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!)
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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
How Can I Make Vanilla Extract In My Instant Pot?
To make vanilla extract in an Instant Pot, you pressure cook sealed jars of split vanilla beans and vodka. After removing the jars from the pressure cooker, wait a week for the flavor to intensify before using or transferring to bottles.
What Is The Best Recipe For Homemade Vanilla Extract?
The best recipe for homemade vanilla extract uses B-grade vanilla beans and unflavored vodka. Alcohol is an excellent vehicle for flavor, and unflavored vodka allows the flavor and aroma of genuine vanilla to shine.
How Should I Store Homemade Vanilla Extract?
Keep your homemade vanilla extract in an airtight container in a cool, dark place and it should keep indefinitely!
Can You Make Vanilla Extract Without Alcohol?
Yes, you can make vanilla extract using a combination of food-grade vegetable glycerine and water. Glycerine and water take on flavor more slowly than alcohol, so be ready to wait about two months before using it.
Can you use any other alcohol to make vanilla extract?
Yes! You can make vanilla extract with your favorite bourbon, brandy, or rum under 100 proof. The flavor of the alcohol will carry over to your finished vanilla extract, so make sure to use something you like.
Where Can I Buy Vanilla Beans?
You can find vanilla beans available to buy online at Beanilla and Amazon or in specialty grocery stores.
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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?
Instant Pot Vanilla Extract Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- steam rack
- 2 pint jars with lids and rings
Ingredients
- 10 vanilla beans B-grade
- 4 cups vodka
Instructions
- Cut the vanilla beans in half and split them open down the center.
- Divide the split beans between two pint jars and add 2 cups of vodka to each.
- Add lids and rings to the jars, but don't over-tighten the rings.
- Place the trivet in your Instant Pot, place the sealed jars on the trivet, and then add 1 cup of water to the pot and seal the lid.
- Pressure cook the jars on high pressure for 60 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally for at least one hour.
- Carefully remove the jars and place them on a cooling rack.
- Wait at least 24 hours before opening the jars, or wait one week to allow the flavor to develop and intensify.
CAN THE VANILLA RECIPE BE MADE WITH OUT INSTANT POT?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hello! I’ve been making homemade vanilla extract for years, and giving it as Christmas gifts. First off, if you have a Costco close by…they sell Madagascar vanilla beans usually starting in early November. I start checking the the baking isle about then; they usually have them at the beginning of the baking isle (not the end cap). They sell them until they are sold out, I don’t think they restock them. I buy quite a bit and kinda hoard them, and use them throughout the year. They are VERY reasonably priced, and come in pretty cool glass tubes and stay fresh for a long time. I make at least 2 gallons of extract at a time, and give most of it as gifts. I have used vodka, with Everclear added in for zing. I have also tried out vanilla flavored vodka, but that’s kind of cheating! I let it soak for at least 2 months in a back closet, go in to swirl the gallon bottles every once in a while and then bottle it in 16 oz brown bottles that I buy on Amazon. (8 oz is a pretty small amount as a gift) I order labels on Tiny Prints with ‘ Homemade Vanilla Extract’ printed on them, and put the date on the label. I’ve even bought a small funnel from Amazon to help fill the brown bottles. My friends look forward to this vanilla every year, and they save their bottles for a refill throughout the year!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Is it possible to make almond extract like this?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve actually never tried to make almond extract from scratch. I don’t see why you couldn’t… I suggest you use raw, unsalted almonds and cut them in small pieces. Let me know how it comes out!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillie, I bought some of the little glass bottles so that I can give some as gifts, as well as use some, while letting the rest continue to “mellow” in the bottles. I can’t wait to make it. I do have a question though. How long should I wait before transferring to the small bottles? Is it okay to do after it has cooled on the cooling rack for 24 hours, or should I wait longer? I have 4 oz bottles to use. How many vanilla beans would you suggest I put in the gift bottles when transferring? Thanks!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I get my beans on eBay. Lots cheaper. I don’t pressure mine or split the beans. Just break into about 2” and put into vodka bottle. Been making it for years.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Bourbon vanilla is also wonderful too- same direction- just use bourbon
Please log in or create a free account to comment.MY Father used to make his own vanilla extract…it was heavenly..I have never tried it but I will..eventually..
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hey there, I am curious about how to cook the extract. I have an instant pot but no the kind with a pressure cooker option. ???
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Gail! I’m not quite sure I understand – it’s not an electric pressure cooker?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have made vanilla sugar using vanilla beans and the pods and sugar. I even gifted them Very easy to make and tasty too in coffee, tea, baking.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yum!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Sounds lovely!!!
I recently did this, with amazing results!! Just a note, you CAN use cheaper vodka, just plan to let it sit longer before you use it. So pleased with my final product!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve made vanilla flavoring with the the pods after they were scraped or stepped in liquid for another recipe.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Save the pods in a freezer bag until you have 8 to 12. I used grain alcohol (Evergreen was the brand available to me. I put the pods in the alcohol in jars and let them steep for several weeks in a north-facing window until the liquid was dark. It worked just like the store vanilla.
Penzeys.com in the Milwaukee area is a good source of bulk spices
Great tips Anne!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I don’t have an instant pot but have been using a pressure cooker all of my life! Is there any reason the extract couldn’t be made in the pressure cooker? Thank you for another great idea!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The “instant pot” is a brand name for pressure cooker.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use the old fashioned stove top pressure cooker.
It can be made in any electric pressure cooker! It should not be made in a stovetop pressure cooker, though. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you.
Why not in a stovetop pressure cooker? I don’t have an instant pot either and don’t plan to get one. Help Jillee
I’ve made my own vanilla for years but not this procedure. I just cut the beans as described above, get a cheap bottle of vodka, pour a little out, then drop the cut beans into the bottle of vodka and let sit for about 3 months. Store bottle in dark place and shake every so often. It is wonderful and requires no “cooking”. Also when bottle is empty I dry the bean pods (very dry) and put them in a container filled with sugar. When baking I use this vanilla flavored sugar.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.That works, too!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Do you have another method. I don’t have a instant pot. I would love to make this!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.A different method would be to sterilize your jars, then follow through opening the beans and putting them in the pot, adding the alcohol. Put the jars in the fridge and let it sit for about a month.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Here in Canada, we can obtain plain alcohol which is used in place of Vodka as the latter has other ingredients and is not a pure product.
I’d like to try that. I’m in Canada, where do you buy plain alcohol?
Without an electric pressure cooker, the “traditional” method is your best bet. Simply prepare the jars like you would for this recipe, but then let them sit for at least a month :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks I will try this method. I make my own but have always done it the many months infusion method.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I like this faster way.
Did you leave the vanilla beans in the jar? I always do but I read that you can actually reuse the vanilla beans for another batch but I have never tried that. Logically it seems to me a lot of their flavor would be gone for a second go round. What do you think?
I did, but you don’t have to. You could save them for a second batch, but I would probably double to amount of beans :-)
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