Homemade Gluten Free Vanilla

Making homemade gluten-free vanilla extract is an easy project that can be completed in less than 10 minutes. All you need is a bottle of vodka (gluten-free of course), some whole vanilla beans, and a jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Originally released August 28, 2013, and updated January 24, 2022.

WHY MAKE HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT?

​I make homemade vanilla extract so I know what ingredients are in my vanilla. Plus it is more economical and it’s super easy to make! I can choose a gluten free vodka that I know is safe and add vanilla beans and that’s it! So super easy! I think it has a beautiful warm flavor too! 
This morning I realized I was nearly out of vanilla extract (not the artificial stuff you can purchase but the real vanilla).  I wanted to add a little flavoring to my coffee after a night of little sleep thanks to a random Siamese cat on my doorstep that sounded like he was dying at 2 a.m.  My dog did not like the sound of a shrieking cat! So the old cat/dog play was on :)

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HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

​I have been making homemade vanilla extract for several years, thanks to my friend Mary who told me about it 
I ordered Tahitian Vanilla beans from Tahiti (online)  They smell delicious as soon as you open the packaging!  Not the fake perfume vanilla smell but warm pure vanilla! I keep them in a storage bag until I need to use them again… (ice cream, creme brûlée, etc…)

It takes about a month for the vanilla to be ready to use so plan accordingly.  If you want to make vanilla-infused vodka to drink you can just use the mix after about one-two weeks. 
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1 mason jar
1 bottle of vodka- Your choice on the brand……. I usually use Tito’s.
3 vanilla bean pods or more depending on the size of your jar. I used a pint jar. 

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HOW DO I MAKE IT?
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​First I assemble my materials
Second step is to cut the pods lengthwise to expose the delicious vanilla bean on the inside.
Third is to put the pods into the mason jar (or jar of your choice)
Fourth step is the vodka- fill the jar to cover the pods
Fifth step is the waiting game… Vanilla flavor or Vanilla vodka 

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IF YOU LIKE THIS RECIPE YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THESE THAT USE VANILLA:

​Keto Cream Cheese Frosting


Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies


Giant Skillet Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie

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Here's the recipe:

INGREDIENTS  

• 3 Vanilla Bean Pods or more depending on your container.
• 1 bottle Gluten Free Vodka
• 1 Pint Mason Jar

​INSTRUCTIONS 

• Carefully cut vanilla bean pods in half. 
• Scrape the inside with a knife and transfer all the vanilla to the mason jar. 
• Put the pods in the jar too.
• Pour vodka over the pods.
• Seal the jar and wait 4-6 weeks for the vanilla extract to be ready. 
• If you want to use it as Vanilla Vodka, it will be ready in about 2 weeks. 
• Enjoy!

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I hope you enjoy this homemade gluten free vanilla extract recipe! It is super easy to make and I love how the vanilla pods smell! 

As Always,

Best Wishes for Gluten Free Dishes!

XO,
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Michelle