17 Homemade Vanilla Recipe Southern Living Cook Up Something Special!

Published on: Apr 2, 2024

When it comes to homemade desserts, nothing beats the classic and comforting flavor of vanilla. This versatile ingredient adds a delicious depth of flavor to any dish, from cookies and cakes to ice cream and custards. But did you know that you can make your own homemade vanilla extract with just a few simple ingredients? Not only is it a fun and rewarding project, but it also produces a richer and more flavorful vanilla than store-bought options. In this article, we'll walk you through a traditional southern living recipe for homemade vanilla extract that will elevate your baking game.

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Southern Pecan Pie Bars

Main Ingredients: Crust, Eggs, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Vanilla, Butter, Salt

Easy Southern Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust - The Country Cook

Classic Southern Pecan Pie Bars - Maria's Kitchen

Southern pecan pie bars are the perfect combination of crunch, sweetness, and gooeyness. These bars are a twist on the traditional pecan pie, and they are just as delicious. Made with a buttery crust and a rich pecan filling, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, they are easy to make and perfect for beginners in the kitchen.

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Southern Banana Pudding

Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Salt, Large Eggs, Milk, Vanilla, Vanilla

Homemade Banana Pudding - My Baking Addiction

Southern Banana Pudding Recipe | Add a Pinch

Cooking to Perfection: Southern Banana Pudding

This classic Southern dessert is a must-try for any banana lover. Made with layers of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and Nilla wafers, this banana pudding is a crowd-pleaser. Top it off with some whipped cream and brown sugar for added sweetness. It's the perfect dessert to bring to a potluck or family gathering.

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Southern Buttermilk Pie

Main Ingredients: Buttermilk, Sugar, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt, Butter

Buttermilk Pie {Classic Southern Recipe} – WellPlated.com

Classic Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe - Something Swanky

If you're looking for a simple and delicious dessert, look no further than Southern buttermilk pie. With a flaky crust and a creamy filling, this pie is a Southern staple. The tangy buttermilk adds the perfect balance to the sweetness of the pie. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a beautiful and tasty presentation.

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Southern Pineapple Cake

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Soda, Large Eggs

Nanny's Famous Coconut-Pineapple Cake #justapinchrecipes | Cake recipes ...

Pineapple Cake | Recipe | Pineapple cake recipe, Cake recipes, Savoury cake

Slow Cooker Pineapple Upside Down Cake - Spicy Southern Kitchen

This moist and flavorful cake is a popular dessert in the South. Made with crushed pineapple and topped with a cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. It's perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays.

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Old Fashioned Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Main Ingredients: Butter, Light Brown Sugar, Light Karo Syrup, Eggs

Sweet Potato Pie - melissassouthernstylekitchen.com

The Best Homemade Sweet Potato Pie Recipe - Evolving Table

Sweet potato pie is a classic Southern dessert that has been around for generations. Made with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, this pie is full of warm and comforting flavors. It's the perfect dessert to enjoy during the fall and winter months.

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Southern Caramel Cake

Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Eggs, Flour, Buttermilk, Vanilla, Icing

Southern Caramel Cake | Foodandcake789

Southern Caramel Sheet Cake - Willow