DIY Vanilla Extract with Vanilla Beans

There’s something timeless about homemade vanilla extract. A few vanilla beans, a bottle of vodka, and time. That’s really all it takes to make something rich, deeply flavorful, and better than anything you’d find on a store shelf.

Honestly, this wasn’t even something I considered making until recently. I never thought about how simple it actually was. But once I looked into it, I couldn’t believe I had been buying it this whole time.

It’s one of my favorite pantry staples to keep going now because it’s simple, it’s practical, and it genuinely gets better the longer it sits. It also feels like one of those small things that makes everyday cooking feel a little more intentional. If you’ve been wanting to start making more staples from scratch, this is one of the easiest places to begin.

Why Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Once you have a jar going, it becomes one of those things you reach for constantly. In coffee, in baking, in oatmeal, in any simple recipe that needs a little warmth.

What I love most about making it at home is how much sense it makes once you start. Real ingredients, a richer flavor that keeps developing over time, and something you can continually refill and reuse. It also makes one of the most thoughtful homemade gifts, especially for anyone who loves to bake.

It costs less over time than buying high-quality pure vanilla, and it’s so much simpler to make than it looks.

Ingredients

4 to 5 vanilla beans and 1 cup of vodka. That’s it.

If you want a warmer, slightly richer flavor, bourbon or dark rum works beautifully as a swap or blend. I like to bulk batch this so I always have enough on hand and ready to gift. I linked what I used below.

The Vanilla Beans and Bottles I Use

I use whole Madagascar vanilla beans for a classic, rich flavor that works in just about everything. Baking, coffee, oatmeal, homemade desserts.

For the bottle, I prefer amber glass bottles. The amber helps protect the extract from light and honestly it just looks beautiful sitting on the counter or tucked into a gift bag.

How I Use Homemade Vanilla Extract

I use homemade vanilla extract in:

• Sourdough discard baking
• Homemade granola
• Yogurt bowls
• Coffee and lattes
• Oatmeal
• Muffins

It’s one of those staples that makes everyday recipes feel a little more special.

How to Refill Vanilla Extract

One of the best parts about homemade vanilla extract is that you can continue refilling it.

As the extract gets low:

• Top off the bottle with more vodka
• Add another vanilla bean occasionally to maintain flavor

A well-maintained bottle can last for years.

Storage Tips

Store vanilla extract:

• In a cool, dark cabinet
• Away from direct sunlight
• In a tightly sealed glass bottle

Amber glass bottles work especially well because they help reduce light exposure during long infusions.

Start with One Jar

This is exactly the kind of recipe that inspired the JARS Method: simple ingredients creating something useful, beautiful, and long-lasting.

One jar. Two ingredients. Endless use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade vanilla extract take?

You’ll notice flavor developing after a few weeks, but ideally let it infuse for 2–3 months for the best flavor.

Can I use bourbon instead of vodka?

Yes. Bourbon creates a slightly warmer, richer flavor that works especially well in baking recipes.

Do the vanilla beans need to stay submerged?

Yes — keeping the beans covered helps prevent them from drying out.

Can I reuse vanilla beans?

Yes. You can continue topping off the alcohol and occasionally add fresh beans to maintain strength.