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Home » How To Make » How To Make Homemade Vanilla Extract & Free Labels

How To Make Homemade Vanilla Extract & Free Labels

Published: Nov 16, 2019 · Modified: Oct 12, 2024 by Arlene Mobley · This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Homemade Vanilla Extract in clear 4 oz bottle decorated with a free vanilla label and tied with a bow at the top

Easy homemade Christmas gifts from the kitchen. Homemade vanilla extract is so easy to make.

Bottled homemade vanilla extract with free printable labels

I originally shared this how to guide back during the 2011 holiday season. Over the years, as I've made new batches of vanilla I have added more tips and photos of the process. I've left some of the older images to show visually and to help demonstrate the process.

I've included a free printable Homemade Vanilla extract label for you to download at the end of this post.

If you need an easy food gift for Christmas these bottles of vanilla extract decorated with the pretty printable vanilla extract label I made are perfect for the cooks and bakers of the family.

Close up featured image of 3 4 oz glass bottles filled with homemade vanilla extract, with a free custom made round vanilla extract label you can print from home. Bottles each have a brown rafia bow tie at the top of the bottle.

2019 - This post has been updated with new photos, and a free vanilla extract labels. Add a touch of class to your homemade Christmas food gift.

I have been making homemade vanilla extract since 2011. I have since stream lined my process and now have one half gallon mason jar that I keep filled and replenish with fresh beans and more vodka.

I keep this never ending jar of vanilla extract steeping so I always have the best extract on hand for my baking.

New batch of vanilla extract

Yes, I have been using some of the same vanilla beans over and over to make extract for years.

It is amazing how much flavor they have. The half gallon jar above is filled with some of the same vanilla beans I bought back in 2012. Right before I took this photo I poured a 750ml bottle of Vodka in it.

The prices of vanilla beans and store bought vanilla extract have gone way up in the past few years so I am saving a huge amount of money by making it myself.

I haven't bought vanilla extract since 2011! And my homemade vanilla extract is so much better than any store bought extract I have ever bought.

How to make Homemade Vanilla Extract with photos
Photo from 2012

Homemade Christmas Food Gifts

Homemade food gifts like this make the best hostess gift or Christmas gift for the bakers in your life. If you do a lot of baking you can save so much money making this extract yourself.

This recipe should be started at least 8 weeks before you plan to give it away as a gift.

If you get a late start you can still make it just include a "use after" date on the bottle.

Label Homemade Vanilla for Christmas Gifts

I'm a cook, baker and mad scientist when it comes to stuff like this. I love making my own homemade extracts.

10 Month Cured Homemade Vanilla Extract
2012 Vanilla Extract

When I made homemade vanilla extract the first time I made the extract in quart mason jars and small recycled bottles. It ended up be more work than it needed to be.

You can do it either way. Whatever works for you. If you use small bottles you will need to shake each bottle as it steeps verses shaking one large bottle.

Now I like to use large mason jars to make the homemade extract. I have use 2 large glass bottles to steep the extract in.

Then as needed I will fill individual 4 oz Boston Round bottles that I will give as hostess or Christmas gifts.

I also keep a small 4 oz. bottle in my kitchen cabinet because it is easier to measure and pour the vanilla extract from the smaller container.

Making Vanilla Extract

Honestly, I think using the vodka bottle itself or some other large jar like a half-gallon mason jar works out better and is easier to handle.

This way you only have one or two bottles to shake as the vanilla extract is curing.

Supplies Needed

You only need few supplies to make homemade Vanilla Extract - Vodka, Vanilla Beans, a container, small bottle to gift the extract in and patience.

A large glass jar, a bottle of vodka and small jars to use to make homemade vanilla extract.
  • 750 ml bottle of Vodka: Buy what you can afford but avoid the cheapest brands. The better brands of vodka have a smoother flavor.
  • brown or clear 4 oz Glass bottles with lids. I have used both. In the new pictures I have used clear bottles.
  • 25 vanilla beans: Madagascar vanilla beans are a little more expensive but are a better bean. Tahitian beans can be used.
  • a glass jar to steep the extract in: A half gallon Mason jar, a clean and recycled glass jar or even the glass vodka bottle will work.

