My favorite pressure cooker discovery yet – Instant Pot Vanilla Extract! Rich, dark, aromatic extract in minutes instead of months!
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Use the coupon code “TIDBITS” to get 7% off my favorite Beanilla Madagascar Vanilla Beans
The art of making extracts in the Instant Pot never gets old. To see such a fast transformation is so rewarding.
This post is all about Vanilla Extract, but be sure and check out these other incredible flavors: Cinnamon, Lemon, Maple, and Peppermint.
If you like to play around with different notes of Vanilla Extract, try these Gourmet Vanilla Extracts: Chocolate Vanilla, Coconut Vanilla, and Cinnamon Vanilla. The coconut is hands down my favorite!
Now let's talk about the most loved extract of all time – Vanilla Extract. Dark, beautiful, aromatic, heavenly vanilla extract that can be made in less than an hour in the pressure cooker vs the traditional method of vanilla beans soaking in vodka for 2-6 months in the back of your pantry.
I’m 100% impatient, so Vanilla Extract that can be made in under an hour, just speaks to my soul!
This is what I cover in this Instant Pot Vanilla Extract Post:
(feel free to skip ahead to each section by clicking the links below)
- Why make vanilla extract in mason jars vs. directly in the pressure cooker pot?
- What supplies do you need?
- Can I use cheap vodka?
- Where do I find decent priced vanilla beans?
- What's the best type of bean to use?
- How do I store my vanilla extract?
- What is the shelf life of Instant Pot Vanilla Extract?
- Do I have to use alcohol?
- Can I use different types of alcohol?
- How many beans should I use?
- How soon will my Instant Pot Vanilla Extract be ready to use?
- Is it okay to cook with alcohol in the Instant Pot?
- Why does my Vanilla Extract smell really strong of alcohol?
- Why do I want to make my own Vanilla Extract?
- Best bottles for gifting Vanilla Extract
- How to pour extract into small bottles for gifting
- Suggested Recipes to use Vanilla Extract
- More Vanilla Extract Resources
- Recommended Tools/Ingredients when making Vanilla Extract
- Jump right to Instant Pot Vanilla Extract recipe card
Here's a quick video to show you just how quick and easy you can whip up amazing vanilla extract plus a little comparison to the “be patient and wait” Traditional Method. I think the color difference alone will convince you but even the smell of my pressure cooker vanilla was much stronger than the 6-month-old traditional jar. Check it out and then share it with all your suspicious friends!
HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT VANILLA EXTRACT
Why make Instant Pot Vanilla Extract in Mason jars vs directly in the pressure cooker pot?
- Make a little or make a lot! You have the choice between making 1 pint of extract or up to 3 pints in a 6-quart pressure cooker.
- Making vanilla in a jar with a “fingertip tight” lid helps prevent the alcohol from evaporating from your extract which means your alcohol percentage will remain nice and high. This is important for 2 reasons:
- a higher percentage of alcohol means the vanilla flavor will continue to extract even more flavor over time
- higher alcohol percentage creates a more antimicrobial environment for safer long-term storage
- Having a lid on the jar prevents condensation from dripping into your extract while cooking which would dilute your alcohol (lower percentage of alcohol = less extraction overtime, dilution in taste, and shorter lifespan)
- I love that after my extract is done cooking and has cooled, I can leave the beans in the jar, tighten the lid and pop it into the cupboard. Easy Peasy!
- The mason jar lid keeps your alcohol from extracting other food smells from your pressure cooker, because vanilla extract + last night's roast = yuck and ewww gross.
*To prevent the incredible disappointment of a jar breaking under pressure, always use canning quality jars like Mason or Kerr and even consider using a new jar, not one that has been used for canning many times over the years.
What supplies do I need to make Instant Pot Vanilla Extract?
Not much! Mason jars, kitchen shears, vanilla beans, vodka, and optionally these amazing Mason jar pourable lids.
Can I use cheap vodka to make vanilla extract?
