Double-Fold Vanilla Extract

Jul 18, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Pantry Vanilla extracts infusions Origin: Madagascar Vanilla: Beans Easy

Bottle of homemade double-fold vanilla extract packed with vanilla beans

Homemade double-fold vanilla extract made with twice the usual amount of vanilla beans for concentrated flavor. About 15 minutes of hands-on time, then at least 12 weeks to steep. Best vanilla for this: Madagascar (rich, creamy, classic), or Tahitian (floral, cherry, anise). Any pure vanilla works.

Prep 15 min

Cook —

Steep 12 weeks

Total 12 weeks

Yield 48 teaspoons

Diet —

Ingredients

Adjust yield

teaspoons

16.0vanilla beans, split
1.0 cup (240.0 ml)vodka (35-40% ABV)

Make it at home

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Instructions

Split each vanilla bean lengthwise, leaving the halves attached at one end.
Pack the beans into a tall, clean glass jar and pour in the vodka until they're completely covered.
Seal the jar and store it somewhere cool and dark, shaking it once a week.
Let it steep for at least 12 weeks; with twice the usual beans it turns nearly black and syrupy.
Use half the amount a recipe calls for, since double-fold extract is about twice as strong as standard extract.

Tips

Double-fold extract is worth it in delicate recipes like custards and whipped cream, where the vanilla is the star.
Save the spent beans; dried and ground, they make homemade vanilla powder.
Choosing vanilla: Madagascar vanilla (rich, creamy, classic) is our pick here; Tahitian (floral, cherry, anise) is a great alternative.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make double-fold vanilla extract?

Plan on 15 minutes of prep, then 12 weeks to steep. The recipe makes 48 teaspoons.

How should I store double-fold vanilla extract?

Store in a cool, dark cupboard. Homemade extract keeps indefinitely and keeps improving as it ages.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 48 servings this recipe makes.

13 Calories / serving

0.0g Fat

0.1g Carbs

0.0g Protein

0.0g Sugar

Whole recipe (48 servings): ~624 cal · 0g fat · 5g carbs · 0g protein · 0g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

Per serving · 13 calories

What it takes to burn one serving

Brisk walking 2 min·0.1 mi·~250 steps
Walking uphill or incline treadmill 2 min·0.1 mi·~200 steps
Moderate cycling 1 min·0.2 mi
Swimming laps 2 min
Jogging 1 min·0.1 mi·~150 steps
Stair climbing 1 min·~100 steps
Dancing 2 min
Bodyweight circuit training 1 min
Cleaning, errands, or playing with the dog 3 min

Rough estimates for one serving, based on standard MET values at about 155 lb. Your own burn depends on body size, effort, and fitness. Shown for context only — food is not something you have to earn.