How Many Vanilla Beans Do You Need to Make Extract? (Exact Ratios + Easy Chart)
If you're making homemade vanilla extract and wondering how many vanilla beans you need for 4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz, or even a full gallon, this guide gives you the exact ratio used by professionals — no guessing, no vague “a handful of beans” advice.
The official ratio for pure vanilla extract is:
1 oz of vanilla beans per 8 oz (1 cup) of alcohol
≈ 10–12 whole vanilla beans, depending on size and weight
That ratio creates single-fold extract, which is the same strength as most store-bought vanilla.
If you want a stronger, bakery-grade extract, just double the beans.
Vanilla Bean to Alcohol Ratio Chart
| Batch Size | Alcohol | Beans Needed | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 oz | ½ cup | 5–6 beans | Single-fold |
| 8 oz | 1 cup | 10–12 beans | Single-fold |
| 16 oz | 2 cups | 20–24 beans | Single-fold |
| 32 oz | 4 cups | 40–48 beans | Single-fold |
| 64 oz | 8 cups (½ gal) | 80–96 beans | Single-fold |
| 128 oz | 16 cups (1 gal) | 160–192 beans | Single-fold |
✅ Double-fold extract = double the beans (ex: 20–24 beans per 8 oz)
✅ Works with vodka, rum, bourbon, or any 35–40% alcohol
Single-Fold vs Double-Fold Extract
| Type | Ratio | Flavor Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Single-fold | 1 oz beans per 8 oz alcohol | Standard strength |
| Double-fold | 2 oz beans per 8 oz alcohol | 2× stronger, used by chefs |
Double-fold extract has a deeper aroma, richer flavor, and performs better in commercial baking and ice cream.
Which Vanilla Beans Are Best?
| Variety | Flavor Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Tahitian (tahitensis) | Floral, fruity, custardy | Ice cream, pastry, syrups |
| Madagascar (planifolia) | Classic vanilla flavor | Cookies, cakes, everyday extract |
| Ugandan | Bold, chocolatey | Coffee, brownies, dark desserts |
| Indonesian | Smoky, woody | Barrel-aged extracts, bourbon infusions |
Ecuador-grown Tahitian vanilla (tahitensis) is naturally high in vanillin and produces a soft, aromatic extract with a creamy finish.
How to Make Vanilla Extract at Home
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Split beans lengthwise (don’t scrape)
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Add to a clean glass jar
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Cover completely with alcohol
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Seal and shake
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Store in a cool, dark place
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Shake once a week for the first month
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Steep 6 months minimum
✅ Extract doesn’t expire
✅ You can top off the jar with more alcohol as you use it
✅ Beans can be reused once
Bean Size & Weight (Why “10 Beans” Isn’t Always Exact)
Each vanilla bean weighs around 3 grams on average, though natural variation always occurs depending on length, moisture content, and curing style.
| Bean Size | Avg Weight | Beans per Ounce |
|---|---|---|
| 5–6" | ~2.4–3 g | 10–12 beans |
| 6–7" | ~3–3.5 g | 8–10 beans |
| 7–8" | ~4 g+ | 6–8 beans |
That’s why extract ratios are based on weight (1 oz of beans) — not just counting beans.
FAQ
Can I use cheap beans from Amazon?
Yes, but they’re usually dry, so you’ll need more beans per ounce.
Do I have to split the beans?
Yes — splitting exposes the seeds and speeds up extraction.
Can I use glycerin instead of alcohol?
Yes, but legally that’s not “extract.” It’s a vanilla glycerite.
How long does homemade extract last?
Indefinitely. Alcohol preserves it.
How do I make double-fold extract?
Use twice the beans: 2 oz beans per 8 oz alcohol.