How to Make Homemade Bourbon Vanilla Extract

Homemade bourbon vanilla bean extract will add jazz hands to all of your baking projects! So many desserts use vanilla extract to elevate their final flavor (hellooo Mega Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cookies!) and I used a ton of it when I was recipe testing The Cookie Book and The Cake Book! I use it liberally in many, many (most?!) recipes!

In the photo above you’ll see the bottle of vanilla extract that I’ve been using for years — I originally put it together back in 2017. That ‘aged’ vanilla extract is on the right and it’s a rich, deep mahogany. The vanilla extract on the left I put together for these photos…it needs several months to take on that deep, rich color; which is why we’re talking about it now!

In This Post!

1. Why Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
2. What You Need to Make Vanilla Bean Extract
3. Types of Vanilla Beans
4. Vanilla Bean Extract Timeline
5. Different Types of Vanilla for Baking
6. How-To Extract Vanilla Bean Seeds
7. Gifting Bourbon Vanilla Extract
8. Bourbon Vanilla Q&A
9. Vanilla-Making Supplies (aka LET’S SHOP ;)
10. My Favorite Vanilla-Forward Recipes!

Whew, this is a long one. Grab yourself some tea (or bourbon) and start reading! You’re going to love this easy peasy baking project that will completely elevate your baked goods! xo

Why Make Vanilla Bean Extract

It’s Easy!

It takes less than 15 minutes to make real vanilla bean extract at home. FIFTEEN MINUTES. The only part that takes some time is waiting for it to be ready to use. It realistically takes several months (and longer) to develop that rich color and flavor of the dark bottle featured above. But it is so worth the wait!!

It’s Cost Effective

OK, well, first, it is expensive. You need to buy the vanilla, bottles and booze (I give suggestions for all below!). But in the end, you’ll never need to purchase extract at the store again. Like, ever. Essentially, you add leftover vanilla bean pods whenever you have them and frequently top off your bottle with more booze. That’s it. Piece of cake.

Compare this initial upfront expense with continually buying expensive bottles of vanilla at the store. Additionally, I don’t know if you remember this…but when I was testing The Cookie Book there was a vanilla shortage. It was difficult to find on shelves for a period of time and then the price was astronomical.

Having your own bottle queued up means you won’t have to shell out the big bucks or go to multiple stores just to make some delicious Salted Olive Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies (these use a generous 1 tablespoon (13 g) of vanilla extract in the dough base — YUM). 

Environmentally & Socially Responsible

You won’t be going through small bottles of extract. You’ll keep replenishing your big bottle so there’s no need to keep cycling through the little (often plastic) ones. 

In regards to social responsibility, the vanilla industry has faced a series of problems over the years. Most vanilla is sourced in Madagascar. Some other regions include Mexico, Tahiti, Indonesia, Uganda and Tonga.

There have been problems, specifically in Madagascar, with corruption and sustainability issues within the industry. If you make sure your vanilla beans and other vanilla products (paste and extract) are from socially responsible companies, you’ll feel much better about the products you’re using. Vanilla bean sourcing companies are listed below.

Endless Supply

You’ll never run out! As long as you get yourself a big ‘ol bottle of booze you can just top off your vanilla every time you use some. 

Pretty Vanilla Flecks

When you split your vanilla beans and shove them in the jar, the vanilla bean seeds will float around in your extract giving those beautiful vanilla bean flecks that we all love to see in baked goods. I just have so many feelings for them. They can elevate a simple powdered sugar and cream glaze to suddenly dazzling. Trust me. Try it. 

Gifts

Nothing says I love you like a bottle of homemade vanilla extract. Ok, that might be stretching it. I think it would be awesome as a stocking stuffer, to leave on a friend’s doorstep… BUT, you need to make the extract now (today!) so that it has time to develop in color, flavor and intensity before gifting.

What Your Need to Make Vanilla Extract

Vanilla Beans

What to Look For

You’re going to look for nice, plump vanilla beans; you don’t want dry and shriveled ones. Vanilla beans come in grade A and B, you can use either when making extract. Additionally, you’ll want to look into the company that’s selling you your vanilla beans (see the note below) to make sure they are using best practices to get the vanilla beans from the farm to your kitchen.

You’ll need 6-12 vanilla bean pods, per 16 oz jar, to get your vanilla extract started. Continue to add vanilla bean pods to your jar as you use vanilla bean seeds in your baking. 

Reliable Brands

A short-list of my go-to brands are Rodelle, Heilala and Nielsen-Massey. These are the most readily available brands of vanilla products and the most upfront about their trade and production policies.

I am not an expert on the vanilla trade industry (obviously), so do some research, reach out to companies with any questions. I would be hesitant to buy vanilla from a company that didn’t talk about fair trade, sustainability and business ethics.

Other Options to Consider

I have purchased vanilla beans on Amazon. But, to be honest, I wouldn’t do that anymore because I had a hard time finding information about the companies I was buying from.

Another source I’ve used is Costco around the holidays…these beans are very well priced and good quality. However, again, I’m not sure about the sourcing as when I last purchased them I wasn’t knowledgeable about the industry.

So keep an eye open for vanilla beans hitting the shelves in late October/November and see if they mention sustainability, fair trade, as well as the company they are purchasing from. You want to support companies that are building relationships with their growers and making their lives better, not exploiting them (which I don’t think any of us want).

The Vanilla Bean Industry

Many regions where vanilla is harvested are vulnerable to corrupt practices and the people this takes the highest toll on are the farmers and their local communities. It’s nice to put our money with companies that are trying to elevate rather than exploit. You can read this article to get more details on the industry.

Types of Vanilla Beans 

The three most common types of vanilla beans are (regardless of where they are grown): Madagascar, Mexican and Tahitian. Madagascar is typically described as smooth and creamy (it’s what I use and tend to favor). Mexican is described as ‘smokey’ and Tahitian as more floral. Tahitian vanilla beans are not recommended for desserts that will endure hot temperatures, so remember that when picking vanilla beans for any high heat baking.

Vanilla Bean Extract Timeline

To Make

It will take you less than 15 minutes to put together your vanilla extract — the stuff of dreams!

Ready, Set, Wait!

When I first made my vanilla extract I was dismayed that it took so long, to be honest! A lot of websites make it seem like it will be ready in weeks. That just isn’t how it works. It’s a bit of a waiting game.

You throw the split pods into the jar, cover it with booze (I can’t recommend bourbon enough) and then you wait. You periodically walk past it and give it a shake. You hold it up to the light to see if the color has darkened. You make a delicious sweet treat using real vanilla bean and you throw the leftover pod into the jar thinking this might be the pod that deepens the color and flavor to the point of deliciousness.

Alas buttercup, in 2-3 months you can start using it but it will reach its full glory closer to 12 months. It’s a bit of a long game. But once she’s aged and fully mature, you’ll never look back. An endless supply of delicious vanilla extract awaits.

Different Types of Vanilla for Baking

Extract

This is the most requested vanilla product used in baking. It’s convenient and relatively reasonably priced (I mean, I say this, but it’s still expensive!). Most any recipe that asks for other types of vanilla (beans or paste), you can sub in extract in its place (careful when making something delicate like meringues and macarons).

I always do a 1:1 swap between extract and paste. One (1) tablespoon of vanilla paste = 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. The drawback on using extract is that you’re missing out on vanilla flecks in your baked good (UNLESS you’re using your own!).

One last vanilla extract note, always purchase real, not imitation, vanilla bean extract. There is no contest that the former is the superior product and the latter should be avoided.

Vanilla Beans

I adoreeee using real vanilla beans in baking. I love the taste, the smell and the look. BUT, they are expensive and thus typically reserved for special baking projects or special occasions.

I think of 1/2 a vanilla bean (seeds scraped) as equal to 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract or paste. One (1) whole vanilla bean (seeds scraped) is equal to 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract or paste. Use this as a general guide…if your vanilla bean pod is small or dried you would need to adjust these.

The beauty of making your own vanilla extract is that you’re not tossing out your used vanilla bean pods. You’re shoving them in your vanilla bean jar and just making your vanilla bean extract that much more delicious!

Paste

Vanilla bean paste is a GREAT product that falls somewhere between using real vanilla beans and vanilla bean extract. It costs roughly the same as extract (depending on where you purchase it), is typically a concentrated vanilla flavor (again, depending on the brand you’re purchasing) and has those beautiful vanilla bean flecks floating in it (have I mentioned how much I love these?). 

I’m such a big fan of all of these vanilla products and oscillate between using all three. And as much as I’m an advocate for making your own vanilla extract, I’m not shaming anyone for buying it (which I periodically still do!)!! From a reputable company it’s a fantastic (amazing!) product. 

How To Extract Vanilla Bean Seeds

First…

Split your bean lengthwise using a small paring knife. The smaller knife will make it easier to maintain a light, consistent pressure. Try not to press the knife through the vanilla bean, you just want to cut through one layer of the bean. You only need to perform this step if you’re making extract and are throwing the beans into your extract jar.

