How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract & How to Use a Vanilla Bean

Making your own vanilla extract is so easy and delicious. I started a batch in 2012, and I just keep adding more vanilla beans and vodka every so often. The extract will keep indefinitely; and over the months, it just gets better.
The type of vanilla bean you use will range in flavor, so try many and pick your favorite. You'll find a link to my favorite beans below.
Homemade vanilla extract recipe: zoebakes.com/2...
Equipment (affiliate links):
Funnel: amzn.to/42SmcBn
Paring Knife: amzn.to/48oqGR4
Glass Bottle with Stopper: amzn.to/4bFOR0o
Vanilla Beans: amzn.to/4bFOUt6
Chapters
0:33 About Vanilla Beans
1:17 Types of Vanilla Beans
4:02 How to Cut a Vanilla Bean
6:19 How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
13:29 How to Refill Vanilla Extract
17:14 Non-Alcoholic Vanilla
18:02 How to Make Vanilla Sugar
19:15 How to Make Vanilla Paste
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[@laker806]

I Was in the process of making my own vanilla and this made me realize that I didn’t have enough beans in my bottle. Most recipes say 2oz of vodka per bean but I definitely agree that the more beans the better 😏

[@pastrywarrior8644]

I have 2 bottles of homemade baby! One jar has about 100 beans that I started about 7 years ago! I split some and leave some whole so when I use them I snip the end and can squeeze out the beans

[@zoebakes]

Amazing! Happy baking!

[@michelleschneider8438]

My kids (7 yo boy and 9 yo girl) and I love watching you, Zoe! I fell in love with your cookbooks 12 years ago when I was first married and wanting to learn how to make homemade bread. That was back when I thought "homemade" meant made from a boxed mix! :) I was not a good baker or cook but now my husband tells me how delicious my bread is and my kids wake up each morning and ask, "What are you making today, mom?" It's all because of you and your cookbooks! I'm so thankful you're starting a KZbin page and look forward to watching your videos with my kids!

[@zoebakes]

This is so sweet. I'm thrilled to have been part of your baking journey. Thank you for joining me here!

[@barbarajohnson8046]

​@@zoebakesnew to the channel on 3-7-24@ 3:10-24 pm in when I hit the you tube channel in your video came up and I click because I wants to learn how to make vanilla in u knows how to explain how in what to do thank u , but a question can u use the bottle that the vanilla flavor came in like the big Watkins bottle or McCormick bottle?

[@omafontes9411]

I cut my bean in to thirds before placing in bottle.i use 1 ox of beans to 8 oz vodka. Make sure beans are totally covered with alcohol. Shake a lot first 6 months. Give your extract 9-12 months to fully extract. Longer the better

[@melindaconway3976]

I made my own vanilla extract, thanks to you! And shared how to with some younger gals in my life. It is fantastic. Golly, my daughters and my grandkids miss your show! Thanks for starting videos here!

[@zoebakes]

So lovely, thank you!

[@tassie32]

I have started my own vanilla.. Question what do you do when the jar is full of the beans and you can't add anymore and they are losing flavor? Can you repurpose them? Or they just go in the trash and start over.

[@Zobeida-ep2ku]

First of all, finally I can understand you nice lady called Zoe, you had started to explain slowly, methodically just like a PROFESSIONAL I know I am going to enjoy listening to you for a very long long time. Very many thanks dear Zoe, now I can go back & continue listening to your explanation about Madagascar Bourbon vanilla bean!!

[@kathleenmoul3630]

I've been making my own vanilla extract for several years and it's the best. I've also made vanilla sugar. Thank you so much for your videos. As an avid baker, I am really enjoying them.

[@zoebakes]

I'm so glad to hear it! Thank you for watching.

[@jayzuniga362]

I learned so many things about vanilla in just a few minutes with you Zoe!!! Thanks for teaching us different ways to make our own vanilla extract, vanilla sugar, vanilla paste! I love doing things from scratch, so I appreciate you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us. Greetings from Honduras!

