How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract with Faye at Mrs. Lacy’s Magnolia House
Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe | Easy Baking Tips from Mrs. Lacy’s
Have you ever thought about making your own vanilla extract? Well, Faye is here to show you just how easy it can be!
At Mrs. Lacy’s Magnolia House in Sanford, North Carolina, we love sharing simple recipes, baking tips, and little kitchen tricks that have been passed down through the years.
Homemade vanilla extract is one of those wonderful things you can make right in your own kitchen. It requires just two ingredients, and it’s perfect for baking cakes, cookies, pies, and all your favorite homemade desserts!
Watch Faye Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
Follow along as Faye shows you how to make homemade vanilla in this quick video from Mrs. Lacy’s Magnolia House.
🎥 Watch Faye’s Homemade Vanilla Video on YouTube
Mrs. Lacy’s Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe
Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
Steeping Time: At least 8 weeks; preferably 6–12 months
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients: Just 2!
Ingredients
- 1 ounce whole vanilla beans (approximately 5–8 beans, depending on size)
- 1 cup vodka (80 proof or higher)
- 1 clean glass bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare your vanilla beans. Using a sharp knife, carefully split each vanilla bean lengthwise to expose the tiny seeds inside.
- Place beans in your jar. Add the vanilla beans to a clean glass bottle or jar.
- Pour in the vodka. Add enough vodka to completely cover the vanilla beans.
- Seal tightly. Close the jar and give it a good shake.
- Store in a cool, dark place. Keep your vanilla away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Give it time! Allow your vanilla to steep for at least 8 weeks. For a stronger, richer flavor, let it develop for 6–12 months. Shake the bottle occasionally.
- Enjoy your homemade vanilla! Once it has developed a rich aroma and flavor, use it in your favorite baking recipes.
Faye’s Tips for Making Homemade Vanilla
❤️ Be patient! The longer your vanilla beans steep, the richer the flavor becomes.
❤️ Make extra for gifts! Homemade vanilla extract makes a thoughtful Christmas gift. Pour it into pretty glass bottles and add a ribbon!
❤️ Use good vanilla beans! Quality vanilla beans make a difference in the finished flavor.
❤️ Keep the beans submerged! This helps the vanilla extract develop properly.
Why We Love Sharing Recipes at Mrs. Lacy’s
At Mrs. Lacy’s Magnolia House, sharing recipes is about so much more than cooking. It’s about family, traditions, memories, and bringing people together.
Faye loves showing everyone the little tips and tricks she’s learned through years of cooking and baking. Whether it’s making homemade vanilla, keeping cakes extra moist, or preparing one of our favorite desserts, we hope these videos inspire you to try something new in your own kitchen.
We also love hearing your stories and learning about the recipes your families have passed down through the generations.
More Recipes from Mrs. Lacy’s
If you enjoy cooking with Faye, be sure to follow us on social media and YouTube for more easy recipes, baking tips, funny stories, and a little laughter along the way!
📚 Love Mrs. Lacy’s recipes? Our cookbooks are available online and at the restaurant!
We’d Love to Hear From You!
Have you ever made homemade vanilla extract? Do you prefer homemade vanilla or store-bought?
Let us know in the comments! We love hearing from our Mrs. Lacy’s family.
❤️ With love from Faye and everyone at Mrs. Lacy’s Magnolia House in Sanford, North Carolina!
