Hi Bold Bakers! I love the idea of making DIY versions of ingredients that you thought you could only buy in a store. What I love even more is when the homemade version is just as good, if not better than store-bought; that’s exactly what you get with these Homemade Extracts including my vanilla extract recipe. And there’s no doubt about it that there is something very satisfying about making and using them in your baked goods. Already have an account?
Where Does Vanilla Extract Come From?
Vanilla extract is simply vanilla and vodka, and a little bit of time. In fact, for all Homemade Extracts, all you need is Vodka and your flavor and that’s it. You can make any flavor your heart desires, like pure vanilla extract, as long as you have an alcohol or food-safe vegetable glycerin substitute.
Do I Have To Use Alcohol To Make Extracts?
Yes, most extracts contain alcohol but you can use an alternative method in the recipe below that requires glycerine and water. It won’t get you drunk and you won’t be able to taste it either.
The Difference Between Pure Vanilla Extract And Imitation Vanilla Extract
Pure vanilla extract uses vanilla pods. Imitation vanilla extract, which is technically vanilla essence, has never seen a vanilla pod in its life. While some people say they can’t taste the difference, I believe that using good quality ingredients is essential to making any great baked goods.
Do I Have To Use Vanilla Pods To Make Homemade Vanilla Extract?
How Long Will Flavor Extracts Last?
Homemade Extract Taste And Consistency
When you first make your Homemade Extracts they will look like this, with no color and clear.
After 5 weeks or so they will change color, develop a much stronger flavor, and they will be ready to use in your baking.
What You Need To Make Extracts At Home
Bottles Labels Vanilla Pods/Beans Orange Peel Lemon Peel Mint
How To Make Vanilla Extract
There’s simply no need for a substitute for vanilla extract when you can easily make the real thing and have it for months. In addition to being a must-have for baking, vanilla extract can also be the perfect almond extract substitute. And while it takes a few weeks to be ready to use, this homemade vanilla extract recipe is delicious.
How To Make Orange Extract
Homemade Orange Extract can be used in icing, buttercream, custards, and batters like cupcakes to give that perfect hint of orange flavor. You can also use it as a lemon extract substitute.
How To Make Lemon Extract
Homemade Lemon Extract will make a great addition to cakes, icing, and even frozen desserts like sorbet. All you need are fresh lemons and a little bit of zest from the lemon peels.
How To Make Mint Extract
Homemade Mint Extract can be added to whipped cream, frozen desserts like ice cream and sorbets and even on a bowl of fresh fruit for added flavor.
How To Make Almond Extract
What’s great about homemade almond extract is that just a small amount can go a long way in imparting a pronounced almond taste. Get more of my Bold Baking Basics recipes here:
How to Make Cream Cheese How to Make Brown Sugar How to Make All-Natural Food Coloring
