Last Updated on March 4, 2026 by Carrie Korem, FNTP
If you love baking, learning how to make homemade vanilla extract is a must. Not only does it taste better than most store-bought versions, but it also saves you money and ensures you’re avoiding unnecessary additives and preservatives. Once you see how simple it is, you’ll never go back to buying vanilla extract again.
Why Make Homemade Vanilla Extract?
Many store-bought vanilla extracts contain more than just vanilla beans, alcohol, and water. Some include caramel coloring, corn syrup, sugar, or even ethylvanillin (a synthetic petroleum byproduct). In some cases, cheap extracts are made with tonka beans instead of real vanilla beans — which can be toxic in high doses.
When you make vanilla extract at home, you know exactly what’s inside: just vanilla beans and alcohol. It’s clean, natural, and full of rich flavor.
The Secret to Real Vanilla Extract
After speaking with the experts at Rodelle (a trusted organic vanilla company), I learned that to be classified as an “extract,” you need about 18–20 vanilla beans per 750ml of alcohol.
Here are two tips to get the most flavor:
- Chop the beans before adding them to the alcohol for quicker extraction.
- Or, use whole beans and let them ferment for at least 2 months for deep, complex flavor.
Once made, homemade vanilla extract lasts for years when stored in a cool, dark place.
Cost Savings of DIY Vanilla Extract
Organic, high-quality vanilla extract can be pricey. By making your own, you can create a large 24-ounce jar for a fraction of the cost. I bought 25 organic vanilla beans and a bottle of vodka and ended up with a huge batch that would have cost me over $90 at the store.
Plus, as you use your vanilla extract, you can simply top it off with more vodka — the beans keep giving flavor.
Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe
Ingredients
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1 (24-ounce) mason jar (or similar jar with a tight lid)
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3 cups vodka (organic preferred)
Instructions
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Slice the vanilla beans lengthwise (or chop them into smaller pieces for faster extraction).
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Place the beans into the mason jar.
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Pour vodka over the beans, making sure they’re fully submerged.
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Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool, dark pantry.
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Shake the jar once a week.
Steeping time:
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Whole beans: let sit for at least 2 months.
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Chopped beans: ready in about 3 weeks.
As you use up your vanilla, add more vodka to stretch the life of your beans.
Ways to Use Homemade Vanilla Extract
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Cakes and cupcakes
- Homemade ice cream
- Whipped cream topping
FAQs About Homemade Vanilla Extract
How long does homemade vanilla extract last?
When stored in a cool, dark place (like your pantry), homemade vanilla extract can last indefinitely. In fact, the flavor often deepens and improves with age. Just make sure your beans stay submerged in alcohol.
What is the best alcohol for homemade vanilla extract?
Vodka is the most popular choice because it has a neutral flavor and allows the vanilla beans to shine. However, you can also experiment with bourbon or rum for a deeper, warmer flavor profile.
How many vanilla beans do I need?
For a strong, rich extract, use about 5–6 beans per cup of alcohol. If you want an extract that meets commercial standards, aim for 18–20 beans per 750ml (25 oz) bottle.
Can I reuse vanilla beans after making extract?
Yes! As you use your extract, you can top off the jar with more vodka. The beans will continue to infuse flavor for months (sometimes years). Once they lose their potency, you can use the seeds for baking or dry and grind them into vanilla powder.
How soon can I use homemade vanilla extract?
If you chopped your beans, you can start using it after 3 weeks, though the flavor will continue to improve. If you used whole beans, wait at least 2 months for best results. Patience pays off here!
Is homemade vanilla extract cheaper than store-bought?
Absolutely. Making it yourself can cut costs by more than half, especially if you buy vanilla beans in bulk. Plus, you’re getting a pure product without fillers or additives.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Ingredients
- 1 (24-ounce) mason jar (or similar jar with a tight lid)
- 20 vanilla beans
- 3 cups vodka or rum (organic preferred)
Instructions
- Slice the vanilla beans lengthwise (or chop them into smaller pieces for faster extraction).
- Place the beans into the mason jar.
- Pour vodka over the beans, making sure they’re fully submerged.
- Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool, dark pantry.
- Shake the jar once a week.
Steeping time:
- Whole beans: let sit for at least 2 months.
- Chopped beans: ready in about 3 weeks.
As you use up your vanilla, add more vodka to stretch the life of your beans.
Inspiring! I have a question about the vanilla beans you bought: You were able to get 25 for $14? Perhaps I'm reading their site wrong, but on the Rodelle site I can only see 2 beans for $6.89 or 12 for $39.
Where can I find these beautiful jars you have your vanilla in? I want to make this for giftgiving.
My photographer took these pics, so I’m not sure, but here are some that are similar! https://amzn.to/4nObHIm https://amzn.to/4nqSKLZ
There is a link if you click "mail order company". It is a company called Top Vanilla that sells incredibly priced vanilla beans. Hope that helps!
