Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Using a sharp knife, split each vanilla bean lengthwise, leaving about 1 inch attached at one end if desired.
- Place the vanilla beans into a clean 8-ounce glass bottle or jar.
- Pour the alcohol over the beans until they are completely submerged.
- Seal the bottle tightly.
- Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
- Shake gently once every week or two during the first few months.
- Allow the extract to infuse for at least 3 months, although 6 months produces a deeper, richer flavor.
- As you use the extract, top off the bottle with more of the same alcohol to continue extracting flavor from the beans
What to Do When Your Vanilla Extract is Ready
After 3–6 months, your vanilla extract will be dark amber in color with a rich vanilla aroma. Once it has reached the flavor you like, it’s ready to use.Option 1: Keep the beans in the bottle (Recommended) Leave the vanilla beans in the bottle while you use the extract. Store it tightly sealed in a cool, dark pantry. The beans will continue to develop flavor over time. As long as the beans remain fully submerged, they’ll continue to infuse the extract. Option 2: Remove the beans for everyday use. Strain or remove the vanilla beans if you prefer a cleaner-looking bottle.Option 3: Bottle for gifts. Remove the beans, and strain the vanilla into a dish large enough to hold the liquid, like a large glass measuring cup. Once the vanilla has been strained, use a funnel to transfer the vanilla into clean glass bottles with a tight-fitting lid. Add your printable labels and gift tags. Store in a cool, dark pantry for everyday baking.