At the beginning of 2025, I set my goal to try and create 12 new things I’ve never made before. (See this list.)
Many people told me I should start with vanilla because it’s very easy to start with vanilla and it needs to be set up for at least 6-12 months before using it.
I learned that if many people suggest the same thing, they should listen. So I did as I was told, and started with vanilla.
Where can I get homemade vanilla supplies?
Making homemade vanilla is completely new, so I had to research multiple recipes and details online to feel confident enough to do it (I didn’t think it was so easy, so I can go ahead and laugh now!!)
I bought it My vanilla beans from Amazon. I set prices for different places and ended up Get these Grade A Vanilla Beans Because it had a 12k+ rating and so many 5 star reviews!
And Jesse picked up vodka from the local store (and was very disappointed that he didn’t get the card… he said back home, “I was preparing my own license, but they didn’t ask for it! I think that means I’m old!”))
Do you actually save money to make homemade vanilla?
In total, it was about $80 for vanilla beans and vodka. I ended up making about 150 ounces of vanilla. That would go up to about $0.53 per ounce. This is definitely cheaper than paying to buy in the store. In fact, I searched at local stores and all the vanilla I found was at least $3 for 1 ounce!
I I shared my vanilla pic on Instagramquite a few people said I could use less beans to save money. So if you want to make it even cheaper per ounce, you can try it! People also said that once vanilla is made, you can put vanilla beans in the sugar to make vanilla sugar!
How easy is it to make homemade vanilla?
It’s so easy to make homemade vanilla! I’ve noticed that I’ve been overcomplicating ideas for years and I can’t believe it’s taken so long to try it!
All you do is slice the vanilla beans into the middle, put them in a jar, and pour vodka over them. (You can also use rum or bourbon.)
Then sit the jar at a cool, dark room temperature for 6-12 months. Pick up the jar and shake every few weeks to make sure the beans are soaked in the liquid.
that’s it! You can use homemade vanilla as soon as a few months or wait 12 months or more.
Check out more and photos to make homemade vanilla Sally’s Baking Addict.
This will make such a great gift for Christmas if you make it now and then put it aside until December!
Have you tried making your own homemade vanilla? Have you recently created a new recipe or did a new DIY project?
Source: Money Saving Mom® – moneysavingmom.com