I'm a fool. I see now that you went to Top Vanilla.
This is great! I will try this after I finished all my vanilla powder and sugar. Thanks for the most!
I'm about to make some Vanilla Extract also, you simply cannot beat a product in which you know every ingredient you put in it! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Oh, what a beautiful picture! I just added vanilla beans to my white sugar, yesterday. One good bean can scent and flavor an entire jar (and I keep reusing the same bean until it is spent – so I actually get several jars worth out of it), making it heavenly.It's like magic!Cheers!
Now this sounds really cool! I just bought a 4oz container from azure standard (flavorganics) for 8.50, but you're talking about 6 times that amount for much less! Is vodka the best? I suppose, since it doesn't have much scent?
That's amazing. Another project for sure.
What is your definition of 'cool dark place'? I live in Houston so my house runs up to 78 in the summers. If i keep this in my pantry, is this too warm?
Mallory, that will do fine for a "cool dark place". I live in FL so I completely understand…my pantry stays at 78 most of the year also. THe most important thing is that it is kept in the dark.
Hi! I think making food organic is great. I also think that making your own extract is the best idea since cake :-). I do have a question though could you use any kind of alcohol or is vodka the best?
You could also use an organic rum. Vodka is usually used b/c of it's clean flavor, but it also tastes amazing with rum.
Thank you for the tip I will try both and see what I like best. I bet it would taste great with a rum cake that way. 🙂
Do you discard the beans after 2 months or do you leave them in the jar while using the vanilla?
troynvic: You leave the beans in the jar…they last for years!
I didn’t know that the vanilla beans can stay in the jar for years? I have added vodka as it got low but one day I thought the beans looked different and maybe smelled different? But you are saying that the 10 beans that you put in your jar with vodka can last for years with just adding more vodka when low and the beans don’t go bad? On a side note how long can just the vanilla beans stay in the pantry or would you freeze them until ready to use?
Thank you!
I am unclear on whether the beans you bought were organic? I didn't see anything about it when I clicked the link. Thank you.
I emailed the top vanilla people about the organic status and the process of "curing". This was there response. Can't wait to try! The grower associations we partner with have obtained Organic Certification from the EcoCert office in Madagascar.Blanching: After harvest, the green beans are ready to be processed. The beans are placed into woven baskets and plunged briefly into vats of hot water, to stop the growth process. The cooked beans are then sweated, by being wrapped tightly in wool blankets and stored for one to two days.Curing: The blanched beans are then put out to cure in the sun a few hours each day, over a period of several months. The exact time of curing depends on a variety of daily conditions, including the amount of sun available and the humidity. Each day, after curing, beans are frequently worked by hand to improve their shape and texture. The beans are then re-wrapped and stored overnight indoors. This process occurs from the end of May until September.
Did the beans have a private masseuse too? Just kidding. Those beans are pampered from start to finish. Thanks for sharing the process. I didn’t know so much goes into getting it done.
Haha!! Maybe. 😉
Susie: thanks for the information!
Most store-bought vanilla extract is 35% alcohol. Do you find that using 100% alcohol alters your recipes at all? I feel like that would be very robust. :]
I haven’t found it to be any more robust than store-bought. I prefer the flavor of the homemade much more than store bought. It’s also just one more way for me to avoid any type of preservative and/or corn syrup in my baking.
The alcohol in vodka is not 100%. The bottle of 94 Proof in my cabinet is 47% alcohol. Anyone who has ever made cherry bombs (sour cherries and sugar fermented in vodka for 2 months) knows that the cherries take up a lot of the alcohol. The liqueur that remains is much lower in alcohol than the original vodka. The same here with the vanilla beans.
I have always wanted to try making my own vanilla and now I am inspired to do so. Thanks for posting!
I saw a similar recipe on another site a few weeks ago using dark rum and chocolate mint with only 4 vanilla beans. I decided to just go straight vanilla beans and no mint, but I still only used 4. I should get some more just to make sure I get a vanilla flavored extract. Thanks for sharing 🙂
If you get on ebay, you can find vanilla beans for even less expensive. The place we get them from offers a pound of beans for about $25ish. And, they run specials from time to time that if you spend $25 or more… on a sliding scale they send you more, free beans. So, because we spent 25… we got a 1/4 lb for free. All in all it was about 125 beans. I’m not even through the free 1/4 lb yet, and I use them ALL the time.
Do you keep them in the pantry or do you freeze them until you need them since you have so many?
If I was to chop the vanilla beans, is there a specific way they need to be chopped? Could I cut them in 3rds or do they need to be chopped into small pieces?
From what I understand, Rodelle they said they need to be chopped in smaller pieces (like 1-inch pieces).
question: why do you need a 24 once jar if only using 1 1/2 cups (12 oz) of vodka? does it expand?
