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Homemade vanilla extract with just 2 ingredients! This alcohol-free extract is super simple to make and packed with flavor. Use it in cookies, baked goods, ice cream, cocktails, and lattes for a wonderful aroma!
Vanilla extract is that magic ingredient that transforms cookies, desserts, and cakes from okay to amazing. It adds complex flavors, freshness, and a floral aroma.
This recipe has been a long time in the making as I wanted to make sure the flavor was on point (and test the shelf life).
⭐️ Why You Should Try It
- It’s super simple to make: It takes less than 15 minutes to prepare and just 2 basic ingredients.
- Cheaper than store-bought: Let’s be honest, if you want to get the high-quality vanilla extract, it’s definitely not cheap. This version comes out much cheaper than store-bought and tastes even better!
- Packed with fresh vanilla flavor: This homemade extract is on par with the most expensive extracts you can find in the supermarket. Plus, a little goes a long way!
- It makes a great gift: Looking for a thoughtful and unique gift idea? Consider this homemade vanilla extract! Package it in a beautiful bottle with a nice label. Your loved ones will appreciate the special gift.
📘 What is Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is a natural flavoring that is made by macerating vanilla pods in a liquid. It is then used to flavor baked goods, drinks, cocktails, and more. Vanilla extract can be alcohol-based or sugar-based.
Sugar-Based Extract vs. Alcohol-Based
Pros: As opposed to alcohol-based extract, which tends to always have an alcohol smell, this sugar-based extract only smells and tastes vanilla. Nothing else.
Cons: Sugar-based vanilla extract will only keep for about 6 months and must be stored in the refrigerator. On the other hand, alcohol-based extracts will keep almost indefinitely at room temperature.
If you are familiar with store-bought vanilla extract, this sugar-based version will add the same sweetness with even more vanilla flavor!
🫙 Ingredient Notes
- Sugar – You can use white sugar or light brown sugar if you want a subtle caramel flavor. I recommend staying away from coconut sugar as it would be overpowering.
- Vanilla pods – Preferably fresh and soft vanilla beans for the best flavor. You can learn more about the different types of vanilla beans below.
- Glass bottles – I personally used an 8-ounce glass bottle, but any glass container will work.
🥣 How to Make Vanilla Extract
1. Prepare the Syrup
Start by preparing a double-strength simple syrup:
- Add the water and sugar to a saucepan.
- Heat over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved. Note: do not bring it to a boil, or you will end up with crystallized sugar.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
2. Slice the Vanilla Beans
While the syrup is cooling, slice the vanilla beans in half lengthwise. Using a sharp knife, scrape the seeds and add them to your glass bottle. Next, fill the bottle with the sliced vanilla beans.
Which Vanilla Bean to Use
There are 3 main types of vanilla beans, each one having a slightly different flavor:
- Planifolia: Or “Bourbon vanilla”, it is the most popular vanilla bean in the world. It’s mainly cultivated in Madagascar, but can also be found in India or Indonesia, for example. It has a woody and subtly spicy flavor.
- Tahitensis: Grown in South Pacific, these vanilla beans are shorter than the Planifolia variety. They have a stronger aroma compared to the other two varieties, with a fruity flavor and notes of caramel.
- Pompona: Also called “vanilla banana” due to its large size, this variety is cultivated in Guadeloupe, Martinique, or Brazil. It has a floral aroma with notes of plum.
I recommend using either Planifolia or Tahitensis as these are the easiest to find and usually the cheapest.
3. Let Infuse
Finally, refrigerate and let the vanilla infuse the syrup for at least 2 months, preferably 3.
I tested this vanilla extract at the 3-month mark in a few cakes and desserts and found it as strong, if not stronger than store-bought extract!
📔 Tips
- Sterilize the bottles. To ensure maximum safety, I suggest sterilizing any glass bottles or jars. For plastic bottles, soak them in hot soap water, rinse them well, and dry them completely before use.
- Shake it occasionally. If you are not using the extract regularly, give it a quick shake from time to time. I recommend removing the vanilla beans once they are just half submerged or cutting them into smaller pieces.
- Do a smell test. If your vanilla extract looks cloudy or muddy, do a smell test. If it smells good, it’s safe to use. If it smells unpleasant (like ammonia), you should discard it. Be aware that considering the high percentage of sugar, the chances of the extract turning bad are extremely low. I have made this vanilla extract multiple times and it never turned bad, even after 6 months.
🍮 Where to Use It
Vanilla extract is incredibly versatile and can be used in a multitude of recipes:
- In sweets: To flavor chocolate chip cookies, caramel flan, pastry cream, cakes, vanilla ice cream, vegan brownies, and so much more!
- In cocktails and drinks: Take your coffee latte or matcha to the next level by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract! You can also use it to add freshness and sweetness to your cocktails.
❄️ Storing
- To store: You can keep this vanilla extract in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Remember to give it a quick shake from time to time.
💬 FAQ
For a rich extract, I recommend going with 5 beans per cup of syrup.
Any glass jar will work. I recommend using a small 8-ounce bottle jar as it’s easier to use, but a mason jar will work as well.
This homemade vanilla extract will keep for up to 6 months in the refrigerator. If you are not using it regularly, give it a quick shake from time to time. I recommend removing the vanilla beans once they are just half submerged.
I hope you are going to give this vanilla extract a try! It’s super easy to make, cheaper than store-bought, and PACKED with fresh vanilla flavor! You will never buy imitation vanilla ever again!
⭐️ Did you like this recipe? Let us know in the comments below, and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Homemade Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free!)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 vanilla beans
Instructions
- Add the water and sugar to a saucepan and heat over low-medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved. This step will take 1-2 minutes. Note: do not bring to a boil, you would end up with crystallized sugar. Remove from heat and let cool while you prepare the vanilla beans.
- Using a thin and sharp knife, split the vanilla beans in half lengthwise. Scrape the vanilla seeds and add them to a clean 8-ounce bottle. Fill the bottle with the vanilla beans. Note: if your vanilla beans are too long, simply cut them in half.
- Next, pour the syrup into the bottle containing the vanilla beans. You want the syrup to cover the vanilla beans completely. Let cool completely until no longer warm.
- Close the bottle with the lid and transfer it to the refrigerator. Let it infuse for at least 2 months, giving it a quick shake from time to time. 2 months is the minimum, I recommend 3 months for a concentrated flavor.
- Use the extract in cookies, brownies, ice cream, drinks, etc! This vanilla extract will keep for up to 6 months in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Sterilize the bottles. To ensure maximum safety, I suggest sterilizing any glass bottles or jars. For plastic bottles, soak them in hot soap water, rinse them well, and dry them completely before use.
- Shake it occasionally. If you are not using the extract regularly, give it a quick shake from time to time. I recommend removing the vanilla beans once they are just half submerged or cutting them into smaller pieces.
- Do a smell test. If your vanilla extract looks cloudy or muddy, do a smell test. If it smells good, it’s safe to use. If it smells unpleasant (like ammonia), you should discard it. Be aware that considering the high percentage of sugar, the chances of the extract turning bad are extremely low. I have made this vanilla extract multiple times and it never turned bad, even after 6 months.
Nutrition
About the Author
Thomas Pagot is the founder, photographer, and recipe developer behind Full of Plants. He created the blog in 2016 as a personal cookbook for vegan recipes. Through years of recipe development, Thomas has successfully grown Full of Plants into a trusted resource for plant-based recipes.
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