DIY Vanilla Extract in an Instant Pot

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Several years ago I tried making my own vanilla extract for the first time. It was a simple method of simply letting vanilla beans soak in vodka for a few weeks. In fact I would say the only skill needed for that project was some patience and that’s not always something that I have a lot of!

So this most recent time around when I wanted to make my own vanilla extract I decided to try a method that I’ve been hearing about lately that doesn’t require as much patience – using the instant pot for homemade vanilla extract.

A jar of homemade vanilla extract

This time around I also decided to try using rum instead of vodka for the soaking alcohol. I prefer to make small size batches of homemade vanilla extract and that means leftover alcohol. And rum is a leftover I’m much more likely to drink in a cocktail (as opposed to vodka). But choosing the alcohol for these recipes is never easy for me! After looking at the rum options, I decided not to buy a spiced rum, because I wanted the vanilla beans to be the only flavor in the final mixture.

I also decided to try using a couple of my mini 4 oz mini mason jars for this project just because that seemed kind of fun for the small size batch I was making using the little 3 pack of vanilla beans I ordered. Once I had all my supplies gathered together I was ready to give it a try!

supplies for making homemade vanilla extract in an instant pot

Making Vanilla Extract in an Instant Pot

The first step for this homemade vanilla extract was to slice and cut the vanilla beans. I decided to use one and a half beans for each 1/2 cup of alcohol. I cut my beans into smaller pieces and then sliced them open vertically to expose the flavors inside the bean.

I placed my vanilla pieces inside the jars and added the 1/2 cup of alcohol to each jar. I put the lids on so that they were just barely tightened.

Steps for making homemade vanilla extract

The next step was to put the trivet in the bottom of the instant pot and then add one cup of water. Then I set my little jars on the trivet, which was a bit of a balancing act because the jars were so small!

Using an instant pot to make vanilla extract

I put on the lid and set the Pressure Cooking time to 45 minutes on my 3 quart mini Instant Pot and when it was done, let the pressure release naturally. Then I carefully took my little jars out (they’re very hot) and put them on a hot pad to cool.

Two small jars of homemade vanilla extract with vanilla beans inside them

Some Interesting DIY Vanilla Extract Results

So was it worth it to hurry things along when making homemade vanilla extract by using the Instant Pot? Maybe not. Here are a couple of curious things that I noticed.

First, some of the alcohol must have evaporated away during the process. There was less fluid in the jars when I took them out of the Instant Pot. Now this may not even be noticeable if you are using larger pint or quart jars when doing this, but when you are using a little mini jar, you can indeed see the difference!

Second, the extract seemed a bit cloudier than when I had used the long soak method and I could see vanilla seed sediment on the bottom of the jars, which most likely was a result of this heating method. This isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but a clear amber liquid when making your own extract is prettier, especially for gift giving.

So I think this quick method still has merit. If I try it again I think I’ll use bigger jars and maybe we’ll give the spiced rum a go the next time around too.

Or perhaps I’ll just have patience and do it the old fashioned way. 🙂

Here are the complete instructions if you’d like to give it a try.

Homemade Vanilla Extract in the Instant Pot

Make your own vanilla extract with this method that uses an Instant Pot for quicker results. You can make this in any size batch you would like, using a ratio of one and a half vanilla beans for each 1/2 cup of alcohol.
Course: DIY Baking Hack
Keyword: Homemade Extract, Instant Pot
Author: Beverly

Equipment:

  • Instant Pot with a trivet insert or steamer basket insert
  • Mason jars with lids (I used mini 4 oz jars)

Ingredients:

  • Vanilla Beans (I used 3 beans)
  • Rum or Vodka (I used 1 cup)
  • 1 cup water

Instructions:

  • Begin by slicing the vanilla beans vertically to expose the vanilla seeds inside. You may also wish to cut the beans into smaller pieces to fit in the size jars you are using.
  • Place the beans in the jars and then pour in the alcohol, covering the beans. I used the ratio of one and a half beans for each half cup of alcohol.
  • Place the lids on your jars so that they are just barely tightened on.
  • Place the trivet in your Instant Pot and then pour one cup of water into the Instant Pot.
  • Set your jars with the beans and the alcohol into the Instant Pot, setting them on the trivet. Lock the Instant Pot lid into place and cook on high pressure with the timer set for 45 minutes. Then let the pressure release naturally.
  • Remove the jars from the Instant Pot using an oven mitt (the jars will be very hot!) and set them on a cooling rack or hot pad to cool off.
  • For extra vanilla flavor, you can let the jars sit for an extra 24 to 48 hours with the beans in them and after that time remove the beans from the liquid.

Notes:

You can use the flat lids and rings on top of your mason jars for this process too. Just be sure that the ring is just barely tightened into place so that the lids do not seal down during the time in the Instant Pot.

More DIY Baking Hacks:

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