And Quick Instant Pot Vanilla Extract

Instant Pot Vanilla Extract is a rich and aromatic way to create a homemade vanilla extract. Making vanilla extract is rather easy when you have a pressure cooker. We made our vanilla extract with alcohol for a recipe that will dress up any baked good you whip up with a splash of this homemade extract.

Vanilla Extract in the Instant Pot is our go-to way for making homemade extracts. It gives you the depth in flavor you want, and this little bottle can last a lifetime!

Instant Pot Vanilla Extract

You can make a homemade vanilla extract in an hour with your Instant Pot, instead of the traditional way of soaking vanilla beans in Vodka in a dark cool place in your home for months on end. We share exactly how to create that same rich flavor you know and love, in a fraction of the time.

Can You Put Vodka In The Instant Pot

Yes, vodka can go into the Instant Pot and cook with the lid on and the pressure building. You will see like in a moonshine recipe where you have to have the mixture fully cooled before pouring the Everclear in at the end. Vodka is one of the safe alcohols that can work under pressure in the pressure cooker.

What Is The Best Alcohol To Make Vanilla Extract

You want to use Vodka for making vanilla extract. It offers a neutral flavor, and will give your extract a pure and clean flavor. Reach for an inexpensive Vodka that is around 40% alcohol and 80 proof. We bought a huge bottle for $12.

There is no need to splurge on buying the high-quality alcohol for making vanilla. A cheap bottle of vodka will do.

Does The Alcohol Cook Out Of Vanilla Extract

Because you only use around a teaspoon to a tablespoon of vanilla extract in a recipe, you will find that most of the alcohol will evaporate as it is being baked or cooked. So, in the end, your extract will still contain around 35% alcohol.

You can, however, use food grade vegetable glycerin in replace of Vodka if you would feel safer.

Why Make Vanilla Extract In Mason Jars in Instant Pot

• We have found using mason jars to make vanilla extract to be a easy way to create as much or as little as you would like.
• Plus when you use vodka and the pressure cooker it creates a safe antimicrobial environment, allowing a longer shelf life for your vanilla.
• Having a lid on your mix, will help prevent water from dripping into your extract and diluting the flavor. You get a richer and purer flavor.
• You also will adjust how tight you secure the lid. One of our lids was not on as tight as we would have wanted, and some of the alcohol evaporated out. Which is fine. But when the alcohol doesn’t evaporate it will give you a more flavorful extract.
• Plus you can leave in mason jars, or pour them into smaller bottles to gift or store for your own baking needs.

Supplies Needed For Making Homemade Vanilla Extract

• Instant Pot (we used our 8 quart)
• Knife for Vanilla
• Vanilla Beans
• Vodka
• Mason Jars (we used 16 oz jars – use smaller if you use 6 qt Instant Pot)
• Jars to transfer extract if you want. We bought these small glass containers.

What Grade of Vanilla Beans Do You Need for Making Vanilla Extract

You need a Grade B Vanilla bean for making vanilla extract. We purchased ours on Amazon, and they arrived in a sealed bag. Now, if you have a store that sells them, feel free to shop locally.

Just double-check they are Grade B, they will give you a nice vanilla extract flavor as it is cooked up.

How Do we Store Vanilla Extract

You will want to store your bottled vanilla extract in a dark and cool place. If you store in your pantry, put in the back and keep it away from lights. This will help it preserve the best.

How Long Does Instant Pot Vanilla Extract Last For

When you store your Instant Pot Vanilla Extract properly, it has an infinite shelf life. When you keep the vanilla bean in your jar, you can keep adding more vodka as you use it, and it will blend together nicely.

How Soon Can we Use Homemade Vanilla Extract After we Make It

You could technically use the extract the day you make it. But we do recommend waiting two weeks. This will truly help the alcohol smell mellow out and bring out a more vibrant vanilla flavor. We take the bottles and give them a little shake every other day, to help release the vanilla beans and incorporate the mixture.

What Size Mason Jars To Use When Making Instant Pot Vanilla

Use any size you want. Make sure that the jars fit in the Instant Pot and the lid seals, with the trivet in the Instant Pot. We used our 8 quart Instant Pot and used 16 ounce Ball canning jars. Now, if you are using a 6 quart pressure cooker, you need a smaller jar, or it will not fit.

We also recommend that you use Ball or Kerr brand. Quality canning jars is key, so that you run less risk of them breaking in the Instant Pot.

Ingredients

Makes 2 pints

• 2 pint canning jars, or smaller if using a 6 quart IP
• 6-8 vanilla beans
• Vodka

Equipment

• Silicone Sealing Ring for Instant Pot Accessories
• Instant Pot

Method

1. You will start by slicing your vanilla bean in half. Then cut the beans into smaller strips, making sure they will fit in your jar easily.
2. Then put a few beans in each pint jar we did 2-3 vanilla beans per jar.
3. Top the jars with vodka, and leave around an inch at the top.
4. Place the seal on and tighten the jar just till it is hand tight. You don't want to over-tighten the lid.
5. Pour 1-2 cups water in the bottom of the pressure cooker, and sit the trivet in. Then place your jars, and do high pressure for 30 minutes with it sealed.
6. Once the timer goes off let it natural release for 20 minutes. Then push it over and release all the steam that is left.

Kitchen notes

You can use any size canning jar you want. Make as much or as little of this vanilla extract as you would prefer. NOTE: It is best to let your vanilla sit one week in a cool dry place, and shake every few days. This will help mellow out the vodka aroma.