1. How long does alcohol-free homemade vanilla extract take to be ready?

Your homemade vanilla extract made without alcohol is ready after 8 weeks , but for the richest flavor, steep it for 4 to 6 months . The longer the beans sit in the glycerin, the more intense your homemade vanilla extract will become.

2. Can I use water instead of glycerin to make homemade vanilla extract?

No. Glycerin is essential to properly extract the flavor from the vanilla beans and preserve the homemade vanilla extract . Water alone increases the risk of spoilage and weakens the flavor.

3. Where can I buy food-grade glycerin for homemade vanilla extract?

You can find food-grade glycerin at health food stores, online, or in some large supermarkets. Be sure it’s labeled “USP” or “food-grade” to ensure it’s safe for use in your homemade vanilla extract .

4. Is homemade vanilla extract without alcohol safe for kids?

Yes! Alcohol-free homemade vanilla extract is safe for children and ideal for anyone avoiding alcohol due to dietary, health, or religious reasons.

5. How long does alcohol-free homemade vanilla extract last?

When stored in a cool, dark place with the beans fully submerged, your homemade vanilla extract can last up to 4 years . Glycerin’s natural preservative qualities help keep it shelf-stable.

Homemade Vanilla Extract: 7 Secrets to Richer Flavor & Longer Shelf Life

Description

Make rich, alcohol-free homemade vanilla extract using just vanilla beans and food-grade glycerin. Perfect for baking, gifting, or clean-label living—no booze required!

Ingredients

Scale

.75 to 1 oz vanilla beans (about 8 whole beans or 20g total)
1 cup (240 ml) food-grade vegetable glycerin
1/4 cup (60 ml) distilled water
1 sterilized 8 oz glass bottle or jar

Optional: funnel for easy pouring

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Instructions

Use a sterilized knife to slit the vanilla beans lengthwise, exposing the seeds.
Place the beans in the bottle. Cut them into smaller pieces if needed to fit.
Pour in the vegetable glycerin and distilled water using a funnel. Ensure beans are fully submerged.
Seal tightly, shake gently, and store in a dark, cool place.
Shake weekly. Steep for at least 8 weeks; 4 to 6 months for full flavor.
Use just like store-bought vanilla. Refill with glycerin as needed, and replace beans annually.

Notes

For double-fold extract, use 1.5–2 oz of beans per cup of glycerin.

Label the bottle with the start date.

Cloudiness is normal in glycerin-based extracts.

Store at room temperature, away from light.

Safe for children, alcohol-free diets, and gifting.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Condiments & Extracts
Method: Infusion
Cuisine: Global

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tbsp
Calories: 25
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0g