Yes, but I don’t use the cheapest and here’s why. Pricier vodka means cleaner taste which results in faster, more amazing vanilla extract. However, if you want to make it with the cheapest vodka, just plan on letting it hang out longer in your cupboard for a richer, vanilla taste. I’m partial to red label Smirnoff. Rich Lum, AKA Famous Instant Pot Master Chef (have you heard of him) oftentimes uses Tito’s brand vodka which is pricier but has a very clean taste so the vanilla can shine through. I’ve also heard many praise Costco’s Kirkland Signature Vodka, which I’ve never tried, but has excellent reviews.
Where do you find decently priced vanilla beans?
I hope one day I can update this post with a better answer, but for the moment, there is a serious shortage in vanilla beans so the prices have gone way up. I’ve ordered from several companies and my favorite beans BY FAR are from Beanilla. To get a good price on them, my sisters and I bought a pound of them together. They ended up being about $2 a piece and they are the biggest, most wonderful smelling beans I've ever had. I only use 5 of these beans per jar and it is the best extract to ever come out of my kitchen. I buy the Madagascar Grade B Vanilla Beans. Use the code TIDBITS to get 7% off your order at Beanilla.
What’s the best type of bean to use?
Across the board, the most commonly recommended beans for extract are Madagascar Vanilla Beans, Grade B. Grade A beans will work, but they are typically more expensive and some believe they don’t extract as well. Mexican and Tahitian beans are also quite popular.
How do I store my Vanilla Extract?
Store extract in a cool, dark place. I keep mine in the cold storage room in my basement, but the back of a cupboard or pantry, as long as it’s away from the oven and lights, will work great.
What is the shelf life of Instant Pot Vanilla Extract?
When done in a jar with a loose-fitting lid, your alcohol percentage should stay high. This means when properly stored (as discussed in the above question), the life of your vanilla is infinite.
Do I have to use alcohol to make Instant Pot Vanilla Extract?
Nope! Here is a food grade glycerin version!
Can I use different types of alcohol to make vanilla extract?
Absolutely. I have experimented with bourbon and rum and I thought they smelled amazing! Keep in mind the taste of bourbon and rum will come through more than vodka, of which I wasn’t exactly a fan. However, for some people and certain recipes, that is exactly what they want.
How many beans should I use?
I have tried everything from 3 to 10 beans per cup of vodka and finally settled on about 3 beans per 1 cup of vodka (or 5-6 beans per pint).
How soon will my Instant Pot Vanilla Extract be ready to use?
You could use it that same day. However, after a week or 2, the alcohol smell will mellow significantly and the vanilla taste and aroma will be more intense.
How did you settle on 30 minutes for the cook time?
I experimented with times from 15 minutes to 90 minutes. My experience was that I didn’t have much difference in taste for anything after 30 minutes, but the breakdown of the vanilla bean was more pronounced at 60 minutes leaving the extract quite hazy. So 30 minutes it is!
Is it okay to cook with alcohol in an Instant Pot AKA Electric Pressure Cooker?
I questioned several engineers, the health department, and the Extension Services before I felt comfortable doing just that. After I posted the recipe, I was met with a lot of questions about it. Long story short, I would never ever ever do this with a stovetop pressure cooker or anywhere near an open flame. Always, always allow for a full natural release so you're not releasing alcohol vapor into the air and make it in a Mason jar with a lid to decrease the amount of alcohol vapor that could be released. You can find more details on my research on this post: Vanilla Extract Research.
Why does my vanilla extract smell really strong of alcohol?
First off, any pure Vanilla Extract will have a bit of alcohol smell and taste. For this pressure cooker method, your extract may still smell strongly of vodka right after you make it (especially if you use a cheaper vodka). I suggest letting it sit for 1-2 weeks and then give it another whiff. The alcohol smell should have mellowed and the vanilla smell should be lovely and rich. If not, throw it back in the pressure cooker for another 30 minutes.
What do I do with used Vanilla Beans?
See this post, How to Get the Most out of Your Vanilla Beans, for several ways to get the most out of your beans.
Why do I want to make my own vanilla extract?