There are many online sources for vanilla beans. Buying them in bulk is a much better deal than buying them at the grocery store.

Vanilla Beans

If you plan on using the vodka bottle you will need to pour some vodka out of the bottle to make room before adding the vanilla beans.

Or you can just put all of the beans in a half gallon jar and pour the entire 750 ml bottle of vodka over them.

Is homemade vanilla extract better than store bought?

Did you know that most commercial vanilla extract has added water to it to cut back on costs?

When you make homemade vanilla extract it is triple strength or more and is made with vodka and vanilla beans only.

No cheap shortcuts when making your own and it is stronger and has a better vanilla flavor than what you can buy at the store.

Step by step instructions

Step 1: Purchase your supplies. I buy my vanilla beans on Amazon where I have found the best price for bulk beans.

25 plump Madagascar vanilla beans on a wooden serving tray.

Step 2: Use a thin sharp paring knife to split each of the vanilla beans down the center. You can split the beans and leave them whole or cut them up into small pieces and add them to a jar or bottle.

Split vanilla beans on a wooden tray.

Either way will work but you need to split the vanilla beans so the vodka can be absorbed and be release so it can infuse the alcohol.

Step 3: Place the split beans into the bottom of a large glass container. The container should be at least a half gallon size.

You can divide the ingredients in half and use two smaller jars if needed.

Vanilla beans in the bottom of a large glass jar.

Step 4: Pour the vodka over the vanilla beans in the jar.

Vodka and split vanilla beans in a large glass jar.

Step 5: Place the lid on the jar. Make sure it is a tight fitting lid so the vodka does not evaporate during the steeping process.

Place the jar in a dark cool cabinet to steep.

A glass jar filled with vodka and vanilla bean pods.

Occasionally shake the jar once or twice a week while steeping.

2022 new batch vanilla

Here you can see how quickly the vodka begins to take on the vanilla essence from the beans.

Four images showing how quickly the extract darkens.
2022 batch

Recipe FAQ's

How long does it take to make vanilla extract?

The longer you can steep homemade vanilla extract the richer the flavor will be. You can expect at a minimum to steep the vanilla beens for at least 8 weeks before

How do I know if my homemade vanilla is ready?

Homemade vanilla extract is ready to use in about 8 weeks. The extract should be a deep rich brown color with a strong vanilla scent.

How long does homemade vanilla extract last?

Homemade vanilla extract will last indefinitely as long as it is stored correctly. Store the vanilla in a brown glass bottle, in a dark cool cabinet away from heat.

3 bottles of super concentrated homemade vanilla extract
super concentrated homemade vanilla extract

Expert Recipe Tips

  • Storing vanilla beans properly: Vanilla beans are very delicate and very expensive. If they are not stored properly they will get hard and brittle. Once the vanilla pods are exposed to air they will start to dry out. If you have leftover vanilla beans be sure to triple wrap them in plastic and store them in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.
  • How many beans you need: You will need 25 medium for this recipe. Usually, you will find the information of how many beans are in a ¼ or ½ pound of beans on the label. If you are not a baker only buy the amount of vanilla beans you will need to make the amount of vanilla extract you need.
  • Splitting the vanilla beans: You can split the beans and leave them long and whole or cut them up into small pieces and add them to a jar or bottle. I like to cut them into smaller pieces which will speed the process along.
  • If you plan on using the vodka bottle to make the extract you will need to pour a small amount of vodka out of the bottle to make room for the vanilla beans.
  • Do not refrigerate while steeping or storing or the extract will become cloudy.

Most instructions say you can use the extract after 6 weeks but I have found the extract to be much better after 12 weeks of steeping. The longer the better.

Vanilla Extract Curing
2012: Check out the difference just 24 hours can make.

Bottle up the homemade Vanilla Extract and share it with friends and family.

3 bottles Homemade Vanilla Extract with custom labels
2019 bottled homemade vanilla extract in clear jars. See how strong this extract is!
Homemade Holiday Gift ideas Vanilla Bean Extract
2012 batch of homemade vanilla extract in brown glass bottles

Custom Vanilla Extract Label

For best results this custom made homemade vanilla extract label should be printed on Avery Glossy White 22830 Print to the edge round labels.

