Vanilla Extract like you've never seen, smelled, or tasted it! This is Instant Pot Homemade Gourmet Vanilla Extract my friends and is powerfully fragrant and unique and will take your home-baked goods to a whole new glorious level.
This post is sponsored by Beanilla because I absolutely love and stand by their Madagascar Grade B Vanilla Beans as being the best I have ever purchased. Read on to learn how to turn those beans into something magical. Gourmet Vanilla Extract in 3 different flavors: Chocolate Vanilla, Cinnamon Vanilla, and Coconut Vanilla!
Caution: Never make Extract in a stovetop pressure cooker or near an open flame. My recipes are written for electric pressure cookers only. Always use a Natural Release, never a quick release.
For more information on making Pressure Cooker Extract, see this article: Instant Pot Vanilla Extract Research
Are you aware of the term Shower Thoughts? Probably not, cuz I made it up and it's defined as “The best, most awesome, inspirational thoughts that come early in the morning when all the kids are still asleep and your mind is a still and quiet blank canvas just waiting to be filled with creativity.” And yes, the shower is the prime location for Shower Thoughts to occur.
AND THIS WAS ONE OF THEM YOU GUYS! HOMEMADE INSTANT POT GOURMET VANILLA EXTRACT! I am in LOVE!
Also perfect timing for gifting the most ultimate Mother's Day gift ever. The gift of Gourmet Vanilla Extract covers just about every individual in your life.
The person who has everything . . . CHECK! They don't got Coconut Vanilla Extract, Oh no they don't!
The person who loves to bake . . . DOUBLE CHECK!
The person who re-gifts everything you give them . . . CHECK! They'll feel like a rockstar re-gifting this!
The person who doesn't bake, has imitation vanilla extract from 1997, and tells you to take back your Gourmet Vanilla Extract gift and just make her some cookies with it . . . CHECK! Love you mama!!!
The person you love and adore and want to give something homemade and personal to . . . Triple Check that one!
The person that is YOU that deserves a crown for working hard everyday even when your head hurts or you're running on 3 hours of sleep or your pregnant and throwing up every hour while taking care of kids, etc etc etc . . . Check times a million with a cherry nail polish pedicure on top.
This Gourmet Vanilla Extract is so unique and smells like a dream. Vanilla is complemented by notes of cinnamon, chocolate, or coconut and transforms into a flavor that will elevate cookies, ice cream, pancakes, yogurt, and beyond!
You've probably heard of buying different kinds of beans to obtain different flavors (like Tahitian, Mexican, Uganda beans, etc). Well this Gourmet Extract is my play on that idea. We're taking plain ol' amazing Vanilla Extract and kicking it up 10 notches.
If you're wondering how my photography abilities skyrocketed overnight, they didn't. I begged Cami to join me in this adventure and bargained 3 cheesecakes in exchange for her amazing photography. She LOOOVVEEES when I spring these ideas that “Just can't wait” on her. I know this because we are sisters and I can read her mind. And I'm so glad she joined me because she takes my “YUMMY” and makes it “BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL”.
Check out these labels! Pretty, unique, and you don't have to do any of the design work! Head to Cami's post for the down low on how to print her labels and where to order the cute bottles to go with them.
Also, be sure and check out the video below to see how to make the extract and bottle it all up so it looks like you spent thousands on a never before seen bottle of Gourmet Vanilla Extract. You will be the Vanilla Extract gifting queen!
HOW DO I MAKE INSTANT POT GOURMET VANILLA EXTRACT
Well let me tell you!
FIRST
I picked 3 flavors that I thought would compliment plain ol' vanilla extract beautifully: Chocolate, Cinnamon, and Coconut. For the Chocolate I used roasted cacao bean grounds, i.e. Crio Bru. For Cinnamon I used my favorite Vietnamese Cinnamon Sticks (regular ones work great too). For the coconut I used unsweetened, large coconut flakes so they would be easier to strain out later, but I'm sure the finely shredded or even freshly grated coconut would work as well.
SECOND
I took my standard Instant Pot Vanilla Extract recipe, and added the extra flavors to the jar alongside the vanilla beans to infuse at the same time.
THIRD
After the Vanilla Extract has pressure cooked for 30 minutes and sat undisturbed overnight, you have a couple of options. To let the vanilla flavor dominate the extract, you can strain out the extra ingredients (the chocolate grounds, cinnamon sticks, or coconut flakes) and return infused vodka and vanilla beans back to the mason jar to store.
Or if you'd like a stronger note of chocolate, cinnamon, or coconut, you can let them infuse for a couple of weeks and then strain them out.
