Homemade Vanilla Extract- Easy Recipe With Printable Labels

Homemade Vanilla Extract- Easy Recipe With Printable Labels
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Homemade Vanilla Extract

Making a homemade vanilla extract is a super simple process and it only requires 2 ingredients: vodka and vanilla beans! You can make it in large batches and pour it into cute bottles to use as perfect homemade gifts.

Vanilla extract is a flavor enhancer that is derived from vanilla beans. It is used in baking and cooking to add a rich, luxurious flavor. It can also be used in aromatherapy to help relax the mind and body.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

How Do You Make Homemade Vanilla Extract?

Homemade vanilla extract is a great way to save money, and it’s easy to do. All you need is two ingredients, vanilla beans, and vodka.

To make the extract, cut the beans in half and insert them into a small, clean container. Fill the container with vodka to cover the beans.

Let the extract sit for at least a month, but preferably six to eight weeks. The longer the extract sits, the more aromatic it will be.

After frequent use, simply top the bottle up with a little more vodka. If the vanilla flavor becomes less intense. then remove old vanilla beans and add fresh beans to the bottle. Don’t forget to give it a shake. You can continue to use and refill as often as you need to, and you will have vanilla extract forever, how cool is that?

Or use the old vanilla beans to make this delicious Vanilla Sugar Recipe!

STORAGE: Homemade Vanilla Extract

PANTRY or STORE CUPBOARD: Place in an airtight container, a dark bottle is the best for storing and it can be stored indefinitely.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

FAQs: Homemade Vanilla Extract

How many vanilla beans for 1 liter of vodka?
 2-3 vanilla beans per cup (8oz) of vodka is ideal, but 4-5 would be fine to use too.

Can I reuse my vanilla beans after making the extract?
Yes certainly, vanilla beans are packed full of flavor and they can be reused several times before the flavor is gone from them. You can use them again in a new batch of extract or another great use is to make them into vanilla sugar.

How many times can you refill homemade vanilla?

After frequent use, simply top the bottle up with a little more vodka. If the vanilla flavor becomes less intense. then remove old vanilla beans and add fresh beans to the bottle. Don’t forget to give it a shake. You can continue to use and refill as often as you need to. If you don’t intend to top up then make sure you remove the beans as when they become exposed they may get slimy or even moldy.

What is the best alcohol for homemade vanilla extract?
Vodka is the perfect alcohol because it is clear and will produce a cleaner and lighter vanilla extract. Also as vodka is nearly tasteless and odorless it will allow the taste of the vanilla to come through. The vodka should ideally be at least 70 proof or 35% alcohol.

how long does homemade vanilla extract last?
It should last indefinitely, but up to 5 years is probably the ideal recommendation as the taste may deteriorate slightly over time.

Homemade vanilla Extract

Homemade Vanilla Extract Gift

Homemade Vanilla Extract makes a perfect gift, and don’t worry if you’ve left it a bit late to prepare some for an upcoming occasion. Simply pour it into a bottle or jar, and add a label with a ‘ready date’ and instructions for the vanilla extract to be used. Use printed sticker labels, or fasten a label to the jar with a pretty ribbon.

Download & Print Label

Download the label here… ready to use as gifts or for a super pretty pantry!

Print onto sticky back sheets and stick on to the front of your bottle or jar.

Print onto a card, and punch a hole on one edge to tie with ribbon around the bottle or jar.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT RECIPE

INGREDIENTS 

5 Vanilla Pods

8 oz Vodka

INSTRUCTIONS 

How to Make Vanilla Extract

1. Slice the vanilla beans lengthwise down the center but not all the way through, and open each bean slightly.

2. Place the vanilla beans into the bottle or jar. If they are too long then cut them into smaller pieces, or to the length you need.

3. Fill the bottle or jar with the vodka so that the vanilla beans are completely covered.

4.  Place the lid and give it a good shake and place it in a cool dark place.

5. Let the extract sit for at least a month, but preferably six to eight weeks. The longer the extract sits, the more aromatic it will be. Shake it at least once a week throughout the storage period.

6. Top up with more vodka as you use the extract to keep the beans submersed. If you don’t top up then make sure you remove the beans as when they are uncovered they may get moldy. If you remove the vanilla beans, the extract will last indefinitely.

EQUIPMENT

Bottle or Jar (with a lid)

These Mason Jars with Lids are ideal to stored in a dark area, and perfect to use for gifts!

TIME

PREP TIME: 10 Minutes

Homemade Vanilla Extract

HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Equipment

  • Bottle or Jar (with a lid)

Ingredients
  

  • 5 Vanilla Pods
  • 8 oz Vodka

Instructions
 

  • Slice the vanilla beans lengthwise down the center but not all the way through, and open each bean slightly.
  • Place the vanilla beans into the bottle or jar. If they are too long then cut them into smaller pieces, or to the length you need.
  • Fill the bottle or jar with the vodka so that the vanilla beans are completely covered.
  • Place the lid and give it a good shake and place it in a cool dark place.
  • Let the extract sit for at least a month, but preferably six to eight weeks. The longer the extract sits, the more aromatic it will be. Shake it at least once a week throughout the storage period.
  • Top up with more vodka as you use the extract to keep the beans submersed. If you don’t top up then make sure you remove the beans as when they are uncovered they may get moldy. If you remove the vanilla beans, the extract will last indefinitely.

Notes

STORAGE: HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT

PANTRY or STORE CUPBOARD: Place in an airtight container, a dark bottle is the best for storing.
Keyword Vanilla Extract
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