Can you make your own almond extract?

Homemade almond extract also couldn't be simpler to make. It's made by soaking raw, unroasted, unsalted slivered almonds in a high proof alcohol to extract the flavor and aroma of the almonds . No artificial colors, flavors or chemical additions. It's 100% pure and flavorful.

Why do you put glycerin in almond extract?

The ingredients in our almond extract have a stabilizer such as alcohol or glycerin to ensure that it lasts a long time . Therefore, it helps to cook or bake the extract so the stabilizer evaporates and the taste of almonds get enhanced.

Is there a difference between almond extract and pure almond extract?

Whole bitter almonds are technically inedible, but their oil has a strong, sweet flavor. "Pure" extract is made with bitter almonds, whereas "natural" extract contains cassia bark essence . "Imitation" extract contains synthetic chemicals that mimic the almond flavor.

How long does homemade almond extract last?

Almond extract typically maintains its best quality for three to four years after opening, if stored properly. How should almond extract be stored? It should be stored in a cool, dry place with the container tightly closed to preserve its flavor.

Why is almond extract so gross?

Well, almond extract is actually made from the oil of bitter almonds. Bitter almonds have a compound called amygdalin, which can further be broken down into cyanide (a deadly chemical) and benzaldehyde (a bitter, volatile chemical).

How do they make almond extract?

Homemade Almond Extract Step 1: Ingredients. 1 cup of vodka or clear rum per 1.25oz of raw, unshelled almonds. Step 2: Blanch. Put the almonds in a bowl and bring a cup of water to a boil. ... Step 3: Blanching Continued. ... Step 4: Chop. ... Step 5: Store.

DIY: Homemade Almond Extract - Recipe Diaries (2024)

Published: Jul 15, 2014 · Modified: Jul 13, 2023 by Jenna · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Homemade Almond Extract is super easy to make at home and only requires 2 ingredients. Vodka and Raw Almonds.

DIY: Homemade Almond Extract - Recipe Diaries (1)

Almond Extract is probably my favorite extract. I think I like it most because of its smell. It's really good to flavor frostings with, put in fresh cherry pie, make homemade cookies, the sky is the limit. My grandma's frosting recipe is the best and it calls for almond extract instead of vanilla.

My extracts have been sitting in their jars for over two weeks now. I made lemon, almond, and mint. The ingredients in the extract need to rest in their jars or containers for over 6 weeks. After 2 weeks the almond extract is really starting to smell like homemade almond extract and so is the lemon extract.

The mint extract isn't doing so well. I'm still going to let it sit for the recommended time and then test the extract with my grandma's frosting recipe that calls for almond extract. That will be the true test!

Jump to:

How to Make Homemade Extract
Tips for Making Homemade Extracts
Recipe FAQs
DIY: Homemade Almond Extract

How to Make Homemade Extract

To make homemade almond extract, you will need whole raw almonds and vodka or another high-proof alcohol.

Start by blanching the almonds, removing their skins, and then chopping them into small pieces. Place the chopped almonds into a jar and pour the alcohol over them, making sure they are fully submerged.

Close the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least a month, shaking it occasionally.

Tips for Making Homemade Extracts

Find a storage container: I went to Michaels and found some jars. A smaller sized jar will work (8oz or less) or any type of bottle used to store extracts in. If you are looking for real extract bottles Amazon has them.

Round Glass Bottle Jars

Use Good Vodka: The best type of vodka to use for homemade extracts is good strong vodka, 80% proof, or higher. The brand I used was Absolute Vodka.

Extract Flavors: You can make just about any flavor of extract you want with this method. Mint, lemon, orange, vanilla, you name it!

Vanilla bean pods are really expensive just for one at the grocery stores. It is best to buy them in bulk online somewhere. Make a slit or indent in the pods and add them to the jars!

10 Vanilla Bean Pods - Whole Extract Grade Be for Baking

For lemon extract or orange, peel off the rinds and make sure to not get any of the white pith on the skin.

Recipe FAQs

What can I use homemade almond extract for?