Homemade Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free!)
Learn how to make your own vanilla extract at home with just 2 ingredients! This alcohol-free extract is super simple to make and is packed with flavor. Use it in cookies, baked goods, ice cream, and more!
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
Serving: 1 tsp | Calories: 16 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4.2 g | Sugar: 4.2 g