How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Learn how to make homemade vanilla with this very simple tutorial.I love having homemade vanilla extract. It is very simple to make and works beautifully in so many of my recipes.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Get Madagascar vanilla beans here: amzn.to/2yZyN7z
Homemade vanilla extract has more flavor and depth than the imitation vanilla, that you find on the cheap in the grocery store.
Real vanilla can be expensive, but it is worth the additional cost. When you make it at home, the taste is even more pure and delicious. You get every part of the vanilla bean, including the fragrant seeds inside the pods.
Homemade vanilla extract is less expensive than the real stuff from the grocery store, and the flavors cannot be compared.
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Madagascar Vanilla Beans (affiliate link): amzn.to/2vwaO1l
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[@loreewillliams2940]

I have a jar started years ago. After aging, I take out enough to fill my monthly vanilla bottle and refill the original with more vodka. Every once in a while I’ll add another bean. Like sourdough starter, keeps going.

[@mistyspinner8745]

One lady ivwatch said she did what you did and had her vanilla start for 10 year so be neat to try

[@misslady1629]

When it’s time to pull the vanilla beans out of the alcohol- I put them into jars with maple syrup and honey. The vanilla honey is so good with hot tea and the vanilla maple syrup is delicious on French toast.

[@allysonberry8708]

Instead of discarding the beans, dry them out and place them in a jar with sugar to make vanilla sugar. This can be used in recipes or just in coffee/tea. Just keep replacing the beans as you need to and add sugar as necessary. Great gift also. Adds a wonderful flavor!

[@CottageOffMain]

Allyson Berry mm, that sounds delicious!

[@loric1909]

Summary: 3 Madagascar vanilla beans, sliced down the middle lengthwise and then cut in half, place into a 1/2 pint jar with vodka. Leave for three to four months. It's ready when it smells more like vanilla than alcohol! Yay!

[@tlptuna]

@b metrix what if im on a quite tight budget, would 3 sticks(beans) makes less tasty for a half pint??

[@idkwhodos2840]

This is amazing! Vanilla extract is so expensive (and not very good!) but it never occurred to me you could make your own! And the beans are not excessively expensive! Thank you so much!🥰

[@figgy7099]

Vanilla is the key to great french toast!

[@PuttinOnTheRitzy]

My mom gave me some vanilla beans for Christmas. I am excited to get my own extract started!

[@ImTash]

Hands down you are my favourite person on youtube! totally in love with your channel! I can't believe how long it has taken me to find you! I've just started on my journey of simplifying and going the natural route, and hopefully one day i'll be as glowing, zen, and wholesome as you. Love from the uk xx

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

That is just the sweetest. 😊Thank you so much for following along!!

[@melodyvoss4074]

If you check out groups that make vanilla all the time they suggest an oz of beans to 8 oz of vodka

[@patmancrowley8509]

Back on November 3rd I put about 22 cut vanilla beans in a quart jar and then filled it up with Makers Mark Bourbon. I've been giving it a vigorous shaking at least once a day but three times a day during the first three months. It has been six months exactly and it is smelling wonderful. I am looking forward to making a batch of cookies just to test it out.

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Homemade vanilla is the best 😊

[@chriswolfgram9383]

I'm starting a quart tomorrow. Just got 25 grade A beans from Amazon 🙂

[@mjmccarthy3693]

how does gluten free tito’s work? still a strong shelf life?

[@patmancrowley8509]

@@mjmccarthy3693 Glutenin and gliaden are proteins in flower and when they join together via water they create gluten. So as far as I can discern this is a marketing ploy in their declaration of being gluten free. I have no doubt that it is gluten free but the foolishness of this statement just tickles me.

[@kathkwilts]

You don’t have to bake cookies to taste it lol

[@shannona5377]

Long time fan... just looking into making vanilla extract, which i think you mentioned on a recent video. Just wanted to say so glad you were willing to be on YT. I'm listening to this after finding a few other videos which also were helpful - yours stands out though as I'm listening, I just feel so peaceful. Maybe it's the music, but I think you have a way of encouraging people to try new things, in a comforting way.

