How many vanilla beans do I need per bottle of extract?

For each cup of vodka, you will need 3 full vanilla beans, split down the center to expose the seeds, to infuse into your extract.

What type of vodka is best for making homemade vanilla extract?

The recipe suggests using organic vodka or your favorite high-proof vodka of choice, totaling about 10-11 cups for 12 bottles.

How long does homemade vanilla extract need to age before it's ready?

The extract needs to age a minimum of 2 months in a dark storage box for the flavors to fully develop and meld.

Should I remove the vanilla beans from the extract after it has aged?

Once aged, you have the option to strain the vanilla to remove the beans and seeds, or they can remain in the extract for a more rustic appearance and continued flavor infusion.

What should I do if my bottles have small openings for the vanilla beans?

If using bottles with small openings, you can cut the vanilla beans in half after splitting them down the center to make them fit more easily.

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Homemade Vanilla Extract
[Vegan]

HP By: Heather Poire

Author Bio

Heather Poire, the creator, recipe developer & photographer behind the blog Sunday Morning Banana Pancakes, has a... Read More

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Twelve small glass bottles of homemade vanilla extract, with whole vanilla beans visibly infusing in the dark liquid, ready for aging or gifting.

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Vanilla

Homemade Vanilla Extract [Vegan]

Dairy Free

Making homemade vanilla extract requires a few easy-to-find supplies — organic vodka, whole vanilla beans, and bottles. The process is super-easy; combine vanilla beans and vodka in dark bottles and then store for two months. Then, you're in business to start baking homemade goodies with your very own homemade vanilla... Read More

Ingredients You Need for Homemade Vanilla Extract [Vegan]

12 4-ounce bottles or appropriate containers for extract
2 25-ounce bottles of organic vodka or your favorite high-proof vodka of choice, about 10-11 cups or so
36 vanilla beans
Dark storage box for vanilla to age

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How to Prepare Homemade Vanilla Extract [Vegan]

Sanitize the containers in the dishwasher, hot soapy water, or with a sanitizing solution.
For each cup or so of vodka, you will need 3 full vanilla beans split down the center to expose the seeds. If using bottles with small openings, cut the vanilla beans in half.
Place the vanilla beans in the bottle and, using a funnel, pour vodka into the bottle ensuring the vanilla beans are covered. Leave a bit of head space that will allow you some room to shake up the bottles.
Cap the bottle tightly and shake well. Place in a dark box for storage. Repeat process until all bottles are filled.
Create pretty labels and stick to bottles.
Once the extract has aged a minimum of 2 months, you can strain the vanilla which removes the vanilla beans and seeds or they can remain in the extract for a more rustic extract.