In short:
To make homemade vanilla extract, simply split 5 to 6 Bourbon TK vanilla pods, immerse them split-open in 500ml of neutral 40% alcohol (vodka or white rum), then let steep for at least 2 months away from light, shaking the jar every week. The longer it steeps (up to 6 months), the more powerful the extract becomes. TK vanilla, cheaper and richer in vanillin than Gourmet, is the ideal format for this use.
Why make your own vanilla extract instead of buying it?
Store-bought vanilla extract is expensive and rarely contains more than 2 pods per bottle, and some are even reconstituted from flavoring. Homemade, a vanilla extract works out much cheaper per liter and lets you control the concentration precisely, while also making good use of already-scraped pods you'd otherwise throw away.
The step-by-step recipe
- Choose the right format: go for TK vanilla, with a lower moisture level and more vanillin than Gourmet, making it more effective for steeping.
- Split the pods lengthwise along their full length without cutting them in two, to maximize the surface area in contact with the alcohol.
- Immerse them in a sterilized glass jar containing 500ml of neutral alcohol at least 40% ABV (vodka, white rum or eau-de-vie).
- Seal tightly and store away from light, at room temperature.
- Shake the jar once a week to even out the extraction.
- Wait 2 to 6 months: the longer it steeps, the more powerful and amber the extract will become.
What dosage should I use in my recipes?
| Preparation | Recommended homemade extract dosage |
|---|---|
| Pastry cream (500ml of milk) | 1 to 2 teaspoons |
| Cake batter (1 standard pan) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cocktail or drink | A few drops |
How long does a homemade extract keep?
Thanks to the alcohol content, a homemade vanilla extract keeps indefinitely at room temperature, away from light. You can even keep topping it up with fresh alcohol as you use up the extract, leaving the same pods to steep for several years: they'll keep flavoring every new addition.
Ready to start your first homemade extract?
Our TK Vanilla, rich in vanillin, is the ideal format for steeping.
Discover Comptoir Manitra TK Vanilla