There’s something magical about making your own vanilla extract. Not only does it fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma, but it also gives you full control over the quality of ingredients—something you’ll taste in every batch of cookies, cakes, or custards you make.
At Dadora Vanilla, we believe that the best vanilla comes straight from the source. Our Tahitian vanilla beans (Vanilla tahitensis) are hand-grown in Ecuador, sun-cured in the Andes, and carefully packed so you can create extracts that are rich, floral, and unforgettable.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your journey, homemade vanilla extract is a simple project that rewards your patience with exceptional flavor.
Why Make Your Own Vanilla Extract?
Store-bought extract often contains added sugar, coloring, or watered-down flavor. When you make it yourself, you’re guaranteed pure, single-origin vanilla—no shortcuts, no fillers.
Plus, a bottle of homemade extract makes a thoughtful gift for friends, family, or anyone who loves to bake. Imagine handing someone a jar infused with beans you’ve carefully steeped for months—it’s a gift that feels as personal as it tastes.
What You’ll Need
-
1 oz Dadora Tahitian Vanilla Beans (about 8–10 beans)
-
8.5 oz glass jar or swing-top bottle (airtight lid recommended)
-
1 cup (8 oz) of alcohol – Vodka is most common, but you can also use rum, bourbon, or brandy for a deeper flavor profile
Step-by-Step: How to Make Vanilla Extract
Step 1 – Prep the beans
Split each vanilla bean lengthwise and cut into smaller pieces. This exposes more surface area for the beans to release their flavor.
Step 2 – Add the alcohol
Place the beans in your jar and pour the alcohol over them until they’re fully submerged.
Step 3 – Seal and shake
Close the lid tightly. Give your jar a gentle shake 1–2 times per week.
Step 4 – Be patient
This is the hardest part! Let your jar sit in a cool, dark place for 6–12 months. At 6 months, most of the extraction is complete, but if you wait longer, the flavor will continue to evolve, just like a fine wine.
Storage Tips
-
Keep your extract out of direct sunlight.
-
The beans can remain in the bottle indefinitely. They’ll continue to infuse depth and complexity into the extract.
-
Properly stored, your homemade vanilla extract lasts for years.
The Farm-to-Table Difference
When you choose Dadora Vanilla, you’re not just making a kitchen staple—you’re connecting directly to the source. Our family-run farms in Ecuador use natural, sustainable methods to cultivate beans that are plump, aromatic, and full of life. Each bean carries the care of the people who grow and cure it, bringing a true farm-to-table experience into your home. You're not purchasing from a US reseller.
Ready to Get Started?
You can begin making your own vanilla extract today with our premium beans or go the easy route with our complete kit:
👉 Shop Dadora Tahitian Vanilla Beans – perfect for creating rich, floral extract at home.
👉 DIY Vanilla Extract Kit – includes everything you need to start your first batch.
From our farm in Ecuador to your kitchen—here’s to making something worth waiting for.