[@Sibes3]

Thank you for teaching me something new. I've had some vanilla beans in my cupboard for some time. Now I know what to do with them!

[@ditacouch7376]

Yikes! NEVER discard the vanilla beans! They last 6 years or more, for a perpetual supply of vanilla extract.

[@karenprenger1738]

Ins Garten has a batch that’s 25 years old!

[@elisabethcuningham3526]

So just keep topping off the extract and the beans will keep infusing it to make more vanilla?

[@markwheat3700]

@@elisabethcuningham3526 Depending on how much you remove, say monthly, you eventually need to add another bean to keep it going.

[@yayacentella]

Perfect time to start it for Christmas gift. Thank you

[@mswindkind]

so happy to have found your blog!!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

I'm so glad you found me!

[@ronnichols4664]

I like your tip about smelling the mixture to see if it is ready. I haven't seen that in other videos. I just started my first batch of homemade vanilla extract today. I know it's going to take a few months for it to be ready for use in my baking but thanks to your tip, I'll know when it is ready. Good video.

[@joannjacquin4983]

I can't wait to try this!! I've been baking for years, but have never tried making my own vanilla. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Enjoy!

[@loraineleuschke4186]

I love vanilla in many things.i bet home made is delicious.

[@ritakennedy8582]

Awesome. Will try it. Thanks

[@victoriadavidenko4695]

I absolutely love this video.. also your videos and blog produces such quality content. I am really impressed by the level of consistency in your work. Also your lifestyle.. hoping to see a garden tour/tips video soon! ❤️

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Thank you!

[@marciepeterson2372]

Thank you for sharing. I tried this several years ago but failed. Found out my beans were dried. Lol I didn’t know better. So I’m trying it again after Christmas. Peace.

[@Theferalhomemaker]

I can't to try this out. It is so easy!

[@DustyHeschl]

Love this! I am definitely going to try making this.

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Yay! Thanks for watching Debra!

[@amandaramsay5934]

I wish I had seen this before I started drinking iced coffee. I love vanilla so much!

[@rkatika9]

I will definitely make this as I'm baking a lot and using a huge amount of vanilla all year round.

[@joeycenteno149]

I have watch afew women explain how to make vanilla extract. You seem to explain in such details That I have learn afew new things thru you.

[@lauriehester4682]

This is so awesome and seems simple. Even I could do this !😉😁

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Yes, you sure can Laurie! Super simple! :)

[@konstanceleigh]

Thank-You! "Vegameatavitamin" Lucy was drinking her samples!

[@cantiqueindonesiana2005]

Thank you for the video

[@katelynspeaks3974]

I just found your channel and I love your videos! And I noticed it the background that we have the same plates (Corelle with gold butterfly design) they were my grandmothers that were passed down to me. I was wondering just yesterday how they would look in a farmhouse style home and here you are killing it! Love ❤️

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

I loooove Corelle. My son can drop it off his high chair on the wood floor, and it doesn't even break. (Usually)

[@lindasegraves3376]

I have had 3 sets of Corelle in 47 years. Not because they break but after twenty years I was so tired of the green small floral print on white background. Second sets was bone color with light blue leaf print. 2 sets of solid white which have been used very little. I have broken 2 bowls over the years. I placed meat in them and went to cut the meat with a knife. I put pressure on the knife and it broke the bowls into pieces. Each pattern I had 2-3 sets.

[@shirleyhagan9002]

Love your video!

[@lauramunson5888]

Love this

[@debsmad]

Interesting! I think I might try this. A couple months ago I made a vanilla syrup that I saw on another channel. I'm usually not so kitchen-crafty but after quitting my job 6m ago (I'd been there 0ver 30yrs!) I'm feeling like playing around with all these types of things. =) ~Deb

[@michellemooney4225]

Thank u for this video

[@conishkee]

03-07-2020: GREAT presentation...TFS!!

