In early 2025, I set a goal to try to make 12 new things I’ve never done before. (See my list.)
Many of you have told me that I should start with vanilla because it is easy to make and needs to be set at least 6-12 months before using it.
I learned that if a bunch of people suggest the same thing, I should listen. So I follow my instructions and start with vanilla.
Where do you get your homemade vanilla supplies?
Since making homemade vanilla is brand new to me, I had to research multiple recipes and details online to make it confident (those who have made it before can keep laughing because I didn’t know it was too easy!!)
I bought vanilla beans from Amazon. I priced a lot of different places and ended up getting these A-grade vanilla beans as they have a 12k+ rating and many 5-star reviews!
Jesse then picked up Vodka from a local store “I have my license ready and they didn’t even ask for it! I guess that means I’m getting older!”)
Can producing homemade vanilla actually save money?
Total, vanilla beans and vodka are about $80. It ended up making about 150 ounces of herb. This is around $0.53 per ounce, which is definitely cheaper than what you buy in the store. Actually, I searched at my local store and all the vanilla I found were at least $3 per ounce!
When I shared photos of my vanilla on Instagram, many people said I could save money with less bean festival. So if you want to make it cheaper per ounce, you can try it! People also say that once it is made, you can put the vanilla beans in the sugar, which will make vanilla sugar!
How easy is it to make homemade vanilla?
In this way, it is very easy to make homemade vanilla! I realized that I had been over-tuning the idea for years and couldn’t believe it took me so long to try it!
All you have to do is cut the vanilla beans out of the middle, put them in a jar, and pour the vodka on top. (You can also use rum or bourbon.)
Then you just have to sit the jar in a cool, dark room temperature position for six to 12 months. Pick up the jar, shake it every few weeks and make sure to dip the beans in the liquid.
That’s it! You can use homemade vanilla for a few months or wait 12 months or more.
For more details and pictures on making homemade vanilla, check out Sally’s Baking Addiction.
If you send it right away, this will give Christmas such a great gift and set it aside until December!
Have you tried making homemade vanilla before? Have you made any new recipes recently or have you made any new DIY projects recently?
