How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract & How to Use a Vanilla Bean

Making your own vanilla extract is so easy and delicious. I started a batch in 2012, and I just keep adding more vanilla beans and vodka every so often. The extract will keep indefinitely; and over the months, it just gets better.

The type of vanilla bean you use will range in flavor, so try many and pick your favorite. You'll find a link to my favorite beans below.

Equipment (affiliate links):

Chapters
0:33 About Vanilla Beans
1:17 Types of Vanilla Beans
4:02 How to Cut a Vanilla Bean
6:19 How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
13:29 How to Refill Vanilla Extract
17:14 Non-Alcoholic Vanilla
18:02 How to Make Vanilla Sugar
19:15 How to Make Vanilla Paste

[pastrywarrior]

I have 2 bottles of homemade baby! One jar has about 100 beans that I started about 7 years ago! I split some and leave some whole so when I use them I snip the end and can squeeze out the beans

[laker]

I
Was in the process of making my own vanilla and this made me realize that I didn’t have enough beans in my bottle. Most recipes say 2oz of vodka per bean but I definitely agree that the more beans the better 😏

[omafontes]

I cut my bean in to thirds before placing in bottle.i use 1 ox of beans to 8 oz vodka. Make sure beans are totally covered with alcohol. Shake a lot first 6 months. Give your extract 9-12 months to fully extract. Longer the better

[michelleschneider]

My kids (7 yo boy and 9 yo girl) and I love watching you, Zoe! I fell in love with your cookbooks 12 years ago when I was first married and wanting to learn how to make homemade bread. That was back when I thought "homemade" meant made from a boxed mix! :) I was not a good baker or cook but now my husband tells me how delicious my bread is and my kids wake up each morning and ask, "What are you making today, mom?" It's all because of you and your cookbooks! I'm so thankful you're starting a Youtube page and look forward to watching your videos with my kids!

[melindaconway]

I made my own vanilla extract, thanks to you! And shared how to with some younger gals in my life. It is fantastic. Golly, my daughters and my grandkids miss your show! Thanks for starting videos here!

[heidielizabetharias]

I've been wanting to start my own vanilla, and have watched many videos. This one is by far the most helpful and comprehensive. My search is over. Thank you so much!

[Faith-wwbggip]

I bought your "Zoe Bakes Cakes" cook book a couple years ago and this was the first thing I made. It is so awesome to have homemade vanilla. My bottle first started in 1/2022. I didn't realize that I should start to replenish when the bottle is down about half and so I just had to start again. It'll be worth the wait. I have been baking through your book and learning so much...thank you Zoe!!

[Jack.]

I think the same about salted butter being an essential in all baked goods.. I don't know why salted butter isn't the primary choice for most baked goods. I made a cake with unsalted and I instantly regretted it

[jayzuniga]

I learned so many things about vanilla in just a few minutes with you Zoe!!! Thanks for teaching us different ways to make our own vanilla extract, vanilla sugar, vanilla paste! I love doing things from scratch, so I appreciate you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us. Greetings from Honduras!

[Zobeida-epku]

First of all, finally I can understand you nice lady called Zoe, you had started to explain slowly, methodically just like a PROFESSIONAL I know I am going to enjoy listening to you for a very long long time. Very many thanks dear Zoe, now I can go back & continue listening to your explanation about Madagascar Bourbon vanilla bean!!

[kathleenmoul]

I've been making my own vanilla extract for several years and it's the best. I've also made vanilla sugar. Thank you so much for your videos. As an avid baker, I am really enjoying them.

[donpetermann]

So informative and so helpful. Love watching you and have watched every episode on Magnolia.

[debbielawrence]

Thank you for this masterclass on vanilla. I am excited to make my own bottled vanilla as well as the vanilla paste🙌

[marikajohn]

Great clear info on vanilla which I just started Xmas but so much info on sugar which I like also grades. 😊😊

[suznbee]

Made it a couple of years ago after seeing you talk about it. Sooo good! great gifts too, doesn’t have to be a huge bottle to gift,

[charlenajoanna]

You have such a beautiful energy about you — you’re so graceful and just simply wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing and Merry Christmas to you and yours! God bless 🙏✨🥂🎄

[andriesstofberg]

I bought some vanilla beans on Réunion island once. About a 3 hour flight from where I live. Excellent quality too.

[gloriachamarro]

Love love love this video! Thank you for making it. You inspired me to make my own vanilla extract and I have two big bottles, with lots of vanilla beans, “brewing” 😊. You are wonderful! Thank you for sharing all this information, Zoë ❤

[WendyPhillips-ub]

Love your passion for what you are doing and the information you are sharing 😊

[wendychristensen]

You need to mention that the FDA has said that in order for vanilla to be actual vanilla extract you need a ration of 1 ounce of beans to 8 oz. of alcohol. Also for it to actually mature properly Vodka needs 1 year and any dark liquor needs 18 months - 2 years. The bean has many flavor components that take time. If you are using it within 3 months you are not allowing those flavor components to properly mature. I guess if you like it then that is fine but I find waiting for the proper maturity is well worth the time and flavor.