Both methods are INCREDIBLE. My personal opinion is that the chocolate and cinnamon impart enough flavor after the cooking process so you could easily strain them out the next day. The coconut however smelled almost like butterscotch after 2 weeks so I HIGHLY suggest waiting that long. I added it to my homemade Almond Milk and am now considering a business in selling Unsweetened Butterscotch Almond Milk if anyone would like to be my first customer.
Note: Make sure and return the vanilla beans back to the extract after you've strained it. The vanilla flavor will only get stronger over time. If gifting it, place 1 bean into each bottle. We did not do this in these images or video because we wanted you to see the different colors of each extract.
FOURTH
To gift it in these super cute bottles with this homemade label, head over to Cami's site for all the details! Or if you're keeping it for yourself, store it in a dark, cool cupboard with a pourable lid and get super excited at all the possibilities!
TO MY MAMA
I can't leave you with this recipe without a shout out to my mother. Ever since I was a little girl my mom was always there to listen. If I was scared, mad, happy, in love, heart-broken, anxious, etc, my mom would listen. It's a gift she has that made her the greatest mother of all time in my eyes. What teenager willingly comes home and tells her mother that she skipped class today to go digging in the mountains with a boy she didn't particularly like? Or exposes everything she learned from her friends at a sleepover about the birds and the bees? Or that she had her first kiss and thought it was really gross and asks the question, “Am I doing it wrong or is he just gross.” Even as a teenager, I knew I could tell all. And as an adult and a mother, she has calmed my sisters and I through many, many, many . . . many moments of frustration, despair, and hopelessness. And sometimes she helped me laugh when there was just nothing else to do about a 2-year-old that was using the carpet as a potty while I was changing my 12th diaper of the day on my twin newborns (and it was only noon).
I pray that I can be that mother for my kids. That even when they know they might get in trouble or get a stern lecture, that they will always ultimately find love and concern in a heart to heart with their mommy. I love you mom! Life hasn't dealt you the easiest trials, but your example to your kids is the only reason they are the good, honest, kind people they are today and we owe every single one of our successes to you and your loving wisdom. Happy Mother's Day!
I will mention, there are places on Amazon that are a bit cheaper than that, but I haven't been nearly as happy with them as the Beanilla brand. Plus, as I mentioned, I use fewer Beanilla Beans per pint, so that ultimately is going to save that extra bit. I've said it before, let me say it again, you will not find more fragrant, high quality vanilla beans than Beanilla's. This post is sponsored by them, but that opinion is my honest opinion after making countless bottles of extract in the past 3 years. They are gold!
Be sure and visit this recipe for basic Instant Pot Vanilla Extract and find an answer to every FAQ I could possibly think of regarding this process.
There's also a TON of good info on how to extend the value of your vanilla beans in this post titled How to Get the Most out of your Vanilla Beans.
Enjoy!!!
Tools/Ingredients used to make Instant Pot Gourmet Vanilla Extract
- Instant Pot
- Pretty Gifting Bottles (shown above)
- Vodka – try your local liquor stores.
- Food Grade Glycerin(to make an alcohol free version)
- Mason Jars
- Pourable Mason Jar Lid
- Reusable Mason Jar Lids
- Beanilla Vanilla Beans
- Kitchen Shears
- Crio Bru (You can also brew Crio Bru in your Instant Pot)
- Vietnamese Cinnamon Sticks (I found mine for a good price at Sam's Club)
- Large Flake Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
Instant Pot Gourmet Vanilla Extract
Vanilla Extract like you've never seen, smelled, or tasted it! This is Gourmet Vanilla Extract my friends and is powerfully fragrant and unique and will take your home baked goods to a whole new glorious level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 1 pint 1x
- Category: Extract
- Method: Pressure cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 5–6 Grade B Madagascar vanilla beans
- About 2 cups Smirnoff Vodka 80 proof (40% alcohol)
- Add one of the ingredients below to make it Gourmet Vanilla Extract
For Gourmet Chocolate Vanilla Extract
- 2 tablespoons of roasted ground cacao beans (like Crio Bru)
For Gourmet Cinnamon Vanilla Extract
- 1–2 cinnamon sticks (preferably Vietnamese cinnamon sticks for the best flavor)
For Gourmet Coconut Vanilla Extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (preferably the large flakes)
Instructions
- Using a sharp pointed knife or kitchen shears, cut each bean in half and then split in half lengthwise leaving about an inch still connected. If beans are too dry to split, cut them into 1 inch pieces.
- Place the vanilla beans in a pint size Mason jar. Add roasted ground cacao beans, cinnamon sticks, or coconut flakes depending on what flavor you are making. Pour in vodka, leaving 1 inch of headspace. Top with a canning lid and ring and barely tighten (also known as fingertip tight).
