Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe

If you do a lot of baking — or even a little — you already know that the one ingredient you absolutely can't do without is vanilla extract. The problem with vanilla, though, is that it's just so crazy expensive! If you're wondering why the price is so high, it all has to do with how the vanilla plants are cultivated, which is a difficult, labor-intensive process. Sure, there are cheaper substitutes for vanilla, including imitation vanilla extract, but sometimes you just want the real deal. Well, we have good news for all you DIY fans out there! Recipe developer Kate Shungu of Gift of Hospitality has the perfect homemade vanilla extract recipe for all of your baking needs. "Making your own vanilla extract is super economical," Shungu says. "This recipe makes about 3–4 small jars of vanilla, and costs about the same as 1–2 jars of store-bought extract."

It's not just the price that gives homemade vanilla an advantage over the store-bought kind, though. "Store-bought vanilla can taste somewhat bitter if you put a drop on your tongue," Shungu explains, noting that her homemade version tastes like a smooth brandy. Something tells us that you'll be returning to this homemade vanilla extract recipe again and again — keep reading to learn how to make it.

In order to make this recipe, you'll need to put in all of five minutes worth of work, tops. Open the package of vanilla beans and extract two of the precious pods. Take a sharp knife and use it to cut a slit down the middle of each bean so that the seeds are exposed. It is not necessary to scrape the seeds out of the pod, but the seeds do need to be exposed to the brandy. Open the brandy bottle, drop in the beans, then screw the cap back on. Done! Well, all but for the waiting.

After a month, your homemade vanilla extract is ready to go, and you can use it in all sorts of baked goods. But why keep it limited to only your kitchen? As a matter of fact, this vanilla extract makes a wonderful gift, you just have to plan ahead so it'll be ready in time for the holidays. "I made homemade vanilla extract one year a month before Christmas, and then gave out jars to a few family members who like to bake," Shungu explains, adding that it was a big hit: "They really enjoyed it!"

If you, too, have baking enthusiast on your gift list, they're likely to welcome a gift of homemade vanilla. Shungu suggests packaging it in a gift bag or basket, perhaps with some measuring spoons and a cute holiday-themed spatula. She says this presentation would make for "an inexpensive yet thoughtful item that you could give for the holidays or even a hostess gift." Whether you choose to make homemade vanilla extract to give as gifts or to keep in your own pantry, this useful little liquid is sure to be a hit this holiday season.