How To Make Instant Pot Vanilla Extract

As soon as I came across the idea of making Instant Pot vanilla extract, I knew I had to try it! Not only do I love to bake, but I thought it would be interesting to learn how to make vanilla extract for myself or as a gift. 

The recipe calls for vodka and vanilla beans, but as someone in recovery, I thought should at least try an alcohol-free alternative. Unfortunately, the vegetable glycerin substitute I read about yielded some pretty unappetizing results, so alcohol does seem to be the best tool for the job.

How Much Does It Cost To Make Homemade Vanilla Extract?

At the time of writing, I paid about $30 for the 10 vanilla beans needed for this recipe, but today’s prices are closer to $1 per bean. So before you write off homemade vanilla extract as being prohibitively expensive, check out the current prices for high-quality vanilla extract and the going rate for vanilla beans.

I’ve found that good vanilla extract goes for about $2-4 per ounce. Between the cost of the vanilla beans and the $20 I paid for the vodka, I spent $50 on materials. Given that the recipe makes 32 ounces of vanilla extract, that’s around $1.50 in materials per ounce of vanilla, which beats $2-4 any day!

So not only is it economical, but you also end up with pure, “small-batch” vanilla that adds a ton of flavor to your recipes! It makes a great holiday gift too — just pour it into a small bottle, add a ribbon and cute gift tag, and it’ll be ready for gifting!

How To Make Instant Pot Vanilla Extract

Ingredients:

• 10 B-grade vanilla beans*
• 4 cups mid-priced vodka**

*Not sure where to look for vanilla beans? You can find quality vanilla beans on Amazon and other online retailers.
**Look for a one-liter (1L) bottle — a standard 750mL bottle isn’t quite enough for this recipe.

Supplies:

• Instant Pot
• Trivet or steam rack
• 2 pint jars with lids and canning rings
• Paring knife

Directions:

Start by cutting the vanilla beans in half, then splitting each half down the center with your paring knife.

Next, divide the split beans between two pint jars. Add 2 cups of vodka to each jar, then place the lids on the jars.

Screw the rings on to hold the lids in place, but don’t over-tighten the rings. Finger-tight will do just fine!

Place a trivet or steam rack in the bottom of your Instant Pot, then set the sealed jars on top. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pot and seal the lid.

Pressure cook the jars on high pressure for 60 minutes. When the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least an hour (or as long as it takes, if you have the patience!)

Use oven mitts or heat-safe gloves to remove the jars from the pot and place them on a cooling rack.

Using And Storing Homemade Vanilla Extract

Your vanilla extract will be ready to use or transfer to other containers 24 hours after removing it from your Instant Pot. However, the flavor will continue to develop and intensify for about a week, so I recommend waiting the full week if possible.

Your homemade vanilla extract should last indefinitely stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Homemade vanilla extract is easier to make than you might think, especially in an Instant Pot. It will be ready to use about 24 hours after cooking it, but the flavor will continue to intensify for another week, so be patient!

What recipes would you make with homemade vanilla extract?