[@zoebakes]

I'm thrilled you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for the kind note. Cheers!

[@Brooke-ul5hq]

I am so glad to see you on KZbin

[@zoebakes]

Thank you for watching!

[@Faith-ww2bg3gi9p]

I bought your "Zoe Bakes Cakes" cook book a couple years ago and this was the first thing I made. It is so awesome to have homemade vanilla. My bottle first started in 1/2022. I didn't realize that I should start to replenish when the bottle is down about half and so I just had to start again. It'll be worth the wait. I have been baking through your book and learning so much...thank you Zoe!!

[@zoebakes]

I'm so thrilled to hear it! Cheers!

[@Jack.632]

I think the same about salted butter being an essential in all baked goods.. I don't know why salted butter isn't the primary choice for most baked goods. I made a cake with unsalted and I instantly regretted it

[@TracyLeighMorgan]

Welcome to the vanilla farm! 🤣💖

[@andriesstofberg8434]

I bought some vanilla beans on Réunion island once. About a 3 hour flight from where I live. Excellent quality too.

[@sophielucas552]

I’ve a,ways been confused because I read different things about how many beans versus alcohol. One page said always make sure your beans are always under the vodka. That’s hard to do when you keep using it. I e made my own for awhile but never been confident I’m doing it right. And I don’t know if there’s a point you should discard the beans ever ? Thank you

[@suznbee55]

Made it a couple of years ago after seeing you talk about it. Sooo good! great gifts too, doesn’t have to be a huge bottle to gift,

[@zoebakes]

Exactly! One of my favorite gifts to give.

[@debbielawrence8508]

Thank you for this masterclass on vanilla. I am excited to make my own bottled vanilla as well as the vanilla paste🙌

[@zoebakes]

You're so welcome! Enjoy!

[@debbielawrence8508]

😄@@zoebakes

[@gloriachamarro]

Love love love this video! Thank you for making it. You inspired me to make my own vanilla extract and I have two big bottles, with lots of vanilla beans, “brewing” 😊. You are wonderful! Thank you for sharing all this information, Zoë ❤

[@zoebakes]

How wonderful! Makes the best baked goods. Cheers!

[@PresuMunu]

she looks so happy doing it 🥰

[@platypusdieo4399]

Hi Zoe, Im a new fan :) Would love to know why you don't cover the beans fully with the vodka so that the alcohol extracts flavor from the whole bean instead of just part of it as it sits? Thanks and looking forward to watching many more videos!

[@raquelwilcox6683]

What do you with the beans you have from years ago do you take them out and dry them and grind them?

[@donpetermann6884]

So informative and so helpful. Love watching you and have watched every episode on Magnolia.

[@zoebakes]

So kind, thank you!

[@WendyPhillips-u9b]

Love your passion for what you are doing and the information you are sharing 😊

[@marikajohn6522]

Great clear info on vanilla which I just started Xmas but so much info on sugar which I like also grades. 😊😊

[@tinaspear6776]

Zoe thank you so much for this video. I have watched all 3 seasons of Zoe Bakes on Magnolia and have your cookbook also. I have 2 questions. The first is what do you do when you have added so many bean pods to your jar that you just can’t add any more but you need to add more vodka? And of course you can’t separate the newer from the old, in order to make room for more new pods, because there’s no way to tell which have more life in them and which have lived a very long and useful life. I have added vodka to my bottle quite a few times, and have added beans but soon I won’t have any more room. And the second question is if your recipe calls for vanilla extract how much do you use of the actual beans instead of the extract. Thank you so much for finding a creative outlet since the Magnolia option isn’t available right now.

[@zoebakes]

I'm glad the video was helpful! I keep adding until the jar is totally full. If you can’t get another bean in and the vanilla is no longer rich with seeds and color, you can add a store bought extract to the bottle to eke out the last of the lingering seeds. If a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vanilla, I typically add at least 1/2 a scraped bean. It also depends how intense I want the flavor. If vanilla is the main event, I might add the whole scraped bean. Cheers!

