Sous Vide Vanilla Extract will be ready to use is just a few hours, versus the months it takes to make vanilla extract traditionally. It makes an amazing gift and is so much more flavorful than the store bought stuff!
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I’m absolutely obsessed with my sous vide.
I’m enamored with the way that I can effortlessly make perfect filet mignons in the sous vide. I’ve also made some amazing sous vide chicken breasts, sous vide pork chops, and an out of this world sous vide ribeye steak.
But the sous vide isn’t just for preparing meats.
I’ve also used it to make some amazing sous vide infusions – like this sous vide blackberry infused vodka and sous vide limoncello. And while those concoctions would normally take weeks or months to infuse traditionally, the sous vide turns that process into just hours.
Which made me think, the sous vide would be perfect for making vanilla extract!
I’ve been making homemade vanilla extract for years and giving it as gifts during the holidays. But you know what? You really need to plan ahead! The vanilla extract process takes months to really get a good flavor.
Ingredient notes
- Vanilla Beans – I purchase the vanilla bean pods on Amazon. You can also find them in grocery stores in the baking section or in the bulk spices section. Look for plump, moist beans that are shiny and flexible. The most common varieties are Madagascar and Tahitian vanilla beans, known for their rich and distinct flavors. Avoid dry or brittle beans, as they may not yield the desired results.
- Vodka – There is absolutely no need to reach for the good vodka when making this recipe. I use the cheapest vodka that I can find in the store. Just ensure that it is over 40% alcohol (80-proof).
Note: While vodka will provide the most neutral flavor when making vanilla extract, you can also use other alcohols, as long as they are over 80-proof (40% alcohol). Bourbon, rum, whiskey and brandy are all great options – feel free to use your favorite.
How to make it
Step 1
Heat the Water
- Set sous vide for 130 degrees.
Step 2
Add Vanilla and Vodka to Jar
- Using a sharp knife, slice each vanilla bean lengthwise, but leave about an inch intact at one end. Open up the bean and scrape out the tiny black seeds using the back of the knife. These seeds contain the aromatic compounds that will infuse the extract.
- Add the split vanilla beans to a quart sized mason jar.
- Fill with vodka, leaving a half inch open space from the top.
Step 3
Seal Jar + Cook
- Seal jar and place in sous vide water bath.
- Cook for a minimum of 4 hours, up to six hours.
- Cool to room temperature.
- Your sous vide vanilla extract will keep indefinitely stored in a dark place like your pantry or cupboard.
If you would like to make more (or less) vanilla extract, just be sure to use at least one vanilla bean for every cup of vodka that you’re using, and always leave a half inch of open space from the top of the jar to allow for expansion.
You can strain the vanilla beans from the mason jar or leave them in. When gifting the vanilla extract, I like to strain the beans and then package the vanilla extract up into small amber jars.
Amber jars are beneficial because they prevent any UV rays from penetrating the container and changing the flavor and color of the extract. I also think they’re pretty 🙂
How to use it
Use your vanilla extract in baking recipes like cookies, cakes, and custards to impart a delicious, natural vanilla essence. You can also add a splash of homemade vanilla extract to your morning coffee, hot chocolate, or cocktails for a flavor boost.
Here are some favorite recipes to try out:
- Or, give it away as a holiday gift!
FAQ
Yes. While vodka will provide the most neutral flavor when making vanilla extract, you can also use other alcohols, as long as they are over 80-proof (40% alcohol). Bourbon, rum, whiskey and brandy are all great options – feel free to use your favorite.
No. The alcohol will prevent bacteria from growing, so it can be kept at room temperature.
Your sous vide vanilla extract will keep indefinitely stored in a dark place like your pantry or cupboard.
More sous vide favorites
Did you try this sous vide vanilla extract recipe?
If you loved this sous vide vanilla I would appreciate it so much if you would give this recipe a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
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Full Recipe
Sous Vide Vanilla Extract
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups vodka (or other alcohol)
- 3 vanilla beans (split)
Instructions
- Set sous vide for 130 degrees.
- Add split vanilla beans to a quart sized mason jar.
- Fill with vodka, leaving a half inch open space from the top.
- Seal jar and place in sous vide water bath.
- Cook for 4-6 hours.
- Cool to room temperature. If desired, strain vanilla beans.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published in 2020. It was updated in 2023 to add new content. The sous vide vanilla recipe remains the same. Enjoy!
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