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A small bottle of homemade vanilla extract next to a large clear jar filled with vanilla beans and homemade vanilla extract.

Homemade Vanilla Extract - A French Pantry Staple

This homemade vanilla extract is rich, aromatic, and simple to make with just vanilla beans and vodka. Perfect for baking or gifting, it only gets better with time.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Resting time 56 days
Total Time 56 days 5 minutes
Course Seasonings
Cuisine American, French
Servings 16 ounces
Calories 67 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 16 oz. jar

Ingredients
  

  • 12-16 whole vanilla beans
  • 16 oz. vodka substitute rum, or other spirit for varied flavor

Instructions
 

  • Take 12-16 whole vanilla beans. Split 2–3 beans lengthwise with a sharp knife to expose the seeds (this jump-starts the extraction process).Leave the rest of the beans whole.
  • Place all the beans in an 16-ounce bottle or mason jar.
  • Fill with 12-16 ounces of vodka (cover the beans completely, but leave a little space at the top). Give it a good shake.
  • Store in a dark place, away from direct sunlight, at room temperature. The best homemade vanilla extract takes at least 8 weeks, but for the best flavor, let it go 6 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5tsp.Calories: 67kcalCarbohydrates: 0.2gFat: 0.1gSodium: 0.3mgPotassium: 0.3mgIron: 0.003mg
Keyword homemade Christmas gift, homemade gift, homemade vanilla extract, vanilla, vanilla beans, vanilla extract
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