Because you can! And you can make it in the world's greatest appliance – the Electric Pressure Cooker/AKA Instant Pot. Plus homemade vanilla extract is just plain incredible. For me, it’s a truer, more rich vanilla flavor, and depending on where you buy your supplies, it can be more cost-effective. It also makes the best gift ever! A homemade bottle of vanilla extract with a custom label and a pretty bottle is the ultimate gift for any occasion.
Best Bottles for Gifting Vanilla Extract:
For long term storage, it is best to store vanilla extract in an Amber Colored Glass Bottle. These bottles often come with a small funnel to make it very easy to fill with your prepared extract. Another option for gifting is this Clear Glass Bottle with Shrink Capsule Lid. These look very pretty and professional so they are perfect for gifting!
How to Pour Extract into Small Bottles for Gifting?
I like to use a small funnel to pour the extract from mason jars into the small bottles. Be sure to add one of the vanilla beans from the main jar into each small bottle so it will continue to infuse and become stronger over time.
I hope that covers it! If I’ve missed anything, please leave your question in the comments and I will add it to the post. Beanilla is a great source for questions and has absolutely amazing customer service.
Suggested Recipes to use your Vanilla Extract
Now go put that incredible homemade vanilla extract to good use in a Triple Chocolate Cheesecake (No words, just heart eyes) or my favorite beverage of all time- Crio Bru, Hot or Cold.
Here are some other favorites:
- Instant Pot Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
- Instant Pot Peaches and Cream Coconut Tres Leches Cake
- Pressure Cooker Peppermint Vanilla Crio Bru
Be sure and check out the other extracts: Cinnamon, Lemon, Peppermint, and Maple.
Also, Cami has designed the most perfect extract labels for all your gift giving! There are 2 looks for each flavor of extract so be sure and check these out!
Want to dive into more of this vanilla world with me?
Check out these additional posts about Vanilla Extract where I share all I've learned:
- Homemade Gourmet Vanilla Extract
- Vanilla Extract Research
- How to get the most out of your Vanilla Beans
RECOMMENDED TOOLS/INGREDIENTS TO BUY AND MAKE INSTANT POT VANILLA EXTRACT
- Vodka – try your local liquor stores
- Food Grade Glycerin
- Mason Jars
- Pourable Mason Jar Lid
- Reusable Mason Jar Lids
- Bottles for Gifting
- Instant Pot electric pressure cooker
- Beanilla Vanilla Beans USE CODE TIDBITS FOR 7% OFF YOUR ORDER
- Kitchen Shears
Instant Pot Vanilla Extract
Instant Pot Vanilla Extract! Rich, dark, aromatic extract in minutes instead of months!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 1 pint 1x
- Category: Miscellaneous
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 5–6 Grade B Madagascar vanilla beans
- About 2 cups Smirnoff Vodka 80 proof (40% alcohol) or Food Grade Vegetable Glycerin
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 and add vodka or glycerin, leaving 1 inch of headspace. Top with a canning lid and ring and barely tighten.
- 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 natural release.
- Carefully remove the Mason jar, swirl it lightly to release more vanilla seeds from the pod, and place on a cooling rack overnight.
- Once cooled, top with a pourable lid and use in all your favorite recipes that call for vanilla extract.
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.
Keywords: instant pot, electric pressure cooker, instant pot vanilla extract, alcohol free vanilla extract
Is this ratio considered single fold 1C vodka to 1oz beans-yikes!)? Or because it’s stronger closer to double fold?
Gina, taste-wise, I think it is much stronger than any extract I’ve ever bought. But when I look up how double fold is made, this recipe doesn’t use quite that many beans per pint of vodka. I’ve actually only been using 4 beans per jar lately because the beans I bought from Beanilla are so long and fragrant.
I’m so excited to try this! I live in Europe and for whatever reason, vanilla extract is difficult to come by – and wicked expensive when you do find it!! And I love that this totally speeds up the “aging” process. I had considered the traditional method of making extracts, but was so discouraged when I realized it takes months when my precious little bottle of vanilla (/liquid gold) is nearly used up! Thanks for sharing this recipe, Marci!
