Homemade Vanilla Extract

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Homemade Vanilla Extract Homemade Vanilla Extract

54321 Based on 13 Reviews

With a little preplanning you will never run out of Vanilla Extract again.

Servings: 1 jar
Prep Time: 8 weeks
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients Add to grocery list

3 vanilla beans, split in half with the ends still attached
1 cup quality vodka
glass jar with tight fitting lid

Directions

In a small saucepan over medium flame, heat vodka. Place split vanilla beans in a jar with a tight fitting lid and pour heated vodka over to cover.  Allow to cool completely before putting the lid on.  Screw on lid and store in a dark cool place for 8 weeks (give jar a shake every week). Mixture will get darker and darker over time.

Paula’s Gift Packaging Tip: I like to gift my Homemade Vanilla Extract in the same jars I made them in. I tie a string of twine around the lid and add a feather for decoration.

This recipe is one of our Gifts from the Kitchen. Click here to see other Gifts from the Kitchen.

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Reader Comments:

54321

I know some vanilla is made with Bourbon. Could you substitute Bourbon for Vodka? Thanks!

By Sandy Collester on January 02, 2013

54321

Why do you heat the vodka.

By Kevin on November 15, 2012

54321

You know Paula, I love to read abut you and you family...I watch your shows and also Bobby's show... If I miss your show I can always watch it at night when the hubby has gone to bed. You guy's make me laugh so much...all I can say is keep on making me laugh and keep those cookbooks coming. Love your shows.. Carolyn

By Carolyn Sigman on April 30, 2012

54321

You know Paula, I love to read abut you and you family...I watch your shows and also Bobby's show... If I miss your show I can always watch it at night when the hubby has gone to bed. You guy's make me laugh so much...all I can say is keep on making me laugh and keep those cookbooks coming. Love your shows.. Carolyn

By Carolyn Sigman on April 30, 2012

54321

my mother and i made this a few years ago.... OMG it is the best vanilla we have ever had! i prefer to use our homemade stuff for "special" goodies compared to store bought. the longer it sits, the better it gets! make sure you shake well before use. since its alcohol its going to last a while. im sure after a bit it may go bad, but we never had a chance to figure that out LOL

By Puddin Pop on December 06, 2011

54321

I've made it several times and given it as gifts. It lasts until it's gone. I haven't noticed it going bad at any point. If it's for your own usage, you can refresh it by adding more vodka and vanilla beans and continuing to shake it every so often.

By Emily on December 03, 2011

54321

I was just wondering how long this will last, if giving for a gift i would like to add that to the tag Thank you very much

By mady on October 25, 2011

54321

Plan to make christmas gifts out of the Irish Creme and Homemade vanilla. Thank you for the recipes. One question- Is the 8 weeks for the vanilla process time or shelf life of the vanilla? You are the greatest.

By diane clapsaddle on October 04, 2011

54321

Hi Paula..... I am so forever thrilled to have registered on your recipe site. What is the shelf life on your Vodka vanilla extract? Also, could you use Bourbon instead of Vodka. I love making "goodie" gifts for people. I have made your Taco Chili recipe and the Dips too. Your taco chili has been a hit at my church Warsaw Community Church. I had made a big oven full of the soup. Blessings to you and your woderful family. God Bless to a caring lady.

By Randena S Hartman on August 21, 2011

54321

hes really getting big since the last time i saw him on tv smile

By Anonymous on July 12, 2011

54321

Hey Barbara! What a great gift for all your friends at work. Extracts are made with alcohol. The alcohol content prevents any kind of spoilage. I've made vanilla extract with rum and bourbon before and they both work great. Just make sure you have at least an 80 proof liquor to start with.

By Libbie Summers, Senior Food Editor for Paula Deen on July 04, 2011

54321

I am interested in making the Home Made Vanilla for people I work with at Christmas. Just one question - what does the vodka do? I am excited to try this. Thanks

By Barbara Hunt on June 21, 2011

54321

Hi Paula! This is the first time I accessed this website. I think it is just wonderful. I am so excited to try the homemade Vanilla extract. Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful ideas.

By Ava Hussey on April 18, 2011

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