My favorite pressure cooker discovery yet – Instant Pot Vanilla Extract! Rich, dark, aromatic extract in minutes instead of months!
*THIS POST CONSTITUTES AN ORIGINAL TIDBITS METHOD FOR MAKING VANILLA EXTRACT. WE RESERVE THE RIGHTS TO ALL CONTENT, IMAGES, METHOD, AND DIRECTIONS FOUND IN THIS POST, AND THEY CANNOT BE DUPLICATED, RE-POSTED, OR DISTRIBUTED IN ANY WAY OR FORM, EXCEPT FOR THE USE OF ONE IMAGE USED WITH A BRIEF EXPLANATION AND A VISIBLE LINK BACK TO THIS POST. THANK YOU FOR RESPECTING OUR COPYRIGHT!
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, Almond, 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, Maple, and Almond.
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
Hi Marci, I tried two pint jars for my first time. I finger tightened the lids, as least I thought I did, but I lost about an inch of liquid from one jar. The other was ok. Can I just add more vodka? Can I add more and run it through the instant pot again? Or should I remove the beans, maybe add another fresh bean, and start over with fresh vodka? I’m afraid I lost the alcohol content.
Linda, Yes, I would just top it off and let it sit a couple of week, it will be great! I had this happen a couple of times and tested the alcohol percentage and it was still good.
I made vanilla extract in my instant pot over 2 and a half years ago, just like you. Not from your recipe.
Hi There, I made vanilla for the first time! My jars came out light tan, not dark at all. Is this common? Did I use the wrong beans or something? (I used the madagascar vanilla beans). Thanks for your help.
I just did the same and it’s not very dark. Wondering if it is ok like that? I hope I didn’t waste anything cause this has cost more than I initially thought.
Kayla, give it a couple of weeks then smell it, I’ll bet it still works!
Jessica, from my experience, the beans do make a difference. I always order from Beanilla and it turns out dark every time. I had a couple of batches from some beans I bought from Amazon that were disappointing. However, chances are, if you let it sit a couple of weeks, it will smell amazing!
When making alcohol free, just use the same amount of glycerin in place of the alcohol?
Gayle, Yep!
I made vanilla extract like this almost 2 years ago. I smells better the longer it sits. So, how can you claim copywrite when this recipe has been around for years?
Emily, I was first for this technique, not vanilla extract itself, sorry for the confusion!
OMG! Never use the instant pot to make vanilla! Those mason jars with alcohol could burst! That much alcohol should never be put under pressure! Also, look up standards for making vanilla extract such as what constitutes single or double fold. The Vanilla Bean Co Op group on FB is an excellent resource for anything vanilla and they also sell beans direct from the supplier.
Here is a direct quote from Instant Pot…” Regarding cooking alcohol in Instant Pot, there are many factors which could generate source of ignition of the alcohol fume. These are not part of the Instant Pot product and beyond the control of Instant Pot device. We cannot officially endorse such use given the possibility of unforeseen risks. – Robert Wang, CEO, Instant Pot”
Bonnie, Yes, I discuss that in the post. Read my thoughts on that 🙂
I am really clueless when it comes to using mason jars, etc….when you say to barely tighten, does that mean as long as the cover is threaded enough not to fall off, or tighten to close it like you would for any jar? Hoping this makes sense 😁
Dawn, haha! I totally understand! So I twist it until I meet some resistance, then back off just a bit. So it’s on enough to stay on if I pick it up, but if I tipped it over, it would leak. I hope that helps!
I am so eager to make this vanilla extract using my Instant Pot! I have a box of half pint jars that have only been used once. Five of them fit nicely at once. If I use them, would you suggest keeping the cooking time at 30 minutes? How many beans per jar? Thank you so much for sharing this method. Love it when I can use my IP!
Mary, yep still do 30 minutes. I would do 3 beans per jar. You’re going to love it!
I made this recipe today using (2)1/2 pint jars and only 1 bean in each because I didn’t read the directions clearly. I cut each bean in half so hopefully that will help. I was surprised that the vodka in one of the jars bubbled for hours after coming out of the multi cooker. I’m wondering how long it will be before the vanilla can be used.
Cheryl, It can be used immediately, but I find that it’s even better at 2 weeks. I’m curious how your extract turned out with 1 bean!