When you add 10 beans to the liquid the level rises in the jar. It really just gives the vanilla plenty of room, but if you wanted to use a smaller jar, like an 18 ounce, that would work well too. I wouldn’t use a 12 ounce jar because there won’t be enough room for the liquid and beans.
Once the vanilla extract is made could you take the liquid out of the beans and put into separate jars? Or does it lose flavor if not in contact with beans. ( I’m thinking of packaging up at gifts.) Thanks in advance! I’m loving your site and book!
Yes, you can take the beans out of the vanilla and bottle it up. For gifts, it’s nice to leave one bean in the jar (it looks cute) but it’s not necessary. 🙂
I recently purchased 4 vanilla beans and still need to get my vodka. Would the measurements still be the same for the vodka with a smaller amount of vanilla beans?
If you have 4 vanilla beans I would try and keep the ratios that the recipe calls for. So I’d use a 10-12 ounce jar, 4 vanilla beans, and about 3/4 cup of vodka.
Just posted this to my FB… luv it!
Thanks!
Where do you get organic vodka from ??
If you google “organic vodka” you’ll be able to see lots of different brands and where to purchase. Rum is also a great alternative.
I will be making smaller jars (4 oz or so) and give them as Christmas presents!!
Perfect!
Hi Carrie, I ‘ve been making my own vanilla extract for a few years now and I just pop the beans into the bottle of vodka! It hides in a cool, dark cupboard for a couple of months and voila! I love that it is only 2 ingredients and so much less expensive! Keep up the good work, we really appreciate it! Debbie
After I got tired of spending 16 dollars per bottle, I am making my own half gallon for 30 dollars!! Thanks to Olive Nation for their great beans and prices!
Where are you getting the beans from please share? I cant seem to find reasonable prices anywhere
I have also heard you can use Brandy to make vanilla extract. Will probably change the flavor some because of the natural brandy flavor. Haven’t tried it yet because my husband drank the small bottle of brandy before I got to try it. 🙂 will try it soon. Also, he brought home a bottle of cherry vodka recently and I am going to try making some extract with that. One way to do the vanilla extract (without chopping) slit the bean open, scrape out seeds, add seeds and bean pod to alcohol. Just have to be careful seeds don’t get into what you are flavoring, unless you want a little extra vanilla flavor.
I’m new to making infused home goods, so I am needing guidance. How many times can u reuse the vanilla bean in this recipe? And how about for the sugar infusion? Does the same apply when using orange peels or lavender or other items like that when making other infused extracts? Lastly, do these extracts have to be used with alcohol or is vegetable glycerin OK?
Your recipe calls for a good quality organic vodka. What brands are good quality? How do you rate vodka? What brand did you use?
Please make sure your alcohol is gluten free if you need it to be. Most are not. Here is a site that I plan on using to purchase GF vodka.
http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/GlutenFreeAlcohol/a/Gluten-Free-Vodka-List.htm
This may be a dumb question, but when you talk about vanilla beans, you mean one of the large skinny bean pods-like things, right – lol. I only ask because I saw a recipe for this that had you slice open the pod of one to scrape out the beans, add to the alcohol, and then place the large pod in for aesthetics afterward. I think it called for 1 per 750 ml. I was planning on making these as holiday gifts and now am confused the best way to make it. Thank you!
Yes, they are the large skinny bean pods. 🙂 The bean pods lend lots of additional flavor to the vanilla.
can you re-use the beans? I made 2 small bottles, and am nearing the end of one. Can I just refill that bottle with vodka, wait the 2 months and be ok?
Yes, you can reuse the beans. I’ve been doing this for years and it works every time!
Does the vanilla bean loose its flavor after awhile though?
Probably a silly question, but I use vanilla flavoring in a lot of recipes where it is not cooked (like ice cream or chia pudding…) my little ones (under 3) eat this too. How does the alcohol work? I feel I like I can still smell it very strong even after it is infused and I can’t help but feel like I am feeding them alcohol!
The infused vodka smells just like vanilla extract. In fact, most of the store brands contain some sort of alcohol in their vanilla. I used this method of making vanilla and used it in my recipes when my kids were young, but if you’re not comfortable with that, then you can use a store-bought brand.
I really want to make my own extract. I used the link you have posted at the top and the beans are now $109 for a pack of 15. That’s out of the question, can you recommend another place to purchase? Help!!
Since I wrote this post, the price of vanilla beans has skyrocketed! So, unless you can get your hands on some reasonably-priced vanilla beans, it’s actually more economical to purchase a good quality organic vanilla extract.
Hi I cannot find the place or links to purchase the vanilla beans for that price. Everything is like 2 beans or 5 beans. Can you please give me a detailed instruction where to find this co.?
The link for “vanilla beans” in the ingredient list goes to Amazon where 16 beans are sold for $109.89. Is this a fair price? Went to Top Vanilla and they are out of stock.