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    Home Β» Recipes Β» Winter

    Homemade Vanilla Extract (two kinds!)

    Published: Nov 10, 2015 Β· Modified: Jul 19, 2018 by Alyssa Β· This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Making homemade vanilla extract is incredibly easy! The first version here uses vanilla beans and bourbon for a classic, richly-flavored vanilla extract. The second version adds orange peel to the mix for an orange vanilla extract that provides an extra layer of flavor to cookies, muffins, and other baked goods. Less expensive than store-bought, and they make great gifts!

    Two jars of vanilla extract: one with vanilla beans and one also with orange rind.

    Sometimes it's fun to roll a million flavors into a recipe. Something like brown butter bourbon blondies with Baileys buttercream, for instance (hey that's actually not a bad idea...). But lately I've been leaning toward simpler recipes and kitchen projects. The delayed gratification that typically comes with the time spent on complicated recipes is typically way less delayed in these quicker/easier recipes, and in many some cases, simpler = less opportunity for messing up. πŸ™‚

    This brings us to the star of this post - homemade vanilla extract. It certainly checks all the boxes for a simple and flavorful kitchen project, and is on the whole less expensive than many store-bought varieties. The one thing it's not is quick as it takes at least 4 weeks for the flavors to develop. But 3 weeks 6 days 23 hours and 40 minutes (give or take) of that is inactive time so I think it still qualifies as simple, right?

    Whole vanilla beans in a large glass jar.

    Homemade vanilla extract is EASY! to make. Capital letters necessary. Vanilla beans are submerged in alcohol for 4-6 weeks or longer...and that's it. Give the jar(s) a little shake periodically to mix everything up and time is the only thing between you and a large quantity of vanilla goodness. Speaking of the alcohol, I used bourbon in this homemade vanilla extract. You can use a different alcohol such as vodka or rum even, but I like the rich, deep flavor that comes along with using bourbon. Whatever you choose you don't need to use a pricey alcohol - something low-medium grade would work just fine.

    Vanilla beans and grated orange rind in a glass jar.

    The big jar in these photos is traditional vanilla extract, while the smaller jar is extra snazzy and also includes orange peel for a delightfully balanced orange vanilla extract. Made with bourbon. Good stuff!

    Besides opening the lid and taking a few whiffs every time I pass it on the shelf, I love the customization options that come with the orange vanilla extract. Subbing in this for standard vanilla takes baked goods to the next level. Magically your Bisquick chocolate chip cookies have the faintest hint of orange flavor, and I can't wait to use it in muffins, quick breads, cakes and more.

    Open jars of homemade vanilla extract with the vanilla bean pods still in.

    With the holidays approaching, homemade vanilla extract would make a great gift for the foodie family and friends in your life. I still need to find little bottles for my stash (fam + friends forget you read that!), but if your batch isn't quite done before it's time for gift-giving, a cute label stating when it'll be ready to crack into would do the trick! Like you're giving a fine wine that needs a little extra time to age. πŸ˜‰

    Two jars of vanilla extract: one with vanilla beans and one also with orange rind.

    Homemade Vanilla Extract (two kinds!)

    Making homemade vanilla extract is incredibly easy! The first version here uses vanilla beans and bourbon for a classic, richly-flavored vanilla extract. The second version adds orange peel to the mix for an orange vanilla extract that provides an extra layer of flavor to cookies, muffins, and other baked goods. Less expensive than store-bought, and they make great gifts!
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    Course: Extracts
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 3 bottles (see note)
    Calories: 12kcal
    Author: Alyssa

    Ingredients

    For Traditional Vanilla Extract:

    • 10 whole vanilla beans
    • 12 oz bourbon

    For Orange Vanilla Extract:

    • 4 whole vanilla beans
    • Orange peel zest from one large orange (about 2 Β½ - 3 tbsp)
    • 6 oz bourbon
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    Instructions

    • Using a sharp knife, slice down the length of each vanilla bean to create a slit, but do not cut all the way through. You'll want the beans to be completely submerged in the bourbon, so it's fine to cut the beans into smaller horizontal sections if you need. Add vanilla beans to glass jars/containers. If making orange vanilla extract, add orange peel to that jar as well.
    • Pour bourbon over top of vanilla bean sections, ensuring they're covered by the bourbon. Tightly seal the jars and store in a cool, dark place (such as the back of a kitchen cabinet away from the stove) for at least four weeks, ideally 5-6 weeks or longer. About once per week give the jar(s) a good shake to mix everything up.

    Notes

    After 4-6 weeks, you can transfer the extracts into smaller containers for your use or for gifting! You may wish to strain out the vanilla bean sections (and orange zest if making that kind).
    Alternatively you can leave the vanilla beans in and add additional bourbon over top as the extract is used to keep the beans submerged. Over time the beans will run out of flavor in which case you can replace the old beans with new ones.
     
    This recipe yields 12 oz regular vanilla extract and 6 oz of orange vanilla extract.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1teaspoon | Calories: 12kcal
    Tried this Recipe?Tag @mysequinedlife - I love to see what you're making!

    Nutritional information is provided as an estimate. As it can vary due to many factors (brands used, quantities, etc.), we cannot guarantee its accuracy.

    Food Safety and Nutrition Disclaimer

     

     

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    Comments

    1. Renee says

      June 13, 2016 at 8:43 pm

      The "recipe" I use calls for vodka. It's cool to watch the vanilla beans turn the vodka dark brown and fragrantly vanilla. I will have to try it with the bourbon and orange peel! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Alyssa says

        June 16, 2016 at 7:17 am

        It's definitely a cool process! I made a few bottles for holiday gifts last year (of these varieties) but I want to make a few more kinds this year. I think a classic one made with vodka will be on the list! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    2. Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says

      November 14, 2015 at 4:32 pm

      I love how easy this is! I've got to make my own now. This would be the cutest homemade Christmas present too. Love it!

      Reply
      • Alyssa says

        November 15, 2015 at 9:14 pm

        Thanks Natalie! I'm hooked on making it now too!

        Reply
    3. Ashley says

      November 12, 2015 at 11:29 am

      I love making my own extract! It's something I've done for years now. But never have I added the orange peel! I am definitely trying that!

      Reply
      • Alyssa says

        November 15, 2015 at 9:15 pm

        I can't believe it took me so long to finally start. I can't wait to make more! Plus it gives me an excuse to buy more cute jars...I usually have to justify purchases like those because of our limited kitchen storage space! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    4. marcie says

      November 11, 2015 at 5:26 pm

      I've never made my own vanilla and have wanted to for a while! These flavors sound amazing, and I especially love the sound of the bourbon one!

      Reply
      • Alyssa says

        November 11, 2015 at 8:07 pm

        Thanks Marcie! I had wanted to for so long before I did. I think it'll be a recurring thing in my kitchen!

        Reply
    5. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      November 10, 2015 at 3:07 pm

      I am extract girl! Don't even ask why I've never made my own....I will! I must! Just need some bourbon πŸ˜‰

      Reply
      • Alyssa says

        November 10, 2015 at 8:29 pm

        I never made my own for the longest time Rebecca - funny how that works! I'm hooked now though!

        Reply

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