How To Make Vanilla Extract – Double Fold – Includes How To Make Vanilla Sugar

If you like to use real vanilla extract I am sure you have seen how pricey it can be. You can save a ton when you learn how to make vanilla extract at home.

How To Make Vanilla Extract

Learning how to make vanilla extract at home is pretty easy. In fact, the hardest part about making is waiting. While it only takes a few minutes to mix up, it does take some time to age.

It may look like it costs a lot to make your own but that is because it makes a large amount. One homemade batch of vanilla extract will last you a really long time.

It also makes for a great gift idea if you know someone that loves to cook. Simply split the batch into small glass bottles after it has aged. Then put a gift tag on it or in a basket with other baking items.

We made this using vodka but you could also use rum if you wanted. You don’t need to buy high dollar brands. The cheap stuff works just fine for making an extract.

This is a recipe for what is called double-fold vanilla. That means it is even stronger than the normal stuff you buy in the grocery store. It is the type that most bakers like to use as it really helps recipes add that vanilla flavor.

Not only am I going to tell you how to make the extract, but I am also going to tell you how to make vanilla sugar! It is a great way to reuse the beans when you are done so you get the most of them.

Ready to see how easy it is to learn how to make vanilla extract? Let’s get started!

Making The Extract:

Start by separating the vanilla beans into two groups. You want to make sure you use at least a grade B vanilla bean. Leave half of them whole and take the other half and slice them lengthwise. As we want to scrap them out.

Open the bottle of vodka (or rum) and pour a little out. Heck, just make yourself a mixed drink while you are at it so it is not wasted.

Then place the whole beans and the sliced beans and the scrapings from those beans into the bottle. Place the lid on and give it a good shake. You could also use another gloss bottle if you wanted if you did not like the look of the alcohol bottle.

Place the bottle somewhere where you will remember to give it a shake every day or at least every few days.

For best results allow the vanilla extract to age for at least six to twelve months before using. You could use after about eight weeks, but it will not have as much of a vanilla punch to it.

When you are ready to start using or to give as gifts, remove the beans from the liquid. I find it easiest to pour some into a smaller bottle and use that one for the day to day use.

That way you don’t have to mess with the big bottle or keep opening it to the air.

What To Do With Beans When Done?

When your extract is done aging and you remove the beans, they are still useful so don’t toss them out. You can use them to make what is called vanilla sugar! 

When you remove the beans from the extract, allow a day or two for them to dry out. Because they are wet from alcohol, it normally does not take to long. 

After they are dry, place them in a small container or Ziploc bag and cover with sugar. Every few days give it a shake to mix it around. Keep doing that for about 2-3 weeks. 

Then you can remove the beans and toss in the trash. Use the vanilla sugar for things like coffee, mixed drinks, cereal and just about anything else you add sugar to.

If you are looking for recipes to try your new vanilla extract in, here are a few to check out.

• Grandma’s Raisin Cake Recipe
• Orange Instant Pot Cheesecake Recipe (or any Pressure Cooker)
• Healthy Caramel Apple Oatmeal Recipe
• DIY Vanilla Chai Lip Balm
• Homemade Butter Pecan Cookies
• Super Easy 2 Minute Bread Pudding