I learned this recipe from watching one of my favorite bakers ever Claire Saffitz. I have since been ordering vanilla online from Amazon and using fresh pods in my baking, cooking, teas and more. The pods I don’t use I repurpose into this easy to make extract. It lasts forever and is a great way to use the entire vanilla bean.

..Because really vanilla bean is quite expensive. The flavor from a fresh vanilla bean is ..SO good though. I mean, I don’t think artificial flavors can light a candle to the natural flavor of true vanilla. It’s unbelievable. The flavor profile is so complex, I just don’t think we can substitute it with fake flavors. Another benefit of making this a home is your vanilla extract will be stronger of vanilla flavor than store bought vanilla.

Where I order my pods

https://www.amazon.com/Vanilla-Beans-Extract-Tahitian-Native/

What type of vanilla should I use?
Any type of vanilla is fine. I am using Madagascar Vanilla for this recipe.

Ingredients you will need.

Vanilla Beans rule of thumb is 4 vanilla beans per 8 ounces of alcohol

I recommend 12 used vanilla bean or up to 7 fresh vanilla beans to start.

Every-time I use a vanilla bean- scrape the seeds out and use the seeds in a dessert I save the pods and continue adding them to the extract.

50 proof Alcohol: Vanilla extract is most commonly made from vodka, but you can use bourbon, brandy, or rum instead. I am using 1 bottle of bourbon for this recipe.

Materials: Glass Bottles or Jars with Tight Seal



How long before I can use my extract?

Homemade vanilla extract tastes better and becomes darker in color the longer it infuses with the alcohol. I recommend using the liquid after 1 month. Best to let infuse in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. I don’t think there are any hard and fast rules to this. Give it a shake every week or so to help it along.

How long does it last?

The alcohol really creates like a tincture effect and completely preserves the liquid and pods. In other words IT DOES NOT GO BAD .. Cool right. It lasts forever. Keep the refrigerator.

As you begin adding the extract to baked good recipes, you can always top your jar off with more alcohol to cover the vanilla beans in the jar.