Homemade Vanilla Extract in an Instant Pot

Making homemade vanilla extract in an Instant Pot simplifies the process by producing a product that still tastes wonderful, but can be used the very next day. If you want to let it sit longer afterwards, it only gets better!

Vanilla extract is a staple in our kitchen. It elevates the flavors of baked goods, desserts, and even savory dishes. While store-bought vanilla extract is readily available, making your own offers several advantages:

1. Cost-Effective: Purchasing high-quality vanilla extract can be expensive. By crafting your own, you not only save money in the long run but also have control over the quality and source of your ingredients.
2. Customization: Creating your vanilla extract allows you to tailor the intensity and flavor profile according to your preferences. You can experiment with different types of vanilla beans, from Madagascar to Tahitian, to achieve the perfect balance for your recipes. I’ve read you can also try making it with bourbon or vegetable glycerin (although I have always stuck with vodka).
3. No Additives or Preservatives: Homemade vanilla extract typically consists of just two ingredients: vanilla beans and vodka. This simplicity ensures that you avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives commonly found in commercial extracts.

Give our vanilla extract a try! This process is definitely a game changer since you don’t have to wait 6 months to a year like the usual process.

Homemade vanilla extract also makes for a thoughtful gift too. Just find a cute bottle, tie a ribbon around it, and you’ve got a homemade present – and it’s much tastier than a scented candle.

Items to recommended to make homemade vanilla extract:
26 Organic Madagascar Vanilla Beans Extract Exclusive Grade B
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Ball Wide Mouth Pint 16-Ounce Glass Mason Jar with Lids and Bands

Some of our favorite recipes using vanilla extract:
Homemade Whipped Cream
Vanilla Coffee Creamer
Vanilla No-Churn Ice Cream

Homemade Vanilla Extract in an Instant Pot

Recipe by Homestead Y’all

5.0 from 2 votes

Course: ExtractCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Yield

2

pints

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

40

minutes

Homemade vanilla extract is incredible, but an even more efficient process when done in the Instant Pot with a much shorter process.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

US Metric

• 10 10 vanilla beans (grade B Madagascar)

• 4 cups 4 vodka (70-90 proof)

Directions

• Using a sharp knife to cut vanilla beans into half inch pieces. (see notes)
  Place pieces into your pint mason jars.
  ~5 whole beans per pint of vodka
• Fill the jars with vodka.
  Leave about an inch headspace from the top.
  Top with a canning lid and ring.
  Barely tighten the ring and then slightly loosen.
• Add 1 cup of water to the pressure cooker pot. (see note)
  Place trivet in the pot.
  Place mason jars on the trivet.
  Secure the Instant Pot lid and seal the pressure knob.
  Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
• When cooking is complete, turn off the cooker and allow the Instant pot to natural release.
  DO NOT use quick release.
  When the pressure has been fully released, carefully remove mason jars and allow to cool completely.
  You may swirl it occasionally as it cools to release more of the vanilla beans.
• It is ready to use once it is cooled, but you can also let it sit longer.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Many recipes recommend slicing beans lengthwise. I have done both ways and it has worked well each time. Chopping seems to be a quicker and safer route.
• This recipe is only for an electronic pressure cooker. DO NOT use it with a stove top pressure cooker.

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