Make homemade vanilla extract without added sugar or preservatives. You only need 2 ingredients and a bit of patience for a delicious baking staple to put in the pantry or give as a gift!<\/p>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nI\u2019ve always been a huge fan of vanilla, using it in Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream<\/a>, White Bean Blondies<\/a>, and Homemade Vanilla Coffee Creamer<\/a>. And it\u2019s not just for cakes or cookies; I even use vanilla extract in Homemade Bug Spray<\/a>!<\/p>\n For several years, I\u2019ve bought vanilla extract in bulk, buying what I thought was a quality product for a fair price.<\/p>\n Then we moved to a new area, and the price of vanilla extract doubled. That was my cue to start making my own homemade vanilla extract.<\/p>\n Have you ever looked to see what\u2019s in your store-bought vanilla? I\u2019ve found dextrose in Kirkland brand vanilla extract (from Costco<\/a>) and corn syrup in McCormick brand \u2013 and I bought both bottles without even thinking to read the labels beforehand.<\/p>\n In order to be labeled \u201cpure vanilla extract,\u201d the United States Food and Drug Administration<\/a> (FDA) requires the solution to consist of 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans to a gallon of at least 35% alcohol and up to 65% water. The FDA also stipulates that:<\/p>\n \u201cVanilla extract may contain one or more of the following optional ingredients: (1) Glycerin, (2) Propylene glycol, (3) Sugar (including invert sugar), (4) Dextrose, (5) Corn syrup (including dried corn syrup).\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Even though we typically use vanilla extract only a teaspoon at a time, I don\u2019t love that unnecessary additives and sweeteners<\/a> are allowed in store-bought vanilla extract. Especially when you\u2019d expect that \u201cvanilla extract\u201d only contained vanilla. (And let\u2019s not even get into imitation vanilla and artificial flavors!)<\/p>\n From a budget perspective, it concerns me that \u201cpure vanilla extract\u201d can be significantly watered down! The manufacturers can dilute their vanilla extract accordingly, and while we think we\u2019re getting 100% vanilla extract, we really only get 35% vanilla extract!<\/p>\n We save money by making food from scratch<\/a>, and I was excited to experiment. Not only is our version truly pure vanilla extract, but it costs less than even the best store-bought vanilla!<\/p>\n Where does vanilla extract come from? Vanilla beans are soaked in alcohol to draw out (or extract) the vanilla flavor.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how to be frugal with your vanilla bean extract ingredients.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re replicating a typical bottle of store-bought vanilla extract, you need about 16 ounces of alcohol and at least 4 vanilla beans. You can add more for a stronger vanilla flavor, but I like to keep mine on the frugal side.<\/p>\n Ready to learn how to make vanilla extract? It couldn\u2019t be easier!<\/p>\n Step 1: Combine alcohol and whole vanilla beans<\/strong> in a clean jar<\/a> and seal.<\/p>\n Step 2: Place the jar in a cool, dark place for 2 months,<\/strong> occasionally agitating the beans in the alcohol.<\/p>\n Step 3: When the vanilla extract is done,<\/strong> you can leave the beans in or remove them. Use the same amount of homemade vanilla extract as you would of store-bought vanilla in recipes.<\/p>\n Note: <\/strong>Your homemade vanilla extract may not look the same color as the vanilla from the store. The color does not determine the quality \u2013 some store-bought brands add color too.<\/p>\n Make a large batch of homemade vanilla extract, and you will have a good supply on hand for baked goods. It also makes a great gift for the holidays in a cute mason jar<\/a>!<\/p>\n Assuming you\u2019re frugal like me, the best jars for homemade vanilla bean extract are the ones you already have on hand. Old oil and vinegar bottles are perfect in size! Once they\u2019re washed, you can remove the label from the jar with this method<\/a> and start making vanilla extract!<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t have any old glass bottles, there are plenty of jar options available. Thrift stores and garage sales are good places to look, but this set of 8.5-ounce bottles is ideal<\/a> \u2013 it seals completely and keeps the vanilla beans submerged. Plus, you can make a half batch of vanilla, and it\u2019ll fit perfectly.<\/p>\n Make sure you use dark-tinted bottles or store the vanilla extract in a cool, dark place to protect it from light and keep it from going bad.<\/p>\n It can last for years. As long as it smells good, you\u2019re good to go!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Yes, it is cheaper to make it homemade. I mentioned earlier that after we moved, the price of vanilla extract doubled.<\/p>\n When I first shared my top items to buy at Costco<\/a>, I had vanilla extract listed at $6.99 for a 16-oz bottle. Shortly thereafter, I paid $16.99. Isn\u2019t that crazy?! I was convinced to make my own vanilla extract when I learned about the additives it can contain, but when the price nearly doubled, that sealed the deal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I\u2019m a firm believer that quality ingredients just taste better. But in the case of homemade vanilla extract, go cheap \u2013 as cheap as you possibly can! Whether you choose Mexican, Tahitian, or Madagascar vanilla beans, Grade B vanilla beans work just fine for homemade vanilla extract.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Single-fold and double-fold have to do with the proportion of vanilla beans to alcohol. Single-fold has less, and double-fold has more. I\u2019ve always had my single-fold homemade vanilla extract turn out delicious, but if you want to splurge and use more vanilla beans for extract, go for it!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I\u2019ve figured out a few vanilla substitutions that work for baking and cooking if vanilla beans are not in the budget. In fact, I found 15 different vanilla extract alternatives<\/a>!<\/p>\n You don\u2019t want to skip the vanilla, but if the prices on beans right now will bust your budget, try a substitution. Your cupcakes and desserts will still taste delicious!<\/p>\n Substituting lesser-priced ingredients for higher ones is the FIRST thing I teach my students in Grocery Budget Bootcamp<\/a>. When they try this, most of my students save money on the first day of class! It always blows me away when I hear about the savings from simple substitutions.<\/em><\/p>\n Enrollment in Grocery Budget Bootcamp is currently closed, but if you need a bit more help saving on groceries, sign up here for the FREE Fight Inflation Workshop<\/a>. I can\u2019t wait to share three AMAZING sessions focused on saving money on groceries NOW \u2013 despite the rising cost of food!<\/em><\/p>\n Sign up for my FREE Fight Inflation Workshop<\/strong>\u00a0and learn simple strategies to save money, even with rising food costs!\n\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nWHY MAKE HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT<\/h2>\n
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VANILLA BEAN EXTRACT INGREDIENTS<\/h2>\n
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HOW TO MAKE VANILLA EXTRACT INSTRUCTIONS<\/h2>\n
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VANILLA EXTRACT RECIPE TIPS<\/h2>\n
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STORING VANILLA BEAN EXTRACT<\/h2>\n
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VANILLA ESSENCE FAQS<\/h2>\n
How long does homemade vanilla extract last?<\/h3>\n
Is it cheaper to make your own vanilla essence?<\/h3>\n
What are the best vanilla beans for extract?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What is single-fold vs double-fold vanilla extract?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
VANILLA BEANS FOR EXTRACT<\/h2>\n
MORE FRUGAL DIY RECIPES<\/h2>\n
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Fight Inflation Workshop!<\/h4>\n
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\n<\/p>\nHomemade Vanilla Extract<\/h2>\n
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