Making homemade vanilla extract is so easy. What’s more, it’s 100% pure; no synthetic chemicals or preservatives are used.
Homemade vanilla extract only requires two ingredients; whole vanilla beans and alcohol. Then, all you need is some patience as you leave the precious beans in a cool, dark place for a minimum of 6 weeks to soak in the alcohol and release their gorgeous sweet, aromatic flavor. It’s best to leave the extract for 12 months to fully develop its flavour.
The question many people ask is how many beans do you need to make a divine bottle of single-fold vanilla extract? According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to be labelled pure single-fold vanilla extract the liquid must contain 13.35 ounces of natural vanilla beans in every gallon of alcohol. Commercial double-fold pure vanilla extract contains 23 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon of alcohol. The FDA recommends the spirit should be at least 35% alcohol (70 proof).
Most bakers and chefs use vodka to make homemade vanilla extract because it has a neutral taste. For an added flavour boost, you can use white rum, brandy and bourbon.
For the home baker, the FDA requirements equal 0.10 ounces of vanilla beans in every 1 ounce of spirits. If you’re using average-sized vanilla beans, 6 to 8 beans equal one ounce. For plumper vanilla beans, 1 to 3 beans equal one ounce. For smaller vanilla beans, you’ll need 15 or more to make up one ounce.
Here is a table that will help you get started making your own single-fold vanilla extract. Double the quantity of vanilla beans for double the flavour.
If you want a stronger vanilla flavour, double the beans you add to the same amount of alcohol for double-fold vanilla extract.
A SIMPLE GUIDE IS THAT YOU WILL NEED 1 OZ OF VANILLA BEANS PER 8 OZ OF ALCOHOL. YOU CAN ALSO USE OUR VANILLA EXTRACT CALCULATOR TO WORK IT OUT.