Homemade Vanilla Extract: Better Than Store-Bought—and Easier Than You Think

Any passionate baker will tell you that pure, real, homemade vanilla extract can transform an ordinary recipe into something unforgettable. The flavor is richer, deeper, and more aromatic than anything you’ll find on a supermarket shelf. And while many people assume that making vanilla extract is a difficult, expensive, or time-consuming process, the truth is this:

Homemade vanilla extract is incredibly simple—and often cheaper—than buying it pre-made.

To make things even easier, we’ve created an all-in-one Homemade Vanilla Extract Kit so you can start making your own vanilla in just four simple steps.

Why Homemade Vanilla Is Better Than Store-Bought

For many foods, homemade is nice.

For vanilla extract, homemade is life-changing.

People who have made their own extract from real vanilla beans rarely ever go back to store-bought. The difference is noticeable in everything—from cookies and cakes to coffee, custards, syrups, and cocktails.

The biggest reason?

You control the quality of the beans.

Premium vanilla beans offer a fuller, richer, more complex flavor profile than anything mass-produced. When you choose high-quality, Grade A beans, your extract becomes smoother, creamier, and more aromatic.

What You Need to Make Vanilla Extract at Home

Surprisingly, you only need a few ingredients—and a little patience.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Premium Vanilla Beans (about 8–10 beans)

• 8.5 oz glass jar or swing-top bottle

• 1 cup (8 oz) alcohol

  • Use at least 35% alcohol (70 proof)

  • Vodka is most common, but rum, bourbon, and brandy add unique flavor notes

FDA Standards recommend using at least 13.35 oz of vanilla beans per gallon of alcohol, which equals about 0.9 oz per 8 oz bottle.

The type of alcohol matters less than the quality of the vanilla beans, which is why we recommend Premium or Grade A beans specifically cured for extract.

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The 4 Simple Steps to Making Vanilla Extract

Step One:

Slit the vanilla beans lengthwise, then cut into smaller pieces. Place them into your jar or bottle.

Step Two:

Completely submerge the beans by adding 8 oz of vodka, rum, bourbon, or brandy.

Step Three:

Seal the jar tightly and give the mixture a gentle shake 1–2 times per week.

Step Four:

Be patient!

Real vanilla extract needs 6–12 months to fully develop.

At the 6-month mark, most of the extraction has already happened, but at 12 months, the flavor deepens even more—much like aging wine.

You may remove the beans after 6 months, but if you leave them in the bottle, the extract will continue to mature and intensify.

Storage Tip:

Keep your extract out of direct sunlight at room temperature. Properly stored, it will last indefinitely.

Why Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans Are the Gold Standard

Madagascar Bourbon Gourmet Vanilla Beans are prized for their:

• Strong, deep, classic vanilla aroma

• Rich, creamy flavor

• Consistency and quality

Because of the region’s ideal growing conditions, Madagascar beans are considered the world’s best for making extract. If you’re creating homemade extract, these beans deliver the most traditional and reliable flavor profile.

Homemade Vanilla Extract Makes an Amazing Gift

Whether you’re making vanilla for yourself or preparing gifts for others, homemade vanilla extract is always a crowd-pleaser.

Fill small bottles or decorative jars, tie with a ribbon, add a custom label—and you’ve created a thoughtful, artisan gift perfect for:

• Teachers

• Hostesses

• Bakers

• Holiday exchanges

• Birthdays

• Weddings or bridal showers

Making your own extract is incredibly easy…the only hard part is waiting for it to finish!

Final Thoughts

Homemade vanilla extract is one of the simplest, most rewarding kitchen projects you can do. With just vanilla beans, alcohol, and time, you can create a powerful, aromatic extract that elevates every recipe.

Once you try homemade, you’ll never want store-bought again.