- Add 1 cup of water to the pressure cooker pot and place trivet inside. Put the Mason jar on the trivet. Secure the lid and turn pressure release knob to a sealed position. Cook at high pressure for 30 minutes.
- When cooking is complete, unplug the pressure cooker and use a full natural release. Do not quick release the pressure!
- Carefully remove the Mason jar, tighten the lid, and swirl it lightly to release more vanilla seeds from the pod. Place on a cooling rack overnight.
There are 3 options at this point:
- Option 1: For stronger notes of chocoalte, cinnamon, and coconut, allow the flavors of the ground cacao beans, cinnamon sticks, and coconut flakes to extract for 1- 2 weeks. After 1-2 weeks, remove and reserve the vanilla beans. Pour extract through a fine mesh sieve to remove and discard the ground cacao beans, cinnamon sticks, and/or coconut flakes. Pour strained Gourmet Vanilla Extract back into a clean mason jar. Return the vanilla beans to the mason jar and top with a pourable lid.
- Option 2: For lighter notes of chocolate, cinnamon, and coconut, let the extract sit undisturbed for 24 hours than strain and replace the vanilla beans as described in Option 1.
- Option 3: For gifting (this can be done after 24 hours if needed or at any point after that): strain the extract as directed in Option 1. Divide extract into gifting bottles and place 2-4 of the slit vanilla beans into each bottle so the flavor can get even stronger over time.
Notes
- Caution: Never make Extract in a stovetop pressure cooker or near an open flame. My recipes are written for electric pressure cookers only. Always use a Natural Release, never a quick release. Avoid any type of open flame for the entire duration of cooking, including when the lid is removed after the natural release.
- Alcohol smell may be strong at first but will diminish over a week or two. If still overpowering at that point, return to the pressure cooker for another 30 minutes.
- When vanilla extract is gone, let the beans air dry, then add to sugar for vanilla infused sugar.
- The pressure cooker will fit up to three jars at a time, so feel free to double or triple the recipe.
Nutritional values based on Gourmet Chocolate Vanilla Extract
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 of 24 servings
- Calories: 43
- Sodium: 0.2mg
Lori Coffelt says
I can’t wait to try these, they sound amazing. I will be making mine as gifts so will be doing the long tedious shelf way as I do not have an IP. Any tips to help with that way? When would I take the extra flavors (chocolate, coconut, etc.) out? From what I have been reading it is best to leave these for about 3-6 months before gifting, your thoughts? Also I have looked at the vanilla site you use, which flavor of bean do you use? I also couldn’t find out how many beans you get when you buy by the ounce, do you know? I am wanting to make about 20 gifts, do you do 1 oz. Or 5 oz.? Thank you, I know I have bombarded you with questions but your blog has me very excited, your sisters too. Thank you for sharing with all of us.
Marci says
Lori, You will love these flavors! They add such a unique flavor to the vanilla. Especially the coconut. It’s heavenly! I would do at least 6 months if going the traditional route. I always buy the madagascar grade B beans. They are my favorite and the Beanilla ones are always beautiful beans. On their website it says 2 oz of beans for 16 oz of extract. So if you’re wanting to make more than that, I would get the 8 oz of beans. I actually love buying a pound and splitting up with friends and neighbors. Buying them in bulk makes them very affordable. I hope that helps!
Alison says
Thank you for your great recipe! I have made multiple flavors over the past year and they are always fantastic!
I have a question about a coconut batch I just made in Sept. It has stuff floating at the top. I was afraid it was mold but figured with the alcohol it shouldn’t be. When I touched it – first it seemed firm and then melted on my finger making me wonder if it is coconut fat. Have you ever had this happen?
The first time I used a cheap store brand of coconut. This time I used your recommendation of Bob’s Red Mill flakes. I did leave the jar sealed and in a cabinet, and I did not strain out the coconut yet so it has been sitting undisturbed for 3 months. I used 80 proof vodka. Do you think it is safe to use?
Thanks so much!
Marci says
Alison, hmm, I would think that was the coconut fat with how it melted like that, but I never had that on mine. The research that I’ve done on it says it’s safe, and mine sat in my cupboard for at least 6 months. It’s hard to tell you what to do exactly, but if it’s what I’m thinking, I’d strain it and use it!
Alison says
Thanks so much! Seems like it is coconut fat, as it did turn liquid in my warm Florida kitchen. Reading some other nut extract recipes some people freeze and remove the fat, but coconut oil would seem safe to leave, right?
