I learned how to make vanilla extract several years ago and it has saved me hundreds of dollars. I am not exaggerating! Vanilla extract is very expensive and I bake a lot. I used to go through those little vanilla extract bottles about once or twice a month. The cost started adding up so I tried making my own cheap vanilla extract.
It turns out that it is super easy to make your own vanilla extract! One batch saves over $100!

I make the vanilla in a gallon sized glass jar and store it in the back of my cabinet. I keep a small glass jar in my baking cabinet for easy use.

How to make vanilla extract:

All you need is a bottle of cheap vodka (1.75 liters) and about twenty vanilla beans. I purchased the vanilla beans on Amazon and got the vodka at a local alcohol shop. I had both little kids with me and assured the cashier that the giant sized cheap vodka was for baking purposes only. It felt awkward.

Anyway. Simply slice each vanilla bean down the middle and put them all in the vodka. You don’t have to pour the vodka in a glass jar, but I do because I like to have more than what fits in a standard vodka bottle. That way, I can add more to it when it is getting low rather than having to run out completely before restocking. I use a gallon sized glass jar that I purchased at Whole Foods that was sold with apple juice.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1.75 liters Vodka
  • 20 Vanilla beans

Instructions
 

  • Slice open the vanilla beans and put into the bottle of vodka
  • Let sit in a dark place for three months (You can use it sooner but it will not be as potent)
How to make vanilla extract! This cheap vanilla extract is high quality and very easy to make!


That’s it! Just let the beans sit in the vodka for about three months (I have used it sooner, but it is not as potent). When my stores start to get low, I just add another bottle of vodka. Sometimes I throw in some new vanilla beans, but about half the time I rely on the beans that are already inside. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.

Make your own cheap vanilla extract
My gallon of vanilla hides in the back of my cabinet. Also, I kept seeing those chocolate chips while writing this post until I could not take it anymore. I am eating a handful right now.

Cheap vanilla that is easy to make? Yes!


This cheap vanilla extract is super easy, delicious and I haven’t had to buy expensive vanilla in tiny bottles for years. As I said previously, I calculated that one batch of vanilla saves over $100, so I’ve probably saved $300-$500 since I started making my own vanilla. It also serves as a great homemade Christmas gifts.
***Edited to add, apparently there is a vanilla shortage right now, so the price of beans has gone up, but so has the price of vanilla extract. It might be cost effective to make half a batch for now using 8-10 beans and 3/4 a liter (or similar size- it doesn’t have to be exact) of vodka.

You can then make these delicious vegan chocolate spice cookies with the vanilla!