Simple Homemade Bourbon Vanilla Extract
Simple to make, this homemade bourbon vanilla extract can be made in just a few minutes with two simple ingredients! Perfect for everyday baking or as a gift idea, it is a flavorful addition to your pantry that only gets better with time.
As many years as I have been baking, I can’t believe its taken me this long to make my own homemade vanilla extract! I was gifted some by a family member a few years ago for Christmas, and thought it was the sweetest idea!
It’s simple to make, easily customizable to whatever alcohol you like to use/have on hand (I like to use bourbon because I LOVE the flavor it brings), and only gets better with time.
Let’s make it!
Why You’ll Love Homemade Vanilla Extract
Ingredients + Supplies You’ll Need
Tips for Success
- Storage: Make sure to store at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Homemade vanilla extract will last a very long time when stored in a cool, dry place! I usually keep mine on the top shelf of my pantry.
- Reuse the Beans: The vanilla bean pods can be reused a few times to make new batches of extract. Just note that they will lose strength over time.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below!
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Step by Step Instructions
- Prepare the Jars: Prep each jar by washing thoroughly and letting them dry completely.
- Prepare the Beans: Lay each vanilla bean flat. Using a sharp knife, carefully split each bean lengthwise to expose the seeds in the middle, being careful not to completely cut through the bean. You will need approximately 4-5 vanilla bean pods for each 8 oz jar of bourbon.
- Combine: Add 4-5 beans into each jar. Place a small funnel over the top of each jar, and then slowly pour in 1 cup of bourbon over top of the vanilla beans, ensuring they are completely covered. Seal each jar tightly and label with the date.
- Store, Shake, & Steep: Store in a cool, dark place. Shake once daily for the first week, then 1–2× per week for the first 6 weeks. Allow the vanilla to steep for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. For better flavor, let it steep even longer- 3 months to a year. The liquid will darken gradually over time.
- Enjoy!
How to Know When it’s Ready to Use
After 6-8 weeks, you can begin tasting the homemade vanilla to see if it’s ready to use. To do this, add a small amount (around 1 tsp) into a cup of milk. Stir together, and then taste. If the milk has a vanilla flavor, it’s ready to use. If you still taste mostly alcohol, it needs more time. Remember good things come to those who wait 🙂
Recipe FAQs
Homemade bourbon vanilla extract can last indefinitely if stored in a cool, dark place. In fact, the flavor often deepens and improves over time. The longer the better if you ask me!
Cloudiness can come from shaking the jar and releasing all of the fine particles from the beans. It’s safe to use as long as there’s no mold.
Yes—after the extract is finished, you can top off the jar with more bourbon and continue extracting. However, the beans will lose strength over time.
Ways to Use Bourbon Vanilla Extract
- Baked goods: I obviously use vanilla extract in pretty much anything and everything I bake, especially dessert recipes! It adds a depth of flavor to baked goods that can’t be matched.
- Drinks: I find its especially delicious in coffee drinks, like this homemade pumpkin spice latte, and even peppermint hot chocolate.
- Ice Cream & Whipped Cream: I make homemade vanilla bean ice cream often, and I love to use a combination of pure vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste in the recipe. So, so good. Homemade vanilla is also a must have ingredient for whipped cream!
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Homemade Bourbon Vanilla Extract
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Description
Simple to make, this homemade bourbon vanilla extract can be made in just a few minutes with two simple ingredients! Perfect for everyday baking or as a gift idea, it is a flavorful addition to your pantry that only gets better with time.
Ingredients
- 8 oz bourbon
- 4–5 whole vanilla bean pods
Instructions
- Prepare the Jars: Prep each jar by washing thoroughly and letting them dry completely.
- Prepare the Beans: Lay each vanilla bean flat. Using a sharp knife, carefully split each bean lengthwise to expose the seeds in the middle, being careful not to completely cut through the bean. You will need approximately 4-5 vanilla bean pods for each 8 oz jar of bourbon.
- Combine: Add 4-5 beans into each jar. Place a small funnel over the top of each jar, and then slowly pour in 1 cup of bourbon over top of the vanilla beans, ensuring they are completely covered. Seal each jar tightly and label with the date.
- Store, Shake, & Steep: Store in a cool, dark place. Shake once daily for the first week, then 1–2× per week for the first 6 weeks. Allow the vanilla to steep for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. For better flavor, let it steep even longer- 3 months to a year. The liquid will darken gradually over time.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Make sure to store at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Homemade vanilla extract will last a very long time when stored in a cool, dry place! I usually keep mine on the top shelf of my pantry.
- Reuse the Beans: The vanilla bean pods can be reused a few times to make new batches of extract. Just note that they will lose strength over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
If you enjoyed this recipe for homemade vanilla extract, be sure to come back and leave a comment and a 5 star rating! Tag me on Instagram with your creations @ourhandcraftedhomeblog.