[@rabbit_scribe]

Zoe, have you ever used Everclear (grain) alcohol? I've seen other diy vanilla recipes that specify it and I just wondered if it made a difference to the end product.

[@dani7453]

Such great information, especially regarding the differences in the vanilla pods. Thoroughly enjoyed this video - thank you for sharing this❤

[@zoebakes]

Wonderful! Thank you for this kind note. Happy baking!

[@m.campbell9630]

I want you show all the time and I just love it especially how to make that vanilla bean syrup is unbelievable thank you

[@zoebakes]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@m.campbell9630]

Your recipes are incredible and fun thank you

[@scenicroute6981]

So I started my van extract journey in 2017, but I Did Not know that there was diff flavor Beans, until one day I order Madagascar beans, and by now I'm 40 beans in soooo now my extract has a lot of flavors but no distinc smell, now its really good vanilla, but I have a 1/2 gal of non distinct 7yr vanilla extract. Is this a problem bcuz my cookies taste like cake

[@bra-o-bra]

Thank you for the video! Im curious to why you added vodka to the half-full bottle of extract instead of waiting until it was completely empty to refill? :)

[@anitaellison5658]

How long will the vanilla seeds need to process in the glycerine till ready too use?

[@wendychristensen5634]

You need to mention that the FDA has said that in order for vanilla to be actual vanilla extract you need a ration of 1 ounce of beans to 8 oz. of alcohol. Also for it to actually mature properly Vodka needs 1 year and any dark liquor needs 18 months - 2 years. The bean has many flavor components that take time. If you are using it within 3 months you are not allowing those flavor components to properly mature. I guess if you like it then that is fine but I find waiting for the proper maturity is well worth the time and flavor.

[@misskimmybaby3]

This measurement is grossly inaccurate.

[@wendychristensen5634]

It meant to say 1 ounce of beans to 8 ounces of alcohol.

[@1organicmom]

You actually need 1/2 ounce (or 15 grams) per 8 oz of vodka to make an actual vanilla extract.

[@wendychristensen5634]

@@1organicmom you need to do your research then. Maybe if you want a weak extract.

[@SoNewOrleans1]

Maybe she wants vanilla alcohol not extract 😂

[@wvawelcomesyou]

thank you for your help you show everything step by step

[@zoebakes]

You're very welcome!

[@Jennifr1966]

Do you always follow the rule of 1oz per 8 ounce liquor, or do you find that it works, regardless?

[@laurainfairland]

My vanilla extract says water is in ingredients 😮 can I still use it and add a bunch of beans cause it taste like water down vanilla

[@sharonnocera3083]

Do you have to leave the vanilla sugar mixture to mature for months before you use?

[@zoebakes]

Hi. You can use the vanilla sugar immediately, no need to wait.

[@MsSam66ok]

First thank you for the tutorial. 😊 Question, is it ok to leave the beans at the top of the bottle uncovered with the vodka?

[@zoebakes]

Yes! Just shake it up every so often. I refill mine with more vodka and beans once it's about 2/3 full.

[@hookecho8283]

Where did you buy your vanilla beans?

[@elisabethpine3420]

You don't explain the point of scraping out the seeds. Slitting the bean, yes, but if putting the seed paste in, why does it need to be removed first?

[@SingSewSweet]

She put the seeds in with the open bean to help them mature faster.

[@SoNewOrleans1]

@@SingSewSweetwhat???

[@bellman3d]

Is there a reason the vanilla beans are not put in the bottle the alcohol comes in and then poured into smaller bottles when the extract is done?

[@zoebakes]

You can add beans to the vodka bottle but it’s tough to get the beans out when you divide into smaller bottles and you want the beans for flavor. I also like a more decorative bottle, especially as gifts.

