Learn how to make Instant Pot vanilla extract with bourbon or vodka. Instead of waiting 6 weeks for your vanilla to infuse, now you can make vanilla in just two hours.
Every fall for the last ten years, I put out a reminder for my friends to start their vanilla for their holiday baking. I keep mine going all year, but I usually restart it in the fall because I use so much of it.
In ye olden days, making vanilla extract took six weeks to fully infuse. Now thanks to the miracle of the electric pressure cooker, you can make Instant Pot vanilla extract in two hours plus cooling time.
Yes, that's right. Two. Hours.
When I found that out, I ran straight to the liquor store to get both vodka and bourbon and ordered new beans from Amazon.
We go through a crazy amount of vanilla because my daughter and I both bake a lot. This made 6 cups, so I am giving my step mom a cup of each the vodka and the bourbon vanilla extract.
Instant Pot Vanilla Extract
I used to make my own vanilla extract by simply placing beans in a jar and covering with vodka. It's definitely easy, and it works well, but it takes six weeks to infuse.
I only make vanilla extract once a year, but I'll be making Instant Pot vanilla extract from now on. It's much quicker, and I'll use the 6 cups in a year for sure.
For an alcohol free version, try this vanilla extract with glycerin.
Is It Cheaper to Make Your Own Extract?
Yes, it's cheaper to make your own, and it has a much better flavor!
I don't recommend buying beans at the grocery store though. I paid a lot less ordering them on Amazon, and I'll talk about the best beans to use below.
What is the Best Alcohol to Make Extract?
You can use vodka, rum, or whiskey to make Instant Pot vanilla extract. I've been using vodka for about 10 years, and now I make it with whiskey.
Vodka has a neutral taste, so you'll get a true vanilla flavor. This is good for baked goods or drinks where you want a true vanilla taste.
Bourbon gives it a bolder taste. I really like the bourbon vanilla in apple, peach, and most other fruit recipes.
No matter which alcohol you use, aim for an 80 proof or 40 percent alcohol. I had to go to a state liquor store to get both the vodka and bourbon, but that may vary by state.
You want to use a mid grade alcohol. A cheap one won't have a good flavor, but an expensive one won't make much of a difference versus a mid grade bottle.
If you aren't sure what to use, ask the clerk for help. I'm sure you won't be the only one to ask for the best alcohol to make vanilla extract.
You can also make an alcohol free vanilla extract recipe.
Vanilla Beans
I used to get mine from the grocery store, but the price skyrocketed several years ago. They were up to $18 per bean!
Then I started getting them at an Amish bulk food store for about $4 per bean. Now I get these vanilla beans on Amazon for less than $2 a bean!
I bought 10 and used 6 of them, so I will have to buy more the next time I make extract.
Vanilla beans are grown in three areas: Madagascar, Mexico, and Tahiti. They each have their own unique flavor profile.
Madagascar beans have a classic vanilla flavor. Mexico beans have a deeper and more complex flavor. Tahitian beans are almost floral and fruity.
No matter which beans you buy, you want to use a Grade B vanilla bean. These are dryer and smaller than Grade A, and they are perfect for making extract.
Be sure to cut them in half because this helps you extract more flavor from each bean.
After you make your Instant Pot vanilla extract and the beans are spent, dry them to make DIY vanilla powder or DIY vanilla sugar.
How Long Does Homemade Vanilla Extract Last?
Since vanilla extract is almost all alcohol and your Grade B vanilla beans are dried, it will last almost forever.
Bacteria and other microbes can't grow in the high alcohol content.
How to Keep Your Vanilla Extract Going Strong
I usually make a new batch every fall, but you don't have to. I've kept the same batch going for about 5 years before.
After I made my vanilla, I keep the beans in the jar. It will continue to infuse for months.
The only reason I started a new one was because my beans had little flecks come off and get into the vanilla. They didn't affect the taste or quality, but I got sick of looking at them.
When you've used about an inch of your homemade vanilla extract, add about an inch of vodka or other alcohol to keep it going. You can do this for a long time.
If you notice that the vanilla flavor is declining, then just remove the bean and add another one.
Printable Labels
Vanilla extract makes a great gift. I made some printable labels that you can use to label your jars so they are ready for gift giving.
Click here to download the label for vodka.
Click here to download the label for bourbon.
I covered the labels with clear packing tape to protect them from drips and dirty hands.
Recipes With Vanilla Extract
Use your Instant Pot vanilla extract in one of these recipes:
- Easy Rice Pudding Recipe
- Welsh Cookies Recipe
- Easy Pumpkin Butter Recipe
- Peach Jam Recipe
- Easy French Toast Casserole
- Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts
Instant Pot Vanilla Extract Ingredients
- 6 cups vodka, bourbon, or rum
- 6 vanilla beans
Directions
Step #1
Cut each vanilla bean in half lengthwise. This helps extract more flavor from each bean. I also cut each bean in half so they would fit inside the jars.
Step #2
Place two cups of alcohol and two vanilla beans in each pint jar. Add a ring and lid just so they don't spill in the pressure cooker.
Step #3
Add 1 cup of water to the inner pot. Place the trivet inside and set the jars on the trivet.
Step #4
Pressure cook on high for 60 minutes. When it's done, turn it off and let it naturally release for 60 minutes.
Step #5
Make sure the pressure has all been released. Open the lid. You can use jar lifters to move them to a heat proof surface to cool or let them cool in the Instant Pot.
The jars will be extremely hot! Do not touch them until they have cooled.
Instant Pot vanilla extract does have a strong alcohol flavor as soon as you make it. For best results, give it about 24 hours for the alcohol scent to go away and the flavor to fully develop.
Although you can use this right away, it's better the follow day, but it's best a week later. The flavor will keep developing over time.
Instant Pot Vanilla Extract
Ingredients:
- 6 cups vodka, bourbon, or rum
- 6 vanilla beans
Instructions:
- Cut each vanilla bean in half lengthwise. This helps extract more flavor from each bean. I also cut each bean in half so they would fit inside the jars.
- Place two cups of alcohol and two vanilla beans in each pint jar. Add a ring and lid just so they don't spill in the pressure cooker.
- Add 1 cup of water to the inner pot. Place the trivet inside and set the jars on the trivet.
- Pressure cook on high for 60 minutes. When it's done, turn it off and let it naturally release for 60 minutes.
- Make sure the pressure has all been released. Open the lid. You can use jar lifters to move them to a heat proof surface to cool or let them cool in the Instant Pot. The jars will be extremely hot! Do not touch them until they have cooled.
Calories
549.68Fat (grams)
0.00Sat. Fat (grams)
0.00Carbs (grams)
0.06Fiber (grams)
0.00Net carbs
0.06Sugar (grams)
0.06Protein (grams)
0.00Sodium (milligrams)
2.42Cholesterol (grams)
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CARI. Which vanilla bean company have you had success with?
ReplyDeleteHi Cari, I was just wondering which vanilla beans were you happiest with and good delivery satisfaction?
ReplyDelete