Download Free Vanilla Extract Labels for your homemade vanilla extract.

Set your printer to the highest ink setting. Download the pdf and save it to your computer. Open the pdf and print.

Preview image of a sheet of free homemade vanilla extract labels. Round labels will fit a 4 oz glass bottle perfect.

Recipes Using Vanilla

Pure vanilla extract adds the best flavor to these vanilla recipes.

  • A jar of homemade vanilla coffee syrup next to a bottle of milk and a glass of iced coffee.
    How To Make Homemade Vanilla Coffee Syrup
  • Homemade Vanilla Bean Yogurt in a small jar topped with strawberry preserves.
    Homemade Vanilla Bean Yogurt
  • 3 Vanilla Cupcakes on a napkin.
    Homemade Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe
  • a plate of Cinnamon Vanilla Candied Nuts
    How To Make Cinnamon Vanilla Candied Nuts

Email questions or recipe requests to flouronmyface@gmail.com. Follow me on Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.

Bottled homemade vanilla extract with free printable labels

How To Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Arlene Mobley - Flour On My Face
Homemade Vanilla Extract is easy to make and is a one of a kind gift from the kitchen that is perfect for homemakers, bakers, and family who seem to have everything. I've included free printable homemade vanilla labels with this homemade vanilla recipe.
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time 8 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Steeping 42 days d
Total Time 42 days d 8 minutes mins
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 152 teaspoons
Calories 71 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Glass Jar

Ingredients  

  • 750 liters Vodka (best you can afford )
  • 25 Medium Grade A Madagascar Vanilla Beans
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Instructions 

  • Measure Vodka into jars. You'll need 4 cups of Vodka per quart jar.
  • Add 5 split vanilla beans per cup of Vodka. (20 Split Vanilla Beans per quart jar makes the best vanilla extract. You could use less but the vanilla will be weaker.)
  • Steep or cure for at least 6 weeks before using.
  •  Bottle the vanilla extract in 4 oz. brown glass bottles. For gift giving you can add 1 vanilla bean to each.

Video

Recipe Expert Tips

  • Storing vanilla beans properly: Vanilla beans are very delicate and very expensive. If they are not stored properly they will get hard and brittle. Once the vanilla pods are exposed to air they will start to dry out. If you have leftover vanilla beans be sure to triple wrap them in plastic and store them in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.
  • How many beans you need: You will need 25 medium for this recipe. Usually, you will find the information of how many beans are in a ¼ or ½ pound of beans on the label. If you are not a baker only buy the amount of vanilla beans you will need to make the amount of vanilla extract you need.
  • Splitting the vanilla beans: You can split the beans and leave them long and whole or cut them up into small pieces and add them to a jar or bottle. I like to cut them into smaller pieces which will speed the process along.
  • If you plan on using the vodka bottle to make the extract you will need to pour a small amount of vodka out of the bottle to make room for the vanilla beans.
  • Do not refrigerate while steeping or storing or the extract will become cloudy.
  • 1 quart jar of Vodka and vanilla beans will yield 32 ounces of homemade vanilla extract.
  • 32 ounces of vanilla extract will yield eight 4 oz. bottles for gifting.
  • Don't throw away the vanilla beans after bottling your homemade vanilla extract. You can add more vodka to the bottle with the vanilla beans and start a new batch of vanilla extract.
  • Or rinse off the vanilla beans well and add to a jar of sugar to make homemade vanilla sugar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1teaspoonCalories: 71kcalCarbohydrates: 1gFat: 1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 1mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Share a picture on Instagram and tag @flouronmyface2

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About Arlene Mobley

Arlene Mobley author of Flour On My Face-a Food & Lifestyle website helping busy families get dinner on the table by serving easy recipes every week.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bea

    November 11, 2012 at 12:04 pm

    Fantastic - homemade vanilla extract! What a great gift idea! Love it 🙂

    Reply
  2. Emily @ Life on Food

    November 11, 2012 at 11:42 am

    Great idea! I keep seeing this around and always think I can do that and then never get to it. It is a bit late for me to give as gifts but I can and will be trying this out for me soon.

