For those who are interested:
# Homemade Vanilla Extract and Paste: A Complete Guide
Making your own vanilla extract or paste from whole vanilla beans is simple, cost-effective, and produces a superior product to most store-bought versions. Homemade versions develop deeper, more nuanced flavors over time and allow customization with different spirits.
**Note on Storing Whole Vanilla Beans**
Whole vanilla beans should **not** be refrigerated or frozen. Refrigeration introduces moisture fluctuations that can lead to mold, while freezing makes them brittle and reduces flavor. Instead, store them in an airtight container (like a glass jar or vacuum-sealed bag) in a cool, dark pantry at 60–85°F (15–29°C). Air them out briefly every 1–2 months to prevent moisture buildup. Properly stored, they last 1–2 years.
The tiny black seeds inside (often called "vanilla caviar") are where much of the flavor resides:
## Option 1: Homemade Vanilla Extract (Liquid)
This is the classic method—alcohol-infused vanilla that improves with age and has an indefinite shelf life.
### Ingredients (for about 8 oz / 1 cup)
- 4–8 whole vanilla beans (use 5–6 for standard "single-fold" strength; 8+ for richer "double-fold")
- 8 oz (1 cup) alcohol, minimum 35% ABV (70 proof):
- **Vodka** (80 proof): Neutral base for pure vanilla flavor.
- **Bourbon or whiskey**: Adds warm, caramel, oaky notes—highly recommended for depth (e.g., Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Maker's Mark).
- **Rum**: Brings sweetness.
- Avoid flavored spirits.
### Instructions
1. Split the beans lengthwise with a sharp knife (to expose the seeds and speed infusion) or cut into 1-inch pieces.
2. Place the beans in a clean glass bottle or jar (dark amber glass is best to protect from light).
3. Pour the alcohol over the beans, ensuring they are fully submerged (add more alcohol if needed).
4. Seal tightly and shake well.
During infusion:
Bourbon/whiskey versions develop a beautiful rich color:
5. Store in a cool, dark place.
6. Shake occasionally (weekly at first, then monthly).
7. Infuse for at least 2–6 months (usable sooner but best after 6–12 months). It darkens and strengthens over time—many keep it going indefinitely.
8. Optional: Strain out beans or leave them in ("mother jar" style) and top off with more alcohol as you use it.
Finished extract:
### Usage
Use 1:1 as a replacement for store-bought vanilla extract. Whiskey/bourbon versions excel in rich desserts like chocolate cakes, pecan pie, or bread pudding.
### Storage
Room temperature in a dark cupboard—indefinite shelf life (alcohol preserves it naturally).
## Option 2: Homemade Vanilla Bean Paste
For immediate use with visible specks (great in ice cream, frosting, or crème brûlée).
### Ingredients (for ~8–12 oz)
- 6–10 whole vanilla beans (or spent beans from extract plus fresh ones)
- 4–6 oz light corn syrup, agave, maple syrup, or simple syrup (for thickness)
- 2–4 oz vodka or vanilla extract (for preservation)
- Optional: Pinch of xanthan gum or citric acid for stability
### Instructions
1. Cut beans into 1–2 inch pieces.
2. Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor for 2–5 minutes until smooth and speckled.
3. Optional: Strain for smoother texture (save solids for vanilla sugar).
4. Pour into clean jars.
Finished paste:
### Usage
Substitute 1:1 for extract (or slightly less—it's concentrated). Perfect where you want visible seeds.
### Storage
Room temperature in a dark place (1–3 years). Stir if it separates; some refrigerate for thicker consistency, but avoid if possible to prevent moisture issues.
Enjoy your homemade vanilla—it's a game-changer for baking and makes a wonderful gift!
# Homemade Vanilla Extract and Paste: A Complete Guide
Making your own vanilla extract or paste from whole vanilla beans is simple, cost-effective, and produces a superior product to most store-bought versions. Homemade versions develop deeper, more nuanced flavors over time and allow customization with different spirits.
**Note on Storing Whole Vanilla Beans**
Whole vanilla beans should **not** be refrigerated or frozen. Refrigeration introduces moisture fluctuations that can lead to mold, while freezing makes them brittle and reduces flavor. Instead, store them in an airtight container (like a glass jar or vacuum-sealed bag) in a cool, dark pantry at 60–85°F (15–29°C). Air them out briefly every 1–2 months to prevent moisture buildup. Properly stored, they last 1–2 years.
The tiny black seeds inside (often called "vanilla caviar") are where much of the flavor resides:
## Option 1: Homemade Vanilla Extract (Liquid)
This is the classic method—alcohol-infused vanilla that improves with age and has an indefinite shelf life.
### Ingredients (for about 8 oz / 1 cup)
- 4–8 whole vanilla beans (use 5–6 for standard "single-fold" strength; 8+ for richer "double-fold")
- 8 oz (1 cup) alcohol, minimum 35% ABV (70 proof):
- **Vodka** (80 proof): Neutral base for pure vanilla flavor.
- **Bourbon or whiskey**: Adds warm, caramel, oaky notes—highly recommended for depth (e.g., Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Maker's Mark).
- **Rum**: Brings sweetness.
- Avoid flavored spirits.
### Instructions
1. Split the beans lengthwise with a sharp knife (to expose the seeds and speed infusion) or cut into 1-inch pieces.
2. Place the beans in a clean glass bottle or jar (dark amber glass is best to protect from light).
3. Pour the alcohol over the beans, ensuring they are fully submerged (add more alcohol if needed).
4. Seal tightly and shake well.
During infusion:
Bourbon/whiskey versions develop a beautiful rich color:
5. Store in a cool, dark place.
6. Shake occasionally (weekly at first, then monthly).
7. Infuse for at least 2–6 months (usable sooner but best after 6–12 months). It darkens and strengthens over time—many keep it going indefinitely.
8. Optional: Strain out beans or leave them in ("mother jar" style) and top off with more alcohol as you use it.
Finished extract:
### Usage
Use 1:1 as a replacement for store-bought vanilla extract. Whiskey/bourbon versions excel in rich desserts like chocolate cakes, pecan pie, or bread pudding.
### Storage
Room temperature in a dark cupboard—indefinite shelf life (alcohol preserves it naturally).
## Option 2: Homemade Vanilla Bean Paste
For immediate use with visible specks (great in ice cream, frosting, or crème brûlée).
### Ingredients (for ~8–12 oz)
- 6–10 whole vanilla beans (or spent beans from extract plus fresh ones)
- 4–6 oz light corn syrup, agave, maple syrup, or simple syrup (for thickness)
- 2–4 oz vodka or vanilla extract (for preservation)
- Optional: Pinch of xanthan gum or citric acid for stability
### Instructions
1. Cut beans into 1–2 inch pieces.
2. Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor for 2–5 minutes until smooth and speckled.
3. Optional: Strain for smoother texture (save solids for vanilla sugar).
4. Pour into clean jars.
Finished paste:
### Usage
Substitute 1:1 for extract (or slightly less—it's concentrated). Perfect where you want visible seeds.
### Storage
Room temperature in a dark place (1–3 years). Stir if it separates; some refrigerate for thicker consistency, but avoid if possible to prevent moisture issues.
Enjoy your homemade vanilla—it's a game-changer for baking and makes a wonderful gift!
