Making your own baking extracts is surprisingly easy and saves a lot of money! A tiny container of extract in the store is over 8 dollars and I can make the same amount for pennies!
In this post I will show you a complete guide on how to make extracts so you can save yourself money and customize the ingredients to whatever flavour extracts you like!
Baking extracts add so much flavour and take only a couple minutes of prep work! It saves you so much money and are completely customizable!
Vanilla extract is also renewable for up to a year (more on that later!) so you can always have vanilla on hand.
In this post I will show you how to make vanilla extract, coffee extract, coconut extract, orange extract and mint extract. If you are curious how to make them, read on!
This post is all about how to make extracts.
How do I use these extracts?
These homemade extracts can be used in so many things! I am going to give you a list of ways I like to enjoy these extracts to spark some ideas for you!
- Vanilla extract can be used in almost any recipe to add a boost of caramel deliciousness! This means baked goods, sweetened breads, yogurt, ice cream, candy, caramels and more! Vanilla is the most versatile extract in my opinion so I would recommend starting with it.
- Coconut extract can be used to make any sort of Pina colada recipes such as baked goods or drinks. This can be used as a spirit in drinks (as the base is vodka) or in yogurt, ice cream or baked goods.
- Coffee extract can be used to add a pop of flavour to anything with chocolate in it, to lattes or in a whipped cream, yogurt or ice cream. Just thinking about it now makes me want to eat it!
- Orange extract can be used in anything with chocolate as well, to add some flavour to baked goods and glazes for the top, orange chicken or smoothies.
- Mint extract can be used to in ice cream, candy making, mojitos and anything with chocolate (notice a theme?)
Ingredients and materials needed for these extract recipes
- A glass jar meant to hold extracts or brews. I think this one is just stunning!
- Small mason jars for the more unique extracts. If you want to make a big one, you absolutely can!
- Fine mesh strainers– for straining the extracts when they are finished infusing.
- Zester– for the orang extract
- Vodka or any alcohol you prefer. You can use rum, brandy or bourbon as well. You want it to be 80 proof which is 40%. This also does not need to be the best quality. I bought one that is meant for extracts and cost me 14 dollars for a litre.
- Shredded coconut, coffee grounds, mint leaves, organic orange.
- Vanilla bean splits. These are the grade B version that is a lot cheaper than vanilla beans you would find in the store.
- Cute baking tags to keep track of all of the extracts. (They are also perfect for gifting!)
Time for the recipes!
Vanilla extract recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of vodka, rum, brandy or bourbon
- 6 vanilla bean splits
- This recipe can be scaled up or down! My bottle could hold 2 cups of alcohol so I did 12 vanilla splits
How to make the vanilla extract:
- Sanitize your bottle.
- Add in your alcohol.
- Slice your vanilla beans down the length so you expose the vanilla beans. Cut those pieces in half as well.
- Add them to your bottle and close it up.
- Add the baking tag and store the vanilla in a cool dark place. Whenever you think about it, invert it a couple of times.
- The vanilla will be ready in 6 months. When it is ready to use, you can add more vodka whenever you use some for up to a year! (you can use the vanilla earlier but it will have a potent alcohol flavour so you may want to use it in cooked recipes and be mindful in recipes kids may eat.)
Ingredients needed to make the coffee extract:
- 1 oz (30 grams) of coffee grounds
- 1 cup of alcohol
How to make the coffee extract:
- Add the coffee and the alcohol to a small mason jar.
- Add the lid and shake to combine.
- Add the baking tag and store it in a cool dark place, shaking it once a week (or when you remember.)
- It is ready after a month. If you leave it longer, you risk it turning bitter.
- Strain the coffee grounds and compost them. (You may need to strain them a couple times.)
- Enjoy!
Ingredients needed to make the coconut extract:
- 1 cup of shredded coconut
- 1 cup of alcohol
How to make the coconut extract:
- Add both ingredients to your small mason jar and give it a shake.
- Add the lid and the baking tag and store it in a cool dry place.
- Give it a shake every week and then strain it after 1 month.
- It is ready to use! Enjoy!
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Ingredients needed to make orange extract
The zest of one orange (organic is preferred but either way it need to be soaked in a vinegar solution first)
1 cup of alcohol of choice (vodka, bourbon, brandy, rum etc)
How to make orange extract
- Wash and zest your orange. Add it to a sterilized mason jar.
- Pour over the alcohol.
- Add the lid and the baking tag.
- Store it in a cool dry place, shaking it once a week (or when you remember.)
- Strain it after one month using a small fine mesh strainer and then you are ready to use it!
Ingredients needed to make mint extract
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup alcohol
How to make mint extract
- Start by washing the mint very well (organic is best here) and then give it a rough chop.
- Add them to your small jar with the alcohol.
- Add the lid and the baking tag and store it in a cool, dark place, shaking once per week.
- Strain the mint leaves out after the 30 days and you are ready to enjoy!