Simply Sissom

Real Food for Real Life

  • Blog
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • The Newsletter
    • Privacy Policy
  • Recipes
    • Meal Plans
  • FREE RESOURCES FOR SUBSCRIBERS
  • Real Food For Real Life
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Muffins + Bars/Balls

    2-Ingredient Homemade Vanilla Extract

    December 17, 2015 by Bailey Sissom Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    I have never even made homemade vanilla extract before today. Can you believe it?  Never.

    Of course you can believe it, cause who does that? As my Mom likes to point out... they sell that stuff at the store.

    2 Ingredient Homemade Vanilla Extract tastes So. Much. Better. It is smooth, robust, and absolutely perfect. Also, homemade puts you in control of the quality and quantity of ingredients used.

    In my (pre I made vanilla extract) mind I associated homemade vanilla with domestic goddesses like Martha Stewart, Julia Child, and Tori Spelling (<-- just go with it).

    But now, in my (post I made vanilla extract) mind, homemade vanilla is DELIGHTFUL and surprisingly SIMPLE. It takes just 2 ingredients, vanilla beans and alcohol. You can be straightforward and use vodka (more neutral flavor), or mix it up  and try a bourbon variety.

    2 Ingredient Homemade Vanilla Extract

    Do NOT waste money purchasing top-shelf or high-proof alcohol to make vanilla. Using a 40%/80 proof will be more than fine. Store-bought varieties of vanilla extract are typically 35%/70 proof alcohol. In short, don't buy the cheapest available, but a mid-tier will be more than sufficient.

    Making you own vanilla does require a bit of patience. Ok a lot of patience. It takes the alcohol about 4 weeks (more is better) to extract the vanilla flavor from the beans. But you guys.. it's so worth it.

    If you are like me, and just now starting to get Christmas gifts for family and friends together.. you won't have vanilla by Christmas. No prob. Just tell the recipient to let it mature for X number of weeks before using.

    So, go ahead, join me on a level,with Martha, Julia, and Tori (<-- that's really not working is it?) and give this 2 Ingredient Homemade Vanilla Extract a shot!

    2 Ingredient Homemade Vanilla ExtractTime Saving Tips and Tricks:

    Prep:  No prep necessary. 2 ingredients!

    Make Ahead: Definitely. I think of vanilla as wine, the flavor gets better with time! (4 week minimum)

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

    2-Ingredient Homemade Vanilla Extract

    • Author: Bailey Sissom
    • Prep Time: 5 mins
    • Total Time: 5 minutes
    • Yield: 10 oz 1x
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 3 Vanilla Beans
    • 10 oz (1 ¼ cup) of bourbon or vodka

    Instructions

    1. Use a sharp knife to slice vanilla bean lengthwise down the middle, making sure to leaf 1 end in tact so that the bean does not split into 2 pieces.
    2. In a sealable jar, combine alcohol and prepared vanilla beans. Seal. Shake.
    3. Store jar at room temperature (dark pantry is best) and shake at least 1x per week for at least 4 weeks.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @simplysissom on Instagram and hashtag it #simplysissom

    Helpful Hints:

    1. Make sure not to skimp on the quality of the vanilla beans you purchase. For cooking, grade A is often recommended. For making extract Grade B is actually best.
    2. Hobby Lobby has awesome jars for making vanilla (or any other gift basket type item)

    Looking for more whole-food friendly edible gift basket ideas? Check out Simply Sissom's Instagram account where you can follow along as I make gift baskets loaded with goodies (recipes and pics included). Many of these recipes are not included on the blog?.

    If you want even more whole-food Christmas recipes check out Simply Sissom's new Pinterest board, Clean Eating Christmas. It's a collection of my favorite healthy Christmas recipes from some of the best bloggers on the web. New pins are added daily!

    Other Whole Food Gift Basket Ideas You Might Like:

    Healthy Spelt Flour Gingerbread Muffins:

    Healthy Gingerbread Muffins with Crumbly Maple Topping

    Whole-Food Christmas Cut Out Cookies:

    How To Make Natural Food Coloring for Christmas Baking

    Whole Food Honey Roasted Almonds:

    Whole Food Honey Roasted almonds are simple, festive, and delicious!

    How To Make Natural Food Coloring For Christmas Baking (with FREE printable):

    How To Make Natural Food Coloring For Christmas Baking

    « Superfood Hot Chocolate
    15 Things I Learned About and Loved in 2015 »

    About Bailey Sissom

    Bailey Sissom is a 3rd grade teacher turned stay-at-home mom and the creator of Simply Sissom, a blog for busy moms who value feeding their kids healthy meals and snacks, but struggle with finding the time to make it happen. On Simply Sissom, Bailey shares practical recipes, tips and tricks to help make preparing whole food meals happen consistently.

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Hi, I'm Bailey! Boy Mom x3 and former teacher turned food blogger. On Simply Sissom you will find simple, tasty, fuss-free recipes that are perfect for busy families.

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes:

    • How To Build A Simple Trader Joe's Charcuterie Board
    • 4 Ingredient Pesto Chicken Bake
    • Make Ahead Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits (Video)
    • Simple Cauliflower Pizza Crust

    Seasonal Recipes

    • Crunchy Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls
    • Chunky Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins
    • Ultimate Pumpkin Pizza
    • Thick and Chunky Vegetable Soup

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Simply Serving

    Copyright © 2023 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress