The dark, sweet, rich aromatic vanilla extract made in the Instant Pot is one to die for, and personally my favorite. What used to take months of sitting and waiting can now be done in 30 minutes. I’d call that a win.
I grew up baking side by side with my mom in the kitchen. Vanilla was and still is my favorite ingredient to use in baking. It smelt so good!
I’ve always made vanilla the “old fashion” way by placing the vanilla beans in the vodka and shoving it to the back of my cabinet and letting it sit for months until it was ready. When I got the Instant Pot I thought about finding a way to make it more quickly as I was running out of my stash and needed some soon.
I did some research online and found that others were also making vanilla extract this way. Marci of Tidbits has done some excellent research in the whole process of making vanilla extract and I thought I’d give it a shot.
This quick vanilla extract recipe is super simple and takes all of TWO ingredients: vanilla beans and vodka. And by quick I mean 30 minutes, which yes in and of itself is not so quick, but when you compare it to months that traditional vanilla extract takes to make, this is quick.
Check out my mango bread muffin recipe that uses this vanilla extract.
What are vanilla beans?
Vanilla beans are pods of a tropical orchid plant. They are commonly grown in Madagascar, the tropics: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea. The beans begin as greenish-yellow pods, that are then picked, curl up, and turn to that rich brown color we are all familiar with.
Where can I get vanilla beans?
Vanilla is an expensive spice, second to saffron. Buying vanilla extract in the store can add up real quickly. My local Costco currently has 16oz of pure vanilla extract for $30. Making homemade vanilla will save you money. You can find Vanilla beans at
- Grocery stores in the spices section
- On Amazon
- At Costco, which is actually where I found the one I used for this recipe.
I use grade B vanilla beans. These are cheaper and work well for making extract.
What type of alcohol is used to make Instant Pot vanilla extract?
You really could use any type, but I suggest vodka. I opt for a mid price range vodka. Don’t skimp and get the cheapy stuff. I like to use Smirnoff (not paid/sponsored/an ad)
What is vanilla used for?
Most commonly: baking. I also mix some in to my Instant Pot cold start yogurt to add a light hint of vanilla. It can also be used for flavoring beverages, perfumes, aromatics.
How long does vanilla last?
Alcohol has a long shelf life. Vanilla extract stored in a cool, dark place can keep for a few years.
What do I do with the vanilla beans after the cooking process?
Great question. I recommend leaving the beans in the extract as it will help to further develop the flavor.
Safety tips:
*Do not make vanilla extract near an open flame as alcohol is high flammable.
*Be sure to use glass jars that are made for pressure cooking or canning. Ball mason jars are my favorite to use.
How to make Instant Pot vanilla extract?
Place wire rack in the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water. Place mason jar on wire rack and pour in vodka. Split vanilla beans lengthwise and add to the mason jar. Gently place the lid on to the mason jar and twist just once to lock in place. This helps prevent evaporation of the alcohol and mixing of the water. Place lid of Instant Pot on and set to sealing. Cook manual high pressure for 30 minutes. Allow natural pressure release. Allow to cool prior to use.
Instant Pot Vanilla Extract
Ingredients
- 5 vanilla beans
- 2 cups vodka
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Place wire rack in the inner pot of the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.
- Place mason jar on wire rack and pour in vodka.
- Split vanilla beans lengthwise and add to the mason jar.
- Gently place the lid on to the mason jar and twist just once to lock in place.
- Place lid of Instant Pot on and set to sealing. Cook manual high pressure for 30 minutes. Allow natural pressure release and cool prior to use.
Notes
Nutrition
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PIN FOR LATER
do you remove the beans when cooled?
Good question. Nope you can just leave the beans in. The flavor will develop even more over time. I will add that to my post because I’m sure others have the same questions. Thanks.
Can you just use the vodka bottle? Can you just shove the vanilla beans in there and pressurize it? Seems easier but maybe I’m missing something.
Great question. The canning jars that were used in the recipe are made to withstand higher pressures. I am not sure that the vodka bottle itself would be able to do that.
Thank you for sharing! I’m excited to try it. Quick question, the recipe says to cook for an hour, but the video says 30 minutes. Does it matter which one?
Hi. I apologize. I thought I corrected that. Please see the updated post. It should read cook for 30 minutes. Thank you!
how long will it last? how should you store it?
Hi. I would stick with the expiration date of the alcohol that you use. So if it says 12.25.20 on the bottle of vodka then stick with that for the vanilla extract. Thanks.
What could I use instead of alcohol?
Hi Charlotte. You can use food grade vegetable glycerin and water to replace the alcohol. Have a great day.
Why did my mason jar explode?? I just lost all of that goodness/expensive stuff! Hadn’t come to pressure yet, and i heard the explosion. The jar lid wasn’t on tight, to avoid just that… Super bummer!!
On no! What brand of mason jar did you use? Always make sure you have one that is rated for pressure cooking. Ball jars are work great. I would not recommend using generic brands. Also need to be sure there are no cracks in your jar.
I followed the steps exactly, and it came out rather light in color…what could I have done wrong?
Hi Jenn. Nothing wrong with that. The flavor should still be there. It could be the type of vanilla bean. As it ages it will also deepen in color. Thanks for stopping by.
The recipe says 5 beans, but your pics show 10. Is it better with more beans?
I cut them in half to fit in the jar that I had. Sorry about the confusion.
Hi, I made 5 cups at the beginning but end with 4 cups. What went wrong?
Hi. Sorry I’ve never had that happen. I wonder if the alcohol evaporated possibly? I’m really not sure.
I don’t have an instatpot, what else can I use?
Hi. You can leave it in the cupboard for a few months, shaking it every few weeks. The longer you leave it the deeper the flavor.
love this!
The best vanilla extract, easy to make too!
This really does make good vanilla!!
This worked out great! Thanks
With the alcohol content, the extract should keep indefinitely. When you run low you can top it off with more vodka.
Thank you for sharing. Have a great day.
I made this back in April (7 months ago) and left it in the back of my cupboard until I needed it. I just opened it and it doesn’t seem to have a lot of vanilla taste; more alcohol taste. Flavor seems more like vanilla-flavored vodka. I used 6 vanilla beans (cut into thirds) for this recipe. Any idea what I did wrong and what I could do to redeem it?
You can try another round in the pressure cooker to bring out that vanilla flavor. Give it a good shake. You can also take out the beans and cut them long ways to open up the pod and allow more of that vanilla to come out.