[@sriyanigoonetilleke5752]

Thanks.

[@zoebakes]

Thank you for watching!

[@geminil2415]

You obviously have no idea how much vanilla beans cost here in the UK. They are extremely expensive. They are usually around £10 sterling for a packet of 2pods.That would be around £100 for your 20 beans,and they are usually the small madagastan oned. I don't think you must be paying this price wherever you are.

[@zoebakes]

Hi. Yes, that is a lot per bean. It is clearly different prices in different locations. The pricing for beans runs closer to $1-3 US dollars here. Thanks for letting me know!

[@mrs.9315]

I ordered my pack of 50, organic, grade A madagascar beans off amazon for $37 USD. Maybe that route would be affordable for you?

[@SusanDaschner]

Same price here in the U.S.

[@laurainfairland]

I paid 20$ for 10 beans 😮 I have no idea if that’s good or not😊

[@sophielucas552]

If you have access to eBay over there I’ve got my beans through them for years and years. Much better value

[@pamdarsow4647]

where is the best place to buy beans?

[@zoebakes]

I link to my favorite ones in the description above!

[@mahindalal219]

You can also buy our oganik natural vanilla if you wont

[@lalithedirisinghe7499]

Sri Lankas availa beans very high quality

[@EdgarAllanJo]

There is some good information in this video, however… 1. The beans need to be completely covered by the alcohol, otherwise what is the point of some of the beans not being fully submerged, allowing the beans to impart ALL of their flavours? If the beans are too tall for the glass jar or bottle, it’s perfectly fine to snip the beans so that they fit properly. 2. In order for it to be classified as REAL vanilla extract, it needs to sit and mature for (at least) one full year, and you need a ratio of 1 oz vanilla beans (6 beans) - 8 oz alcohol. The longer it is allowed to mature, the better. What you will get in 3 months, is going to be vanilla flavoured vodka, which is not the same as pure vanilla extract. Patience is our friend when making pure vanilla extract. Vanilla beans are by no means cheap, and the product will be far more superior if we gave it the time needed for it to become its very best.

[@sharonkoenig7062]

I'm making homemade vanilla extract, and it has been setting for four months now, and without thinking, I opened it up to check on the smell. Did I just mess up my homemade vanilla extract

[@changeorderz5067]

NO- You didn't Mess it up- you can Open up your JARS- ( I am going to make a Full post) for a Variety of Reasons- to check on the flavor profile and how it's progressing, to Add additional Beans Snipped at the ends AND SLIT DOWN THE MIDDLES- my Best Advice - AS, I have 1 Big Quart Jar that has been passed down Through my Family ( my great Grandmother- to My Grandmother, To Mother who passed in 2017- and Now to Myself - IT is Seriously Like INHERITING " THE FINEST GOLD OR CHINA IN THE ENTIRE FAMILY" TAKE A QUICK LOOK AT INA GARTEN'S Homemade Vanilla Extract- But anyway, Every year - in MAY- I make 24 - 8oz jars - so that these can steep for 6 months- PLENTY OF TIME - WITH THE PROPER STEPS - of keeping in a cool dark place, shaking gently Every couple of weeks- and the snipping ends and splitting down the middle- and bean and Alcohol selection. Just Seal Your LIDS back on -

[@sharonkoenig7062]

​@changeorderz5067, thank you so much. That's so awesome about the history of your extra.

[@zoebakes]

Hi. This is awesome! You didn't do anything wrong, I open mine all the time and sometimes add more vanilla beans to the jar if I've scraped the seeds for a recipe. Enjoy! Zoë

[@sophielucas552]

@@zoebakes I’ve been doing this and wondering if the alcohol smell ever goes away and you just smell vanilla.? Thank you

[@elisabethpine3420]

You contradict yourself saying okay go ahead and use seeds in baking and okay to put deseeded pods in alchohol. Then you say always put seeds in alcohol. I'm very confused.

[@dereksavage7569]

Promo'SM