    Reply
  3. Audrey's Mamma

    November 11, 2012 at 11:03 am

    We better get right on this if it takes 6-weeks! The girls will love helping me make this as it sounds super simple. And I can see them fighting over who gets to shake it each day! Does the brand or quality of vodka matter? I don't drink much and know nothing about vodka.

    Reply
  4. Paula @ Vintage Kitchen

    November 11, 2012 at 10:59 am

    Homemade vanilla extract is probably THE best gift! The flavor is unbeatable and the uses are endless. Who wouldn´t want to receive this? Wonderful pics

    Reply
  5. Faye Leong

    November 11, 2012 at 10:31 am

    Thanks so much for the detail explanation of making this vanilla extract. I am going to try this for own use too and is also a great idea as a gift!

    Reply
  6. veronica gantley

    November 11, 2012 at 10:25 am

    I have homeade vanilla extract all ready to go for christmas presents.

    Reply
  7. Heather@girlichef

    November 11, 2012 at 10:04 am

    I hate to double-up on comments, but I'm not sure if my first went through (got a weird 404 re-direct). Anyhoo...I think homemade vanilla extract makes a fabulous gift! It's all I use and think that everybody should be able to experience the difference. Great bottles and labels! 🙂

    Reply
    • Flour On My Face

      November 11, 2012 at 10:14 am

      Heather

      Sorry you had a problem leaving the first comment. No problem it never came through! Thanks!

      Reply
  8. Eileen Gross | Wine Everyday

    November 11, 2012 at 10:04 am

    Wow!
    I never knew how simple it is to make Vanilla Extract. Your explanation of how the vanilla beans should be (softer rather than hard) is much appreciated. I love when a recipe tells you the pitfalls you may encounter along the way, it takes the scariness out out trying something for the first time.

    If I get started now, I may have a batch ready for Christmas!!
    Cheers!

    Reply
    • Flour On My Face

      November 11, 2012 at 12:13 pm

      Eileen

      Thank you so much. It's nice to know when the little extra info I've included is useful to my readers.

      Reply
  9. Tara

    November 11, 2012 at 10:53 am

    I just saw this recently and thought what a brilliant idea. A great gift to give and I love your little jars!!

    Reply
  10. Jen @JuanitasCocina

    November 11, 2012 at 9:30 am

    My homemade vanilla has been sitting for weeks for gifts! Of course, I kept some for me too! 😉

    Reply
  11. Katie

    November 11, 2012 at 10:06 am

    I've never thought to try to make homemade vanilla extract before - what a great idea! I'd love to get this as a gift...

    Reply
  12. Nicole @ The Daily Dish

    November 11, 2012 at 9:36 am

    I've only made my own extract once and it was absolutely fabulous. I really need to do it again and you have inspired me. I love the labels and bottles you used!!

    Reply
    • Flour On My Face

      November 11, 2012 at 10:16 am

      Thanks so much Nicole!

      Reply
  13. Renee

    November 11, 2012 at 8:31 am

    I have thought about making vanilla extract for the longest time. I don't know why I haven't made it yet because I use vanilla so much. You have inspired me to give it a try and I'm using your formula and recipe. Now for the patience part...

    Reply
    • Flour On My Face

      November 11, 2012 at 10:12 am

      Renee

      You will love it I promise!

      Reply
  14. Cindy's Recipes and Writings

    November 11, 2012 at 8:26 am

    Never tried making my own, thanks for the idea!

    Reply
  15. Hezzi-D

    November 11, 2012 at 7:42 am

    I started making vanilla extract last year for Christmas and since I've used it in my baked goods I haven't stopped! It's much cheaper then buying at the store and the flavor is so much better. Love the pretty bottles you have it in!

    Reply
  16. Baker Street

    November 11, 2012 at 7:27 am

    It has been over a year now and I only use homemade vanilla extract! This is easily one of the best gifts for a baker! 🙂

    Reply
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Homemade Vanilla Extract in clear 4 oz bottle decorated with a free vanilla label and tied with a bow at the top

Hi, I'm Arlene Mobley the cook & photographer here at Flour On My Face. I have been cooking for my family for over 40 years. I love sharing recipes to help busy families get dinner on the table.

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