I wanted to make my own vanilla extract for years, but the idea of having to wait 6 whole months for it to be ready to use kept me from even trying. So, you can imagine my excitement when I heard that you can actually use your Instant Pot and have your own homemade vanilla extract in just 24 hours! I was hooked already!

I browsed a few posts about it and landed on one that was super simple. You can find the original post here.

Gathering Ingredients

I began to gather my supplies. The first thing on my list was to find a way to get the alcohol base. I’m not a drinker and as a preacher’s wife in a small town, this part can be a bit tricky! I began to check around and had some helping hands who offered to remedy this dilemma for me. Why do I make it a point to say this? Because I want you to know that if you find yourself in the same boat I did, there’s a way around it!

I also researched and asked around about the best place to purchase good quality vanilla beans. Like with anything, you will find various thoughts and ideas as to what is best. I decided to go with a trusted source and purchase from my “local” Natural Grocers. I trust their standards and always have my questions answered when needed. At first I was shocked at the price, $15 for 2 beans?! However, I found that that’s actually a good price for a great quality bean.

Savings

Here’s the rundown of the cost: This was for 6 vanilla beans and the bottle of Vodka. Total coast was about $61. The vanilla I had been buying was about $15 for a 4 oz bottle. This batch made 3, 16 oz jars of vanilla, making each 4 oz bottle about $5. I saved over $100 by making my own organic vanilla extract!

Let’s make Vanilla Extract

First split each vanilla bean down the middle, using a paring knife and cut in half lengthwise.

Place 2 beans (4 halves) in each 16-ounce jar. Cover each jar with 2 cups of Vodka.

Place jars into pot with equal space around them.

Use manual mode to cook the jars for 1 hour at high pressure. When the cook time is over, allow the pot to naturally release it’s pressure. This can take an hour or longer.

After the vanilla has set for about 2 weeks, I like to divide it up, one jar at a time, into these 2-ounce amber bottles. It makes it easy to use or even to share as a gift. I place a vanilla bean in each jar, leaving one of them in the 16-ounce jar to make vanilla sugar (more on this later).

Print Recipe

Homemade Vanilla Extract

This has an amazing flavor and is a great alternative to store-bought vanilla, especially if you prefer the best of the best!

Keyword: vanilla

Servings: 3 16-ounce jars

Cost: $60.00

Equipment

InstantPot with trivet
3 (16-ounce) amber canning jars with lids
Tongs
Paring knife
Measuring cup

Ingredients

6 vanilla beans
6 cup vodka
1 cup water

Instructions

Slit each vanilla bean in two lengthwise using the tip of a paring knife.
Place two vanilla beans in each 16-ounce amber canning jar. Add 2 cups of Vodka to each jar. Be sure the beans are fully covered.
Seal the jars and place in InstantPot on the trivet, with equal space around the jars.
Add 1 cup of water to the InstantPot. Seal and set to cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Use the manual mode to cook for 1 hour at high pressure. When cook time is up, allow the pot to naturally realease the pressure. This make take an hour or longer.
Once pressure is released, use tongs to remove the jars from the pot and allow to cool completely.
Extract is ready to use in as little as 24 hours. I have found it best after 1-2 weeks. Store in a cool, dark place. After 2 weeks I divide the jar into four 2-ounce amber jars to make it easier to pour. This also makes them the perfect size for homemade gifts.

Notes

When stored in an airtight container at cool room temperature, in a dark place, it can be kept indefinitely.

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How to use your Instant Pot to make homemade Vanilla Extract