Best Vanilla Extract Substitute: Homemade Vanilla (+More!)
When you need a perfect vanilla extract substitute option, look no further as I have everything you could use plus how to make homemade vanilla! They're all delightfully tasty swaps for your pantry staple vanilla extract!
1cupvodka(8 ounces, use 80 proof vodka - or brandy, bourbon, or rum)
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Instructions
Clean your bottle or jar before using. Wash and sanitize carefully then allow to dry.
Use a sharp knife to cut down the center of your vanilla beans making a slit so that the vanilla essence can work its magic. *This doesn't need to be any special cut through to a certain depth, you don't need to scrape the vanilla caviar. Just make a cut into expose the center of the vanilla beans.
If your vanilla beans are taller than your bottle or jar, cut them in half lengthwise (or smaller) to make them fit. Transfer all of the vanilla beans into your container.
Pour the vodka (or brandy, bourbon, or rum) into your bottle with the vanilla beans until they are completely submerged in the vodka (this may take a bit extra). Close the bottle securely, gently shake, and store at room temperature out of direct sunlight.
Notes
A small funnel works great for filling small bottles with your vodka.
Let the vanilla beans soak in the liquor for at least 8 weeks, but your best results are yielded after 6-12 months of infusing the vanilla into vodka.
Plain, unflavored vodka is the best liquor to use as it is flavorless and will give a truer vanilla flavor when done.
Gently shake the bottle of vanilla while letting the flavors soak into the vodka (I usually give the bottle a shake weekly) and also before using the vanilla.
Your homemade vanilla extract can be used in the same quantities as store-bought vanilla in any recipe.