How to Make Homemade Vanilla (Easy, 2-Ingredient Recipe)

Learning how to make homemade vanilla extract is one of the simplest and most rewarding kitchen projects you can do. Not only does it fill your pantry with rich, aromatic flavor, but it’s also far less expensive and customizable than store-bought extract. You only need two ingredients—vanilla beans and alcohol—and a little patience as it infuses into pure, golden perfection.

Whether you use it in baked goods, custards, or coffee, homemade vanilla makes every recipe feel a little more special. And once you start making your own, you’ll never go back to buying it again!

If you love making pantry staples from scratch, explore more classic recipes in my Cooking from Scratch pillar page.

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Quick Summary (Step-by-Step)

1. Split vanilla beans lengthwise and place them in a clean glass bottle.
2. Fill the bottle with vodka, rum, or bourbon until the beans are fully submerged.
3. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place.
4. Shake occasionally and steep for 6–12 weeks before using.
5. Strain (optional) and refill with alcohol as needed for continuous use.

Why Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Making your own vanilla is not only easy, it also saves you money because let’s face it, real vanilla bought from the store is super expensive! I used to buy imitation vanilla just to save a little, before I learned to make my own.

Not only can you save money, but you can also control the quality of your vanilla beans and alcohol and customize the flavors! You can use flavored alcohol, warmer alcohols, etc., to make your vanilla just the way you like it.

Making homemade vanilla is a great gift for anyone on your friend or family list who likes to bake! It’s thoughtful and simple. I guarantee they will enjoy it!

Ingredients & Supplies You’ll Need

Vanilla Beans – Use grade B beans for extracts; they’re softer and perfect for infusing deep flavor. Madagascar beans create a traditional flavor, while Tahitian beans are lighter and floral.

Alcohol (Vodka, Rum, or Bourbon) – Vodka gives a clean, classic vanilla taste, while rum or bourbon add rich depth. Choose an 80-proof alcohol.

Glass Bottles or Jars – Amber bottles protect the extract from light and make for beautiful gifts. If you’re going to keep the jars away from the light in a cabinet, you can use clear jars. These little jars include a funnel and labels.

Funnel (Optional) – Helps with pouring the alcohol into bottles without spilling.

Labels – Don’t forget to date your bottles so you’ll know when they’re ready to use! I love these dissolvable labels for canning and reusable bottles.

How to Make Vanilla Extract

Making vanilla is super easy! After you make it, you’ll be asking yourself why you didn’t try it sooner. Great for gifting or making a big batch for yourself.

Split the vanilla beans lengthwise with a sharp knife to expose the inside of the bean. This allows the alcohol to extract all the oils from the bean. Cut them in half or fold if you have shorter bottles. Place about 3 beans in each 4-oz glass bottle or jar.

Fill the bottle with vodka (or your chosen alcohol) until the beans are fully covered. Label the bottles with the name and date. Put the lid on and store in a cool, dark spot, like a pantry.

Once or twice a week, give the bottle a gentle shake to help with the extraction.

Let the vanilla steep for at least 6 weeks, but 3-6 months would be better; the longer it sits, the stronger the flavor.

Optional: Strain if you prefer a clear extract, or leave the beans in for a more rustic touch. If you don’t strain, you can refill with more vodka when it’s gone to use the beans again.

Tips for Success

Choose Quality Beans: Look for plump, oily beans. They should be flexible, not brittle.

Don’t Rush the Process: Homemade vanilla takes time to develop its rich flavor. Three months is ideal for the best results.

Refill as You Go: When the bottle runs low, just top off with more alcohol and let it steep again!

Creative Gifting: Homemade vanilla makes a thoughtful, practical holiday gift — add a simple tag and ribbon for a lovely presentation.

How to Store and Use Homemade Vanilla

Once your homemade vanilla extract has aged to perfection, it’s ready to elevate all your favorite recipes. The beauty of real vanilla is that it actually gets better with time. As long as the beans stay submerged in alcohol, it can last indefinitely, and the flavor will deepen over the months.

Store your vanilla extract in a cool, dark cabinet away from direct sunlight and heat. There’s no need to refrigerate it. Keeping it at room temperature allows the vanilla oils to continue infusing beautifully. If the liquid level drops over time, simply top off the bottle with more vodka to keep the beans covered.

This rich, aromatic extract is perfect for:

• Baking: Use it in favorites like Cast Iron Pizookies or your Rhubarb Coffee Cake.
• Coffee & Drinks: Add a splash to your morning brew or homemade creamer for a cozy vanilla note.
• Gifting: Bottle it in small glass jars and tie with twine for a beautiful, practical DIY gift that only gets better with age.

Once you start using your own homemade vanilla extract, you’ll notice the difference instantly: deep, rich flavor with none of the artificial aftertaste from store-bought versions.

Explore More Homemade Staples

If you love pantry staples made from scratch, try these next:

• Homemade Pumpkin Puree – It is easy to make your own pumpkin puree! Did you know most store-bought pumpkin pie fillings are actually made from other squash?
• Easy Grape Jelly – Made from juice, this grape jelly is a must-have staple for all of your peanut butter and jelly needs.
• Apple Pie Filling (Canned or Frozen) – Make-ahead apple pie filling is so great to have on hand. It’s quick to throw together a homemade apple pie that your family will enjoy!
• Apple Butter – Canned apple butter is a delicious spread that you can enjoy all year long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Start Cooking from Scratch?

Explore our Cooking from Scratch page for more pantry staples and homemade flavor basics. We hope you really enjoy this easy recipe, whether you make it to give away as gifts or keep it all for yourself.