Homemade Vanilla Extract
Posted July 21st, 2026
The image above is how the vanilla will look when you first make it! 6 months later it will be much darker and ready to use!
Ingredients
For One 8-Ounce Bottle
5 Grade B vanilla beans (or Grade A vanilla beans)
8 ounces (1 cup) vodka (80 proof)
Instructions
Prepare the vanilla beans. Using a sharp knife, split each vanilla bean lengthwise, leaving about ½ inch attached at one end so the beans stay together.
Fill the bottle. Place all 5 vanilla beans into a clean 8-ounce glass bottle.
Add the vodka. Pour the vodka over the beans, making sure they are completely submerged.
Seal and store. Tightly seal the bottle and place it in a cool, dark pantry away from direct sunlight.
Shake occasionally. Give the bottle a gentle shake every week or two to help the vanilla infuse evenly.
Wait. Allow the extract to infuse for at least 6 months before using. For the richest, most complex flavor, let it steep for 9 to 12 months.
Enjoy and refill. As you use your vanilla extract, you can top the bottle off with a little more vodka once or twice while the beans are still fragrant. After several refills, replace the beans with fresh ones for the best flavor.
Storage
Store the vanilla extract in a tightly sealed bottle in a cool, dark pantry. Because of the alcohol, it keeps indefinitely and continues to develop a deeper, richer vanilla flavor over time.
Make Ahead
This is the perfect recipe to start well before the holiday season. I like making mine at least 6 months in advance so it's ready for holiday baking and Christmas gifting. The longer it sits, the better it becomes.
A Note from Madeline May
One of my favorite things about homemade vanilla extract is that it's always there waiting for you. I keep a bottle tucked away in my pantry year-round because it's something I reach for constantly, whether I'm baking cookies, whipping up pancakes on a slow weekend morning, or making a homemade dessert for friends. I also love gifting it during the holidays. Pour it into a pretty glass bottle, add a handwritten label and a ribbon, and you have a thoughtful homemade gift that anyone who loves to bake will appreciate.
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8-ounce glass bottles (the exact ones I use)
https://go.shopmy.us/p-73314840
Grade B vanilla beans
https://go.shopmy.us/p-73314169
Labels
https://go.shopmy.us/p-73314906
Ribbon or baker's twine (optional)
A Recipe by Madeline May
Homemade Vanilla Extract
The first time I was introduced to homemade vanilla extract was when someone gifted me a bottle for Christmas, and I thought it was the sweetest idea. Ever since then, I've kept a bottle tucked away in my pantry because it's one of those staples I reach for all year long, whether I'm baking cookies during the holidays or adding a splash to weekend pancakes, cakes, and homemade desserts. This year, I'll be making a few bottles to give as Christmas gifts myself. It's one of those simple homemade gifts that feels so thoughtful, and every time someone bakes with it, they'll think of you.
Ingredients
Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Prepare the vanilla beans Using a sharp knife, split each vanilla bean lengthwise, leaving about ½ inch attached at one end so the beans stay together.
- Fill the bottle Place all 5 vanilla beans into a clean 8-ounce glass bottle.
- Add the vodka Pour the vodka over the beans until they are completely submerged.
- Seal and store Tightly seal the bottle and store it in a cool, dark pantry away from direct sunlight.
- Shake occasionally Give the bottle a gentle shake every week or two to help the vanilla infuse evenly.
- Let it infuse Allow the vanilla extract to steep for at least 6 months before using. For the richest flavor, let it infuse for 9 to 12 months.
- Refill if desired As you use your vanilla extract, you can top the bottle off with more vodka once or twice while the beans are still fragrant. Once the flavor begins to weaken, replace the beans with fresh ones and start a new batch.
Storage
Store the bottle tightly sealed in a cool, dark pantry away from direct sunlight. Homemade vanilla extract keeps indefinitely and continues to develop a deeper, richer flavor over time.
Make Ahead
Homemade vanilla extract is the perfect make-ahead pantry staple and holiday gift. Start a batch at least 6 months before Christmas so it is ready for holiday baking and gifting. The longer it sits, the richer the flavor becomes.
A Note from Madeline May
One of my favorite things about homemade vanilla extract is that it's always waiting for me in the pantry. Whether I'm baking cookies, making birthday cakes, stirring it into whipped cream, or adding a splash to pancake batter on a slow Saturday morning, it's one of those ingredients I reach for year-round. I also love making a few extra bottles during the holidays to share with friends and family. It's a simple, thoughtful gift that's just as beautiful as it is useful.
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