DIY vanilla extract is SO much cheaper and more delicious than store bought. Here are simple instructions for making it for yourself.
Seven years ago, my friend Brooke handed me a small jar of homemade vanilla extract. That one gift completely changed how I bake. Since that day, I haven’t bought a single bottle of vanilla extract from the grocery store.
Why? Because homemade vanilla extract tastes richer, costs significantly less, and is incredibly easy to make.
With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a batch that lasts for months (or even years). Plus, it makes for a thoughtful, homemade gift that people absolutely love.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact process I use to make my own vanilla extract. Once you see how simple it is, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!
Why Make Your Own Vanilla Extract?
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s talk about why making your own vanilla extract is such a game-changer:
✅ Better Flavor – Store-bought vanilla extract often contains additives or artificial flavors. Homemade extract has a deeper, purer vanilla taste.
✅ Cost-Effective – High-quality vanilla extract is expensive. Making it yourself saves you a lot of money in the long run.
✅ Customizable – You can control the strength and even experiment with different types of vanilla beans or alcohol bases.
✅ Great for Gifting – A beautifully bottled homemade vanilla extract makes for an amazing and personal gift.
✅ Lasts for Years – If stored properly, your homemade vanilla extract will last indefinitely, getting better with age.
Let’s get started…
What You Need to Make Vanilla Extract
Making vanilla extract at home requires just a handful of ingredients and supplies:
1. Vanilla Beans
You’ll need whole vanilla beans, preferably extract-grade (Grade B) vanilla beans, which are specifically meant for making extracts.
💡 How many beans do you need?
- For every 8 ounces (1 cup) of alcohol, use 4–5 vanilla beans.
- For smaller 2-ounce bottles, use one bean per jar.
- A pint-sized Mason jar (16 ounces) will need about 8–10 beans.
🔎 Where to Buy Vanilla Beans
You can find vanilla beans online (Amazon has some great bulk options) or in specialty grocery stores. Madagascar, Tahitian, and Mexican vanilla beans all have slightly different flavor profiles, so feel free to experiment.
2. Alcohol (Cheap Vodka Works Best)
You need an alcohol base to extract the vanilla flavor from the beans.
What’s the best alcohol to use?
- Vodka – The most neutral option, which lets the vanilla shine.
- Rum or Bourbon – Adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the extract.
🚫 No need for expensive alcohol! Stick with cheap vodka—its only job is to extract the vanilla oils, and it will burn off during baking. I used a 1.75-liter bottle of 80-proof Aristocrat vodka, which cost just $12.95.
3. Glass Jars or Bottles
You’ll need glass containers to store your vanilla extract.
- Mason jars work well for making large batches.
- Amber or brown glass bottles help preserve the extract’s quality by protecting it from light.
- You can find 4 oz. brown glass bottles on Amazon (they are perfect for gifting)
4. Time (The Secret Ingredient)
Vanilla extract needs time to develop its deep, aromatic flavor. The longer it sits, the better it gets!
I aim to let mine steep for at least three months for optimal flavor. I try to shake it every once and a while to help the process along.
Step-by-Step: How to Make DIY Vanilla Extract
Step 1: Prep the Vanilla Beans
To get the most flavor out of your beans, slice them open lengthwise with a sharp knife.
📌 Pro Tip: Don’t cut all the way through—just slit them open enough to expose the tiny seeds inside.
I also cut my beans in half so they fit easily into smaller jars.
Step 2: Add the Beans to a Jar
Place the split vanilla beans into your chosen glass jar. If you’re using a large Mason jar, make sure all the beans are fully submerged.
Step 3: Pour in the Alcohol
Fill the jar with your vodka (or rum/bourbon, if using), completely covering the beans. Seal the jar tightly.
Step 4: Shake and Store
Give the jar a good shake to start the extraction process. Store it in a cool, dark place (like a pantry or cupboard).
For best results:
✔ Shake the jar once a week.
✔ Let the extract sit for at least 3–6 months
💡 Patience Pays Off: The longer you let the vanilla extract infuse, the deeper and richer the flavor will be.
Step 5: (Optional) Strain Before Using or Gifting
Before using or bottling your extract, you can strain out the vanilla bean pieces with a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
However, I personally love leaving the tiny flecks of vanilla in my extract—it adds an authentic, gourmet touch to baked goods.
Bottling & Gifting Your Homemade Vanilla Extract
Once your vanilla extract is ready, it’s time to bottle it up.
🔹 Transfer the extract into small amber glass bottles for gifting.
🔹 Add a couple of pieces of vanilla bean to each bottle for extra flavor.
🔹 Tie a ribbon around the bottle and attach a handwritten label—instant thoughtful gift!
Homemade vanilla extract makes a perfect holiday, birthday, or housewarming gift. People LOVE receiving it, and they’ll think of you every time they bake.
How Long Does Homemade Vanilla Extract Last?
One of the best things about homemade vanilla extract is that it has an indefinite shelf life if stored properly.
✔ Keep it in a cool, dark place (away from direct sunlight).
✔ The flavor deepens over time—it actually gets BETTER as it ages.
If the vanilla beans are still submerged in alcohol, you can top off the jar with more vodka and continue using the same beans for multiple years.
Have You Made Your Own Vanilla Extract?
I’d love to hear how your homemade vanilla extract turns out! Drop a comment below and let me know:
✨ What type of vanilla beans did you use?
✨ Did you stick with vodka, or try rum or bourbon?
✨ How long did you let yours sit before using?
Let’s swap tips and tricks in the comments. Happy baking! 🍰💛
Final Thoughts: Making Vanilla Extract at Home is Totally Worth It
Making homemade vanilla extract is one of those simple kitchen projects that pays off in a BIG way. It requires almost no effort, saves you money, and produces a far superior product compared to what you’ll find at the store.
Whether you’re making it for yourself or giving it as a heartfelt gift, this DIY vanilla extract will transform your baking for years to come.
So what are you waiting for? Grab some vanilla beans and vodka, and start your batch today! 🎉