Jennifer, I wish I could ship you some of my stash! The prices have started to come down here on vanilla beans. Let me know how it goes! I love this recipe so much.
I’ve never canned before and I want to make this recipe but have questions – Do you sterilize your mason jars before making the vanilla? If you’re putting them into small bottles for giveaway do you sterilize the small bottles?
Anna, I typically just run them through a hot dishwasher cycle, but this isn’t officially canning so they don’t have to be technically sterile. I would also be sure that the smaller bottles are clean, sterilizing wouldn’t hurt! Enjoy!
Can you make nut extracts using an instant pot? I desperately want pistachio extract, but can’t find it in town and ordering it online would take a long time.
★★★★★
Eden, I’ve never heard of pistachio extract! I had to look it up because it sounds amazing. There are recipes for it out there, I almost think doing it this “Instant Pot” way would work even better at extracting the flavor. Let me know if you give it a go. I wrote it down on my “to test” list 🙂
My one jar exploded and one jar ok ? . It still smells like vodka and I used a good brand. I already had in fridge 4 months . Do I have bad beans ? I can’t remember where on line – I just remember Madagascar beans
★★★★
Lori, are you saying you were storing the jars in the fridge then put them in the pressure cooker? Or were you storing the beans in the fridge? I’m not quite sure what you’re saying, but I’d love to help!
I love homemade vanilla, but this is my first try making it in the IP… with my typical shelf vanilla, I will refill the jars with vodka again and again and just rotate through the bottles, letting the beans steep as long as possible and this has worked for a long time for me! My question for you is, do you think this IP method could be repeated with the beans I cook today when this jar is gone?
Jen, I do the same rotation with this method. When my jars are half empty, I add more vodka and move them to the back of the line. I’ve also used the used beans to make a new batch of pressure cooked extract, but I usually add 2 fresh beans. Does that make sense?
Can you also just use the bottles that you’re using to gift in the instant pot or cook everything directly in the instant pot bowl?
Hakeem, You’ll differently want to use a canning jar because they are stronger and can handle the pressure.
Made my first jar yesterday- so easy! I opened the lid and gently swirled the liquid once it was done and much of the alcohol vapor evaporated that way, leaving a much stronger vanilla scent with less of an alcohol burn. I lost a little volume but I’m left with a more pure vanilla scent. I can’t wait to bake with this!
Amy, amazing! You’re going to love it!
I made the instant pot vanilla extract and although I don’t have an “Instant Pot”, I have a Power Cooker XL, I was able to follow your recipe. My vanilla extract came out cloudy. It’s been a few weeks and the extract smells great but it’s just not as appealing to look at. Will that be an issue and do you know why it happened?
Rebecca, that’s great! Don’t worry about the cloudiness. I think it can depend on the brand of beans, but the taste will still be good and it will become more clear as it sits. Don’t stress it!
Have just made this & I’m wondering how many beans you leave in the bottles that you’re storing it??
Signey, I just leave everything in the bottle as is and store it that way. It just keeps getting stronger!
Great post! I’ve got the beans on order and am excited to get started.
Wondering if the reusable metal lids (vs. traditional canning lids) are ok to use with the mason jars in the instant pot?
Thanks!
Also, have you ever tried making the extract using vanilla-flavored vodka? Am thinking this would really punch up the vanilla flavor.
Also, have you ever tried this using vanilla-flavored vodka? Thinking that would send the vanilla flavor through the roof! 🙂
Jill, I haven’t, but I’ve wanted to. Let me know if you try it! I tried with raspberry vodka once and that was nasty 🙂
Jill, yes, I always use used lids.
Thanks, Marci. Sorry about the duplicate posts–computer/user errors! I think I’m going to try making a single jar with vanilla vodka first. If it tastes good, I’ll make the rest of the batch with VV. Would hate to blow the lot on nasty-tasting extract! Will let you know how the experiment turns out!
