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Basics · Recipe No. 475

Vanilla Extract

Homemade vanilla extract is easy to make, but it needs some time to develop its flavor and color. It can sit in a dark cupboard for several months.

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Vanilla extract
Recipe

Vanilla Extract

Rating
10/10
Amount
1×

The instructions use metric amounts.

Ingredients

If you bake, you definitely use it. Around the holidays there are lots of ways to use vanilla extract, but outside of the holidays it's perfect for desserts, too.

Vanilla extract is easy to make, but it needs some time to steep and develop its flavor and color. It can sit in a dark cupboard for several months.

I used Grand Marnier, but you can use any high-proof alcohol, like rum or Cointreau, or even pure spirit or vodka. A more aromatic alcohol, however, gives the extract a really special flavor.

Vanilla extract

I'm not following any particular recipe, because there are many recipes like this online, and the method is almost always the same.

Instructions - Vanilla Extract:

Cut the vanilla beans in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Put them, together with the empty pods, into a bottle or jar. Pour the alcohol over them, close the lid tightly and set aside in a dark place.

Enjoy!