Homemade Vanilla Extract (and Vanilla Sugar)
Vanilla beans steeped in vodka to make homemade vanilla extract; also a simple vanilla sugar made by layering beans with sugar.
Sign up to personalise this recipe
Noreen's Kitchen- •6 / jar Vanilla beansMadagascar vanilla beans; cut into pieces for extract
- •VodkaCheapest vodka; must be 80 proof or better; enough to cover beans and fill jar
- •4 Vanilla beansfor vanilla sugar; cut in half
- •Sugarenough to fill container, layered with vanilla beans
- 1
Place 6 vanilla beans into an 8-ounce jelly jar and cut them into pieces, putting the pieces in the bottom of the jar.
- 2
Pour in cheap vodka (80 proof or better) to cover the beans and fill the jar.
- 3
Seal the jar tightly with a lid, shake well, and store in a cool dark pantry. Shake the jar every 3 days.
- 4
After about 6 weeks, the vanilla extract will be dark and ready to use.
- 5
To extend the extract, when the jar is about halfway used, top it off with more vodka and continue shaking every few days.
- 6
For vanilla sugar: Cut 4 vanilla beans in half. Put 2 halves in the bottom of a container, then layer sugar and vanilla beans, repeating until filled. Seal with a lid and leave to infuse.
Share your preferences
Tell us what you like and we'll match you with recipes you'll actually want to cook.
Takes about 2 minutes — no account needed
Any constraints?
Tell us about dietary needs and kitchen setup.