving a 1 inch headspace. I add 6-10 beans per pint jar (16 ounces).

It is important to wipe the rims before applying the lids and rings. These need to be slightly tighter than finger tight. Now it’s time for that instant pot.

You need to put a trivet tray in the bottom of the instant pot (so the jars don’t touch the bottom of the inner pot) and 1 cup of water in the bottom to allow the pot to come to pressure. Place your jars (you can fit 4 pints at a time in the 8 quart instant pot) on the trivet and secure the lid.

Safety First!

Use the manual pressure setting and set the pot to 30 minutes at high pressure. Turn off the Keep Warm function. This will only make the cool-down process take longer. Now, this next part is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! DO NOT DO A QUICK RELEASE. Let the instant pot do a natural release and then leave the jars in the pot until they have completely cooled. Taking them out early could result in the jars busting and make a huge mess! Not to mention waste your time and materials. It’s best to practice a little patience.

After you have allowed your jars to completely cool, remove them from the instant pot and place them in a dark cupboard or pantry. You will want to let them sit for about 2 weeks to get the full flavor/aroma extraction. Go ahead and give them a shake once or twice a day too! This will keep things from settling.

After your 2 weeks, you can divide the extract into gift bottles, or pour it into 1 big bottle for your own use, or keep it on your shelves as is, to strengthen the flavor even more!

Give the gift of aromatic bliss, Give Homemade Vanilla Extract!

Homemade Vanilla Extract makes a wonderful holiday, birthday, or just because gift. It is easy to make and can be ready in a little as 2 weeks! It is also affordable to make and gift. Depending on the type of alcohol you choose to extract in, you can make a 4 oz bottle for a few dollars, making homemade extract a great option for friends, family, and coworkers.

I hope you give this homemade vanilla extract a try and let me know how yours turned out!