Imagine transforming two simple ingredients into a liquid gold that will elevate every single dessert and baking recipe in your kitchen. Homemade pure vanilla extract isn't just a condiment—it's a culinary revelation that professional bakers and home cooks swear by. With just a few minutes of preparation and a touch of patience, you'll create a rich, aromatic extract that puts store-bought versions to shame, saving money and delivering unparalleled flavor in every drop.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 10 vanilla beans
- 2 cups vodka (or bourbon for a richer flavor)
Instructions
- Select high-quality whole vanilla beans, preferably Madagascar or Tahitian vanilla beans for the best flavor profile.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each vanilla bean lengthwise down the middle, leaving about half an inch uncut at each end to keep the bean intact.
- Place the split vanilla beans into a clean, sterilized glass jar with an airtight lid. Ensure the jar is large enough to accommodate the beans and vodka comfortably.
- Pour the vodka or bourbon completely over the vanilla beans, making sure they are fully submerged in the alcohol.
- Seal the jar tightly and gently shake the contents to help initiate the extraction process.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet.
- Allow the vanilla extract to steep and develop flavor, shaking the jar gently once a week for at least 8 weeks, though 6-12 months will produce a more robust extract.
- After the steeping period, strain the extract through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove bean particles if desired.
- Transfer the finished vanilla extract to clean glass bottles for storage and future use.
- Store the homemade vanilla extract in a cool, dark place where it can continue to develop depth of flavor.
Tips
- • Choose premium vanilla beans: Madagascar and Tahitian beans offer the most complex and rich flavor profiles. • Use high-quality vodka or bourbon—the alcohol quality directly impacts your extract's taste. • Always use glass containers to prevent chemical interactions that could alter the extract's flavor. • Be patient! The longer your extract steeps (8-12 months), the more intense and smooth the flavor becomes. • Gently shake your extract jar weekly to distribute flavors and encourage extraction. • Store in a cool, dark place to preserve the extract's quality and prevent flavor degradation. • Consider using the spent vanilla beans in sugar or other recipes to maximize their utility. • Label your extract with the date of preparation to track its aging process.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 10kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