This is my 3rd time trying the recipe over the course of a couple weeks since I saw the recipe. All of my extracts are still overwhealmingly strong smelling of vodka/alcohol when you open it. I returned the 1st set to the instant pot past week, still smelled of alcohol and its been sitting for a week and still VERY strong. What do I do here?
Lori, it’s okay that you can smell the alcohol. Even storebought real vanilla has an alcohol smell. But you should be able to smell the vanilla as well. When you cook with it, the alcohol will burn off. Where did you buy your beans?
It doesn’t smell much like Vanilla. I purchased from Beanilla
Lori, well now I’m even more boggled. I adore Beanilla beans. I do think at this point if they can sit with the beans in it, it will get stronger and smell amazing over time. If you’re gifting them, just put a bean in each bottle and that will also work.
I got my beans last year from Beanilla and am just getting around to making extract. The package gives 12 months as shelf life, but my beans are very dry. I’m trying it anyway. Will I need to strain when I bottle it? It was almost like sticks and bits of bark with some beans. Hope it’s not a total fail.
Amy, I asked Beanilla about that because I had some that were nearly 2 years old and they told they would be fine to use. My extract had some bits like that. I haven’t strained it yet, but I’m guessing once I get closer to the bottom of the jar, they might start spilling out. It should still be amazing extract though!
Thanks for your response. I’m transferring to small jars for gifting, so will probably need to strain. You think that’s fine? Also I did some with vodka and some with glycerin and the glycerin is very light in color. Should I put it back in the pressure cooker or is this normal for the glycerin? Thanks again!
Amy, the glycerin tends to take longer to darken up, but if you’re wanting to package it soon, I’d go ahead and pressure cook it another 30 minutes to hurry it along. As far as straining goes, the extract will continue to get stronger if there are vanilla beans in it. If you have any large pieces, I would go ahead and put those in the gifting bottles. That’s what I would do 🙂
When I opened the instant pot my jar wa broken… was it cause I didn’t unplug?
Eda, Oh no, that is so disappointing! Like with pressure canning, sometimes there can be a hairline crack in the bottles and they can break, so that is one possibility. Did you tighten the lid?
I did but barely…. was that it? Im thinking the issue might have been that the vodka was cold…. and perhaps the temperature clash? 😉
Eda, Was your vodka significantly cold? Like from a fridge, cold? That could definitely have an effect. I’ve made that mistake before when trying to quick cool down a hot jar of Crio Bru in the snow. Won’t make that mistake again!
This worked great – thanks! I did mine about a week ago but would like to help it along a little bit (I know, I know, patience…). There is no harm in putting it back in for another 30 minutes to cook, right?
Harmony, It might decrease the alcohol percentage a bit more is the only thing I’m thinking could be a problem. If you’re using it within the year though, that’s not likely a big deal. In truth, I’ve done the same thing before, and it worked great 🙂
I could only find half pint jars. How many vanilla beans per jar?
Marci, I would do 2-3 depending on how big and fragrant they are.
You never said how many vanilla beans to use per pint????
Cheyenna, scroll down to the recipe card, that has everything you need!
I hope I didn’t mess this recipe up!! I’m such a novice that I did quick release instead of natural. Please tell me it’s not ruined!
Kristen, if the color is dark and the smell strong, I’d go with it! If it seems weak, just process it again.
Hello! Your recipe and tips were so helpful. I decided to make vanilla extract for holiday gifts but it took a while for my beans to arrive to me. Now that I have them, this process really sped things up! However, even after 30 mins at high pressure with natural release, my extract looks a little cloudy and more pronounced like you mentioned could happen after being in too long. Not sure if this if normal or not. Some of the beans almost seem empty but not all. Is this extract still okay to use? Still smells great. Thanks
Abigail, yes, it sounds great! Let it sit a few days, the cloudiness will clear, and it will be amazing.
so… if i made it yesterday (19), when can i gift it? Should i tell them to wait XX amount of time? do i need to stick a bean in their contaners?
Edisa, I’d have them wait at least a couple of weeks, and for sure stick a bean in each! That will make it even stronger.