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. I made my 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 my 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. I 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. I 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
Why Make Vanilla Extract In Mason Jars in Instant Pot - I have found using mason jars to make vanilla extract to be a really 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 my lids was not on as tight as I 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
( I used my 8 quart) - Knife for Vanilla
- Vanilla Beans
- Vodka
- Mason Jars (I used 16 oz jars – use smaller if you use 6 qt Instant Pot)
- Jars to transfer extract if you want. I bought these small glass containers.
( I used my 8 quart) 
What Grade of Vanilla Beans Do You Need for Making Vanilla Extract
What Grade of Vanilla Beans Do You Need for Making Vanilla ExtractYou need a Grade B Vanilla bean for making vanilla extract. I purchased mine 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 I 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 I Use Homemade Vanilla Extract After I Make It
You could technically use the extract the day you make it. But I do recommend waiting two weeks. This will truly help the alcohol smell mellow out and bring out a more vibrant vanilla flavor.
I 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
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. I used my 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.
I 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.
Instant Pot Vanilla Extract
Ingredients
- 2 pint canning jars or smaller if using a 6 quart IP
- 6-8 vanilla beans
- Vodka
Instructions
- 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.
- Then put a few beans in each pint jar I did 2-3 vanilla beans per jar.
- Top the jars with vodka, and leave around an inch at the top.
- Place the seal on and tighten the jar just till it is hand tight. You don't want to over-tighten the lid.
- 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.
- Once the timer goes off let it natural release for 20 minutes. Then push it over and release all the steam that is left.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Looking for Recipes to Make With Your Homemade Vanilla Extract
- Banana Pudding
- Instant Pot Cake
- Breakfast Quinoa
- Instant Pot Peanut Butter Cheesecake
- The Best Instant Pot Rice Pudding
- Pumpkin Carrot Muffins
Comments & Reviews
Jennifer says
I have never but finger tight sealed jars in my instant pot and am a bit nervous even if you using new mason jars… could I do this at low pressure? Would that put my mind at ease?
Kelsey says
you don’t seal it tight, just gently.
Courtney says
When transferring to a different bottle for gift giving do you leave the vanilla beans in the new bottle?
Kelsey says
I went ahead and put the used vanilla bean in each bottle to just help with the flavor. You don’t have to do that if you don’t want.