Homemade Vanilla Extract
Classy bottle, I know. But this recipe isn’t about fanciness, its about deliciousness and simplicity. So simple in fact that I just buy a bottle of rum and add some vanilla beans. That’s it, voila! Homemade vanilla in about 30 days. The best part, this is a continuous supply of vanilla. As I use the vanilla I just top it off with more rum when the beans are no longer submerged. I may eventually retire the vanilla beans, but my current bottle has been going strong (no pun intended) for 2+ years and it is still flavorful and has a strong vanilla scent.
The Most Flavorful Vanilla Extract
I didn’t realize how bad the grocery store vanilla extract was until I started making it homemade. You can definitely taste the difference in baked goods. Most store bought vanilla extracts list “vanilla bean extractives in water” and alcohol as the two ingredients, so bascially you are getting a super watered down version. Additionally, when I started looking into it, some vanilla extracts even contain corn syrup. Unnecessary! Just make your own, your bake goods will thank you.
Choose Your Poison
When I make homemade vanilla extract I typically use a spiced rum, hence the lovely Sailor Jerry’s bottle, but you can use any type of rum. Some people even like to use Bourbon. It’s whatever you prefer! It doesn’t need to be a high end bottle either. Believe me, anything is better than the grain alcohol used when you buy extracts from the grocery store. Keep it simple and easy, even if that means using the same bottle.
PrintHomemade Vanilla Extract
Never buy vanilla extract again! Easily make your own super flavorful homemade vanilla extract.
Instructions
- Nothing to this one! Add the vanilla beans to your bottle of rum and give it a good shake. Store it for about 30 days and then it is ready to use.
- As you use the vanilla extract, add more rum.