Second…

If you’re going to be using the bean seeds for baking, flip your knife over to the dull side (or back side of the knife). This will make it less likely that you’ll cut through the bean. Use your free hand to hold the vanilla bean open and using the dull side of the knife, scrape it down the length of the vanilla bean gathering the seeds and flesh.

The better quality the bean (Is it moist? Is it plump?) the more seeds you’ll be able to get. Add the seeds and scraped flesh into your baked good and discard the vanilla bean pod into your extract jar. This will keep building and concentrating the flavor of your extract.

Gifting Homemade Bourbon Vanilla Extract

I LOVEEEE the idea of gifting homemade bourbon vanilla bean extract. It’s such a thoughtful, indulgent gift for someone that loves to bake. You can just tie a simple tag around it or you can make it into a larger gift. Some ideas include: throwing in a bottle of your favorite bourbon, vodka or rum.

Throwing in a funnel (because they’ll need it). Printing out a cute instruction card so they know how to replenish their supply for years to come. You could also gift some vanilla beans on the side, for them to use in baking and then add to their extract to make the flavor of their extract even more intense. 

If gifting vanilla extract, I highly recommend starting now so it has time to deepen in color and flavor by the time you give it.

Bourbon Vanilla Extract Q&A

How long does homemade vanilla bean extract last?

Stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight your vanilla extract will stay good indefinitely. Just remember to keep topping it off with more bourbon (or other alcohol) every time you use it.

Can I use vanilla extract in place of vanilla beans, when a recipe asks for them?

Yes, of course! Half of a vanilla bean (seeds scraped, see above) is equal to about 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract or paste. One (1) whole vanilla bean (seeds scraped) is equal to 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract or paste. Use this as a general guide…if your vanilla bean pod is small or dried you would need to adjust these guidelines.

Can I add vanilla bean paste to my homemade vanilla extract?

I don’t recommend it. A lot of vanilla bean pastes have corn syrup or other sugars in them. Since you’re storing your homemade bourbon vanilla extract on the counter, you want to keep the ingredients as pure as possible: just booze (bourbon, rum or vodka) and vanilla beans.

Homemade Vanilla Extract Equipment & Products

Vanilla Bean Extract Bottles

I love these 16 oz bottles for holding extract (I use them for kombucha too). The advantage of these bottles is that they’re pretty, airtight and have a great swing top. If you’re going to be gifting extract, these come in a six-pack.

I have a current system where I have a larger, 32 oz bottle that I hold my extract in and then I pour some into a smaller, 16 oz bottle so that it’s easier to pour. That way I always have some aged vanilla waiting to be used.

If you’re just making it for yourself and don’t want to be too fussy, you can also just throw it in a mason jar and call it a day. 

Funnel

It makes the whole process so much easier when you have a funnel. This is the set I have — I also use it for kombucha and when I make salad dressings. 

Paring Knife

I love this one for photos and this one is a dream for daily use.

Cutting Board

This is my favorite cutting board for smaller cooking/baking projects…chopping chocolate, mincing onions and yes, scraping vanilla beans! It’s also super cute as a cheese board for a smaller gathering.

Vanilla Beans

I found these vanilla beans that say they are organic and ethically sourced. Do your research before purchasing! Most of the brands I listed above for vanilla extract also sell vanilla beans.

Bourbon, Booze, Etc Etc

My extract booze of choice is bourbon — it’s PERFECT. You could also use vodka or rum if that’s your preference. I like Buffalo Trace or Bearcat (a little harder to find); both are excellent bourbon choices. For vodka I use Kettle One or Titos.

Whatever liquor you choose, make sure it is at least 80-proof (40% alcohol).

Also, if I’m out of bourbon I will top off with vodka and vice versa. It does not negatively impact the flavor of your vanilla extract.

Liquid Measuring Cup

This is an awesome three-piece set and I used it every day. Love.

Gift Tags

I use these gift tags for everything!!

My Favorite Vanilla Bean Forward Recipes

Here is a small collection of some of my favorite vanilla extract recipes that really shine a light on this gorgeous flavor! Starting with my Small Batch Mega Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cookies. The name says it all! There is heaps of vanilla in these and they are SO GOOD.

Grab My Favorite Cookies Tips for Perfect Cookies, make these  S’more Cookie Bars! Don’t forget all of my favorite chocolate chip cookies (that really let vanilla extract shine): Salted Olive Oil Chocolate Chip, Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, DO NOT sleep on these Brown Butter Musovado Bar Cookies and get all the cookie recipes right here!

I would be remiss not to point you in the direction of this gem: The BEST Everyday Banana Bread.

This is a *very* short list of vanilla extract recipe as I’m pretty sure 90% of this blog is laced with vanilla extract!