Hi Marci, after cooling, I transferred the vanilla into another container and taste-tested it next to my store-bought vanilla. They were very similar in taste. I would even say that there was less of an alcohol taste in my homemade version.
Cheryl, yay! Great news!
Can I use 1/2 pint jars to process the vanilla extract? Would the timing be different?
Bonnie, Yep, that will work. Cook time will stay the same!
If I transfer the processed extract to other bottles do I also transfer the beans?
Jackie, Yes, I always keep the beans with the extract. It just keeps getting better!
Hi, I followed the recipe exactly and one of my jars leaked out into the water. Help!
Elizabeth, It sounds like one of your lids might have been looser than others and it evaporated a bit. Just top it off with vodka and let it sit a couple of weeks. It should be great!
I wish that were the case. The vodka definitely leaked into the water.
When you say to put the trivet in, do you put it in with the base (meaning flat part) of the trivet at the bottom of the pot so it is submerged in water, then the jars on top of that? Or do you put it in ‘feet’ first & the jars go on top of that, raised out of the water? And if it is the latter, do the jars touch the sides of the pot?
Patti, I place the trivet in the pot with the feet touching the base, then set the jars on top of that. Does that make sense? If I have my jars centered on the trivet, they don’t touch the sides of the pot. I hope that helps!
I have 2 questions: First, I bought some grade B Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans (vaccum packed) around March 10 of 2019. Are they still good to use or should be tossed? And, i have an 8 quart Instant Pot. What should I do differently to make this? Help!!!
★★★★
Donna, When I asked Beanilla about this (mine were over 2 years old) they told me as long as they were stored in a cool environment and vacuum packed, they were fine. So I’d say you’re good to go!
Great! I’m so glad I can use these beans!! But with the 8 quart Instant Pot, do I do anything different? More water, more time, anything? I don’t want to mess this up!
Donna, I’ve never done anything differently in the 8 quart, cook time stays the same! You might want to add 1 1/2 cups water since it’ll evaporate more in the bigger pot. I’m excited for you to try it!
I forgot to unplug my instapot and it NPR’ed for about 20 minutes, then…I forgot to take it out after I NPR’ed it. Will leaving it in the heat so long mess it up? It’s so beautiful. I hope I didn’t miss it up.
★★★★★
Davyea, It’ll be perfect! Sometimes I just leave mine in the pot all night. No worries!
Can you reuse the vanilla beans to make more vanilla once that batch is gone?
Jennifer, yes, but I always add 1 or 2 fresh beans to keep it strong. Another idea is to use only half of a jar, top it with vodka, then let it sit while you use another jar.
Do you have to sterilize the jars?
Ydo, I don’t sterilize them per se, but I do wash them in the dishwasher.
Hello!
I followed the directions with this EXACTLY using high quality vodka and Tahitian vanilla beans instead of Madagascar. After it was finished, I stored it in a cool, dark place for about 2 weeks before I used it. It didn’t smell strongly of alcohol and it was a dark (not as dark as store bought) but it had almost no vanilla flavor. Any thoughts as to what might have happened other than using Tahitian beans? Also, can this recipe be made using vanilla bean paste as opposed to whole bean? Thanks!
Morgan, I’m not sure on the paste, I’ve yet to try that one (but I’m very curious), but it’s hard to say with your other question. The smell and intensity of flavor definitely depends on the beans, but I’ve used Tahitian before and loved it. You could reprocess it, or simply let it sit longer. How many beans did you use? Were they quite fragrant right out of the bag?
I found this link AFTER making my first batch… and the recipe I followed did not mention not to over tighten the lids 🙁 2 of the 4 jars seals bulged a bit… bending the seal a tad bit. Do you think it will still be useable , and that I can just transfer the contents to a new mason jar, continuing the storage of them i
in my pantry? PLEASE say yes. I cannot bear the though of having to dump even a drop. Thank you for any help/tips
Joanne, There shouldn’t be anything wrong with them. I’m glad the jars didn’t break! Once they are completely cooled, just take the lid off to vent it (maybe with a towel in case it splashes), then put the lid back on and place it in your pantry. In my beginning stages of testing, I put the lid on tight and had some bulging. I even broke a jar because of doing that. That was my lesson to leave the lid loose 🙂
This sounds amazing. Can you put more than 1 pint size jar in at a time?
Ashley, Yes! I always do 3 at a time.