Thanks for all your recipes! I did vanilla in cognac and it smells amazing! Very excited to try your chocolate next, maybe in bourbon!
Tracy says
Can’t wait to try! If I want to make 2 or 3 flavors at once (as long as the separate jars fit in my IP), will that work? 5-6 beans per jar?
Marci says
Tracy, yes, I’ve done them all in the same pot and didn’t notice any flavor exchange. With the flats on top, it should work just great!
Tracy says
Thanks! I got my vanilla beans in the mail today, and I have everything else, so I’ll be making this tomorrow :^)
Alison says
I always make different flavors at the same time in the IP and have never had a problem!
Angela says
Hi! How long will the Coconut Vanilla and Cinnamon extract keep?
Marci says
Angela, vanilla extract is supposed to last forever and I believe this wouldn’t be any different for these extracts. I’ve stored them at least 9 months myself.
Maria says
Hi!!,
Can the beans be used again, in another batch in the instant pot?
Marci says
Maria, I have, but I always add a couple fresh to make it as strong as I want.
Alicia says
Marci,
I’m new to this and really enjoyed reading your info and recipes till very late. I know jars and rims can be used again,but is it the same with the electric canner that the lid can’t be used twice,therefore, if the extract needs to be recooked a second time,as you have stated, then put a new lid on it? Thanks
Marci says
Alicia, I love hearing that, I’m glad you can find joy reading the blog! With the lids, we aren’t canning/sealing anything, so it doesn’t matter if the lids are brand new or if they’ve been used 20 times. They are just there to help prevent all the alcohol from evaporating. Does that make sense?
Amy says
I put the vodka and vanilla in 2 quart mason jars with about a cup of water in the bottom. One jar cracked and one jar broke in two. Is my whole batch ruined due to the water combined or can it be salvaged?
Marci says
Amy, Oh no, I’m afraid it’s ruined. Were they canning approved mason jars?
Sharon says
I checked the link you added for the jars you used to gift the vanilla. I couldn’t find them. You seem to have listed the mason jars you used to make the vanilla but not the pretty ones you show the finished vanilla in. Can you help?
Thank you,
Sharon
Marci says
Sharon, thank you for the heads up, I missed linking those! I added it to the post, and here is the link for you https://amzn.to/2W2jcQk
mary casperson says
I made my first vanilla with Vodka and vanilla beans in 3 pints in my instant pot. The vanilla bean were cut in 1/2 inch pieces and i have that in my bottle .. Should i use a sieve to get those out of the jars on day 2 now or wait for 2 weeks? I think i am going to try the glycerin bottle next time as i hate the smell of alcohol.. Good idea or not?? Thank you. Mary
Marci says
Mary, I never strain my vanilla, unless for gifting of course, even then I’ll put at least half a vanilla bean into the bottle so it will continue to infuse. The seeds in the bottles are rich with that heavenly vanilla aroma so I never ever strain those out! The glycerin is lovely, not quite as strong as the alcohol version, but I like it better for uncooked things like whipped cream.
Cindy says
Can you use Everclear instead of Vodka? How long till you can use the vanilla in recipes?
Marci says
Cindy, I know people have, I haven’t personally tried that. You can use it right away, but I think it’s best after 2 weeks.
Heather says
May I ask what bottles you used in this post?
Marci says
Heather, there’s a link to them in the post at the bottom right above the recipe.
Tannis says
I have read never to put any kind of alcohol in the instant pot except if it is mixed in a batter. What are your thoughts?
Marci says
Tannis, I studied it for months before I ever posted the recipe so I feel comfortable doing it. There is a link to my research if you are interested in the Instant Pot Vanilla Extract post.
Kate says
Note this alert against using alcohol in your pressure cooker.
https://www.hippressurecooking.com/liquor/
Valerie says
I made this yesterday. It looks great, I haven’t opened the jar yet. I’m going to let it sit for a couple of weeks.
I’m just wondering if, when anyone else made it, did it bubble in the jar like it was simmering after it was done? I did a full NPR, which took about 35 minutes, and it bubbled for more than an hour afterwards.
Marci says
Valerie, my theory on the bubbling is that in some cases the flat seals to the jar. I’ve had that happen 3 or 4 times and I actually think it pulls out even more vanilla flavor.
Karen says
Amazing!!! I am such an extract addict–I am tucking these recipes away in my Pinterest board and as soon as we move, I am firing up the Instant Pot for some of these wonderful extract combos!
Marci says
Karen, I had so much fun making these! My kitchen smelled so incredible 🙂
Karen says
Now, that might be the perfect scent to have wafting through the walls when people come to see our house! I think we are onto something great!