[@laurenmichelle1467]

This was great! Any other extracts or tinctures you can recommend?

[@vilmam7795]

Thanks

[@lanettelawrence6308]

Thank you and new to your channel. I love your content.

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Welcome!

[@Greens5511]

FYI for any newbies out here. I have made this about 3 times. I come back to watch to remember what measurements are. She mentions if it still smells like alcohol it isn't ready. She uses Vodka, I use Vodka, Vodka has no smell. So keep that in mind, I don't think you can use that as a gauge as she states to know if it is ready; at least I can't. I just bit the bullet and made twice as much as I needed. I waited about 6 months, started using it, and stay ahead of it by making a new batch every year. Now I make extra for gifts too.

[@WholeBibleBelieverWoman]

UPDATE and CORRECTION: I spent some more hours researching this, and no longer believe that what I said earlier was accurate. I'll only say this now, which is that I believe that to make the "super good" (i.e., strong) vanilla one needs 6 beans per cup of vodka -- however, many people do make it with just 3 beans per cup which obviously is not as strong but I think might get plenty strong given enough time. Sure wish vanilla beans were not so expensive, but once I finish biting the bullet over them I know I will be very happy to have some good homemade vanilla extract. The only thing I worry about is leaving the beans in the bottles for giving away. It's best that the recipients be told that it is important for the beans to always be submerged in the alcohol (because otherwise they get moldy and slimy over time). For that reason, if leaving beans in a gift bottle I would just go ahead and chop up the beans so they can all settle on the bottom and always remain submerged -- if they would remain submerged! Because the great thing about them getting the bean(s) in there is that the extract will continue to get stronger, at least for the first 6 mos. to a year. Thanks again for your video! -- Just sign me "The Apologetic Obsessed One"

[@haleyfink6325]

Have you ever made vanilla paste?! Would LOVE to see a video or hear how you'd do it. (Hoping to do it sugar free)

[@magdalenaherrington8839]

This is such a great video. I'm really excited to make my own vanilla extract! I'm also wondering if I can use the beans and dry them out like you were saying for the sugar but instead grind them up and put them in the soap that I make? I'll have to look into that more.

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

I'm sure that you could! Definitely worth looking into

[@jeanbb3283]

I just have a question, after the 4 months is the alcohol in the tincture still present? Ie are all family members having a small amount of alcohol with each scoop? (I presume no more than in mouthwash?)

[@irmaroman5192]

Hi! Thanks for sharing, I just wanted to know how much vodka and beans to use

[@inhyoungc6376]

you mentioned that the Tahitian bean is more aromatic, would you use it in an oil diffuser?

[@marcs3982]

Thanks for a great video!! Just wondering, what would happen if you put the Mason jar in a pressure canner say for 30 mins? Would heating the jar cause the infusion to happen quicker? I have several jars steeping now. I was thinking of making a couple more but experimenting with a pressure cooker.

[@mellondar]

what kitchen shears so you use? thanks great easy recipe !!

[@amberlane6333]

Did you make your apron? ❤️❤️❤️ it!!

[@sharonkeen7132]

Lisa do you only use "Virgo Organics" for your Essential Oil "go to"?

[@angelabaldwin9]

Hi Lisa, I just received some beans from a friend that went to Tahiti. they are kinda wet like a date. Do you think I can start the process with the vodka or dry them out first? Thank you.....

[@storytime4kids10]

Hi, I made my extract jar back in November and it still smells a lot like alcohol. Is this normal? I haven’t used any of it yet. It is now May so it’s been six months.

[@petalsjones]

thanks so much Lisa. It looks super easy. One question: does it sit in room temperature for 4 months or refrigerator?

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Room temp :)

[@petalsjones]

Lisa Farmhouse on Boone thank you💖

[@jullymarquez1359]

what about when you are using it past the 4 mo. do you still leave at room temp?

[@vintage5729]

@@jullymarquez1359 Never refrigerate it, only keep in a cool, dark place. I leave mine for 1 yr-18 months. I have several jars going and just add more vodka or bourbon.

[@daniellefroch2808]

Hey Lisa, super excited to make this as well as the candles, body butter, and chapstick soon. Is there an ideal place to store the vanilla while its steeping? Does it need to be in a dark place and/or in cool or warm location? Thanks!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Just room temp, but in a semi dark place. Just not right in front of a window or something. :)

[@daniellefroch2808]

Farmhouse on Boone gotcha, thank you!! ♡

[@melissamutya7599]

hi! how many vanilla bean should i use in a 32oz bottle?

[@TRuth.T]

Could you just grind the beans and use the ground beans?

[@cookwithzirfan]

I like your video.your style is very beautiful.your kids are very beautiful mashaALLAH . May ALLAH protect you and your family ,and bless you ameen

[@taylormauldin9855]

Can you use amber glass bottles instead of a clear glass?

[@yaboijon2989]

Does the alcohol stay with the vanilla after it’s made? Does the alcohol affect the taste of the smoothie?

[@heatherregan4482]

Thank you for your answer...One more question if you please. I just noticed the mini mason jars I bought for my vanilla extract says "not suitsble for preserving", does that mean they are a no go? (I have been trying to look it up, but with no luck on an answer) Thank you again.

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Oh! What a bummer! I honestly have no idea. I do have a link to the ones I use in this post: www.farmhouseonboone.com/farmhouse-on-boone/how-to-make-homemade-vanilla-extract/

[@conniekunelis8982]

The barefoot contessa says she has had her vanilla for twenty years. She just keeps topping off. What do you think. You said to discard beans.

[@gratituderanch9406]

Curious if this is cheaper or more expensive or cheaper than purchased from Costco... not sure how much vodka costs, but a thing of vanilla at Costco is ~$37 now! We use vanilla everywhere too... I know for great cooking enthusiasts they use true ground vanilla straight. But it’s not teaspoon vs teaspoon

[@melgon25]

I’d love to know too. Vanilla prices have skyrocketed in the last several years. I used to get a big pure vanilla extract from Sam’s for?? Maybe around $15. Then once I went to replenish and, like you mentioned, it was in the $30 range. Crazy.

[@chriswolfgram9383]

Well, I'd have to know how big a "thing" is 😃 lol I'm guessing 8oz ? I just bought 25 grade A Madigascar Bourbon beans on Amazon for $70. I'll be making 1 qt 32oz, of double strength vanilla. At Costco prices, this would be about $300, so yes, waaay cheaper.

[@journeyandjoy]

The good thing about making homemade is that once the vanilla extract is ready, pour the vanilla extract into another jar and then add more vodka to the other beans!

[@paperwoman0968]

How many vanilla beans do you need to use per 1/2 pt jar?

[@Daisy.florina]

will it taste like alcohol? and we use the bean or the just the liquid instead or both ?

[@smifnwess93]

What do u do after its dont strain it?

[@aclotheslook]

How long will this last once it’s done?

[@Keliiyamashita]

I just made a batch for the first time noticed little hair/fabric like fibers floated around the jar. Not just seeds and husk. Is that normal. I threw the beans directly from the vacuum sealed pouch into a new opened vodka bottle. So I guess this stuff was already on the beans? Is this normal? Or is it just supposed to be seeds and tiny pierces of husks floating around?

[@natalieruss4418]

I’m curious you say 3 beans is that 3 whole beans or 3 that are split in 1/4 .

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

3 whole beans. :)

[@catherineludlum4955]

Anyone know where to find organic vodka?

[@jragnes]

So this might be a dumb question but can you reuse the vanilla bean into a new jar after three 4 month time period?

[@loric1909]

I would say yes, but I would use in addition to three new beans. It will be a weakened bean because it's already been extracted. Just my thoughts.

