Homemade vanilla extract: the easy recipe with real pods

Store-bought vanilla extract is often expensive and sometimes made with synthetic vanillin. Good news: making your own is very simple. All you need are two ingredients, a jar, and a little patience. Here is our recipe, the one our family has used for years.

Ingredients

• 5 to 6 vanilla beans (about 15 to 20 g)
• 250 ml of neutral 40% alcohol: vodka, white rum, or neutral fruit brandy
• A tightly closing glass jar or bottle

Which vanilla to choose?

For an extract, you don't need your finest beans. Slightly drier beans, such as red vanilla, are even ideal: they are concentrated in flavor and economical. This is also the vanilla used by extraction professionals. If you want a very rich extract, you can also use our Bourbon vanilla beans.

Step-by-step recipe

1. Split the beans lengthwise with a small knife, then cut them into two or three pieces.
2. Put them in the jar, seeds included.
3. Pour in the alcohol: the beans must be completely covered.
4. Close and shake the jar well.
5. Let it rest away from light, at room temperature. Shake once a week.

How long to wait?

Allow at least 8 weeks. The extract turns dark brown and its flavor mellows. After 3 to 6 months, it is even better. The longer you wait, the more intense it becomes.

Our producers' tips

• Refill your extract: when the jar is half empty, add more alcohol and a bean. It can be replenished almost indefinitely.
• Rum gives a rounder and sweeter extract, while vodka provides a purer vanilla flavor.
• Don't throw away the beans at the end: dried and then blended, they make homemade vanilla powder.

How to use it?

One teaspoon of extract replaces about half a bean. It flavors cakes, pancakes, cookies, creams, coffees, and smoothies. It keeps for years in a dry, dark place.

Where does our vanilla come from?

For over 60 years, our family has grown and prepared vanilla in the SAVA region of Madagascar, the land of Bourbon vanilla. Our beans come directly to you, without intermediaries. Want to try? Discover our Bourbon black vanilla, our best-seller, or our pure vanilla powder.