Make Simple and Delicious Instant Pot Vanilla Extract

Learn how to make a simple and delicious vanilla extract in your Instant Pot. Perfect for all of your baking needs.

Since childhood I have always enjoyed the process of baking. To me it has always been a form of art and a way to express my creativity.

As a homemaker baking delicious treats for my family is something I truly enjoy. As a baker I know an important ingredient that my pantry can not be without and that is vanilla extract. For years I just purchased vanilla extract from the store. Sometimes pure and if I’m being honest sometimes imitation. (Yikes!)

I decided to attempt to make my own vanilla extract for three reasons.

1. It was expensive
2. Imitation vanilla ingredients were toxic
3. I wanted to increase my skills as a homemaker

After making Instant Pot vanilla extract for the first time I have never looked back. It is cost effective, made with real ingredients and extremely simple to make.

Is it Worth Making Your Own Extract?

Absolutely! The cost breakdown for making this simple recipe is below.

• Organic Madagascar Vanilla Beans $13.25
• Vodka 80 Proof $5.30

So for a little under $19.00 I am able to make 25 ounces of extract.

If you were to buy a bottle of Watkins Pure Vanilla Extract, made with Madagascar beans you would pay over $19.00 for only 4 ounces! I will never go back to buying vanilla extract for the cost savings alone!

What Ingredients are in Homemade Vanilla Extract

Making vanilla extract requires just two simple ingredients.

• Vanilla Beans
• Alcohol (preferably Vodka)

What is the Best Type of Alcohol to Use

Vodka is usually the alcohol of choice when making vanilla extract. This is because the flavor is pretty neutral. There are other types of alcohol that can be used, such as rum but the taste of your extract will be different.

What Happens to the Alcohol in My Extract

Homemade extract does have a stronger alcohol smell than the store bought variety. The alcohol has an important job to do. It is what increases the flavor or the extract and pulls out that amazing vanilla taste and smell.

However, don’t worry about the alcohol content of your extract. Nearly all of the alcohol will be removed during the cooking process so no worries about getting a little tipsy from your homemade extract.

How Long Can I Store My Extract?

Because vanilla extract is made with alcohol you can store it indefinitely. You do want to be sure to store your jars in a cool, dark place.

Tools You May Need

As an Amazon Associate this post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

• Cutting Board
• Knife
• 2 pint size mason jars with lids
• Instant Pot

Ingredients

• 10 Organic Madagascar Vanilla Beans
• 750 ml Vodka (80 proof)
• 1 cup of water

How to Make Instant Pot Vanilla Extract

Gather your Instant Pot, jars and ingredients.

Cut each of your vanilla beans in half. You should now have 20 halves.

Using a small knife, gently slice open the middle of each vanilla bean to expose the seeds inside.

Place 10 vanilla bean halves in each pint size jar.

Pour vodka into each jar to completely submerge the beans. The vodka should be filled to the shoulder of the mason jar.

Hand tighten the lids on each of your mason jars.

Pour the water into the pot of your Instant Pot and place the metal trivet inside.

Gently place your two jars onto the trivet and close the lid of the Instant Pot.

Select the “Pressure Cook” feature on your instant pot and set the timer for 1 hour.

Once the timer completes allow your Instant Pot to de-pressurize naturally.

When the pressure is released you can remove the lid. Using a towel remove your two jars of extract. They will be warm still so be careful.

Allow the jars to sit on your counter until completely cool.

Be proud of yourself. You have just made homemade Instant Pot vanilla extract!

When Can You Use Your Extract?

Your extract will be ready to use within 24 hours but allowing the jars to sit in a cool, dark place for several weeks will intensify the flavor. You will love the flavor of this homemade extract.

Why is My Extract Not Dark?

After removing your jars from the Instant Pot your extract will be a brown color however it may not be as brown as you expected. As the jars sit for longer periods of time the alcohol will draw more flavor and color from the vanilla beans. The dark brown color will become richer and darker over time.

How to Use Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract can be used in so many recipes to add a delicious depth of flavor. This ingredient is most commonly used in baked goods such as pies, pastries, cakes and cookies. I love to add a small splash to my frothed milk that I used in my Chai tea latte. It’s also delicious in homemade ice cream!

A Great Gift Idea

Homemade vanilla extract is a wonderful gift idea! You can put a small amount in a little jar to give as a party favor or as a gift to your neighbors. Gifting vanilla extract is perfect for around the holidays when everyone is baking yummy treats. Here is an example of a simple DIY gift I made for neighbors with honey but you can easily replace the honey with Vanilla. It is sure to be a practical gift that will be used and enjoyed by many!

Congratulations! You have now increased your homemaking skills! I hope that you will attempt to make your own vanilla extract at home in your Instant Pot! Once you try this recipe I would love for you to come back and leave a review or comment below!