[@gladconst]

Do you suggest a better vodka, or will any price point be appropriate? Thanks! Kim

[@AcornHillHomestead]

gladconst i used a cheaper vodka with Madagascar beans and it worked fine. Made mine in 2013, shared it with friends. Im still using that same batch. Love it! Also no molding even with beans outside the vodka. 😋

[@yvonneneal2992]

When making extracts usually the cheaper works the best, just make sure it’s at least 40 proof. I love making my own extracts especially vanilla because it is mine and my husbands favorite!

[@H4x0r1]

Id say 80 Proof.

[@sandram6665]

Is this vanilla safe for.kids to consume?

[@literoylty]

Do you strain IT or is IT ready to juse After 4 months? Thank you 💕

[@roryrose3743]

ready to use after 4 months. Strain before you can see the beans in the mix

[@marisakelley564]

How do u store it

[@theprimitiveblackhatsociet8274]

I have made my own tinctures for years, but I never thought to make my own vanilla. I think I will make a few jars, one for me and some for others. Thanks for the instruction. Would you please give me the link to where you purchase your vanilla beans. Thank you.

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Yes! These are the ones: amzn.to/2yZyN7z

[@Veronique428]

Hi, I always wanted to make my very own tinctures and extracts, but missing some knowledge about it, I attempted to make one with glycerin, vinegar and powder but FAILED MISERABLY😭😰😅 I just want to know few things before do it again. Which brand of alcohol are best for tincture making? And how many volume of alcohol for better extraction? Thanks in advance 😊

[@mrsupchurch2987]

Do you still use the same place for your beans?? Or do you prefer somewhere else now?

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

yep!

[@ebrown171]

How much Vodka is in the jar ? Do you ever have to shake it ?

[@kinglord5429]

Do you know how much making 8 oz. Of extract Will cost. I can buy 8 oz. Already made pure under $30 while the beans will cost well over that

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

I have never bought them by the ounce, only by the bean. I linked a good source on Amazon in the description box. :) Hope that helps!!

[@kinglord5429]

Just wondering should it be a tinted bottle, is vanilla extract affected by light like olive oil.

[@melgon25]

That price is insane. I used to get it for under $20. Currently I get 4oz for $11.82 at Walmart. Which is still a lot. But you’re definitely overpaying.

[@curban616]

Your vanilla turned out so dark..mine is not dark at all and I used 4 beans in a pint of vodka..what am I doing wrong?

[@Paul-bw6eo]

How about throwing the beans into the bottle of vodka,just sayin.🇨🇦🇨🇦♥️

[@zoezzzarko1117]

So smart, this 😎😋🤣

[@marycheney7080]

I saw a video recently and the lady did exactly that. She scored the bean down the center and threw them into the vodka bottle. She put the bottle in a dark place for up to a year or more, shaking it often. She then put the vanilla in smaller bottles for gift giving.

[@daphnerodriguez9980]

AMAZING PURE VANILLA WOW! BEAUTIFUL ❤️🖤💚🤎 FAMILY DAPHNE COTTON ALWAYS 💜,

[@beckym28]

Does this have a similar alcohol content to shop-bought extract? I assume you put this in your children's food with no problem?

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Yes, I think it would be similar. I do put it in my kids food.

[@laurentinooliveira1746]

💕💕💕

[@sarirosner3142]

Thanks for the video! will it taste or smell like Vodka after 6 weeks?

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

After 6 weeks it likely still will, but after 4 months it will just smell like vanilla. :)

[@stacygreene3473]

I've really been wanting to make my own vanilla. There is so much conflicting information on the net about Tahitian vs Madagascar (which you covered), but also Grade A vs Grade B. Have you tried both or just the Grade A? I read somewhere that Grade B is better for vanilla, but would love to know your thoughts/experience. Thanks!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

I'm not totally sure on that one! I have never tried Grade A vs. B to know the difference!

[@stacygreene3473]

Ok, thanks! I ordered the ones you linked. They are due today and I can’t wait to make vanilla. I’m making elderberry syrup when they get here.

[@yvonneneal2992]

I hope this helps everyone out. The difference between grade A & B is grade A should be very soft, plump,, flexible,and if you bend it. It should not break. Grade A is usually used in.cooking/baking & as long as it is kept well sealed it will keep for quite some time! Grade B is usually drier more brittle but not always. Grade B is usually considered past its prime once it has started to dry out but it makes it perfect for making extract! Madagascar beans are the most common and used more for savory & pastry applications. Tahitian beans are more prized for their use in pastry applications. Some people even like to mix them when they make vanilla extract. There is also a Mexican vanilla bean that is a little spicer than the others. Sorry this is so long but hope it helps!

[@idkwhodos2840]

​@@yvonneneal2992 Thank you!🥰

[@heatherregan4482]

Do you have to use plastic lids, or will the normal metal lids work just as well? Also, the jar you are using in this video, what size is it? You said you use a certain amount of vanilla beans with the different sizes of jars, just curious so I can gauge how many beans to use for different sizes. Thank you

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

I used plastic lids, but you can definitely use metal. I used a pint sized jar.

[@NextStepSurvival]

Any idea what the shelf life of this would be in our pantry?

[@Warbler36]

NextStepSurvival The shelf life is indefinite. It will never go bad as long as the beans are covered with the alcohol.

[@tiffanyhale108]

What is the shelf life of homemade vanilla?

[@kellyreilan]

Tiffany Hale I was wondering the same thing.

[@H4x0r1]

Well the Alcohol in it will keep it for a long time. I am a Mixologist that makes a punch that I call Mermaid Punch. heavy in alcohol and has juice added. We have some in the fridge that I made in Dec and it is now July and the Punch is 100%. Also I make Shrubs for drinks and when we make it equal parts of vinegar,fruit, sugar, it stores outside of the fridge for about a year. So little bean flavor with a ton of Vodka? Id say at least a year? maybe 2?

[@shirleyhagan9002]

Ina Garten on Food network, has had her homemade vanilla for 25 years. She just keeps adding to it. She said, it never goes bad.

[@426superbee4]

If you can get the VANILLA BEANS GRIND EM UP MAKE IT AGE FASTER

[@angelapolly1]

I read that Grade B is better for extract..

[@sacazm5760]

Vanilla Dreams 👨‍🌾👩‍🌾🇦🇺

[@bryanboone7363]

There is no Farmhouse on me.

[@tinadunlap6171]

Why discard beans ? Add to sugar and they’ll have another life

[@kaylonni9574]

When you take vanilla extract out of your jar you add in more vodka. Then you never have to worry about mold. You can reuse the beans for years. It's called perpetual vanilla extract. NEVER THROW OUT YOUR VANILLA BEANS IT'S TO EXPENSIVE!!!

[@faithgantt6854]

How many beans do you use for the little Mason jar?

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

I like my vanilla to be very strong so I can use less, so I tend to use 6 beans per 8 oz of alcohol. I used 2 each of Madagascar, Mexican and Tahitian beans. You can get away with using 4 beans per 8 ounces of alcohol, but the flavor won’t be quite as concentrated. I pulled this from the link in my original post on my blog...it's from pastrychefonline.com www.farmhouseonboone.com/how-to-make-homemade-vanilla-extract

[@scasey1960]

Thank goodness for husbands

[@williambrown9105]

Two shots of vodka....

[@cmcnc]

How do you pour the vanilla when you want to use it? A large mouth jar like that seems like it's not pour friendly.

[@cindyleween3624]

There are people who have kept vanilla for 25 years. You just keep topping it up it up. Do not take out the beans ! It takes years for it to dissolve. Just top it up. Check out other you tube on it. You are wasting good vanilla beans ! Do you homework!

[@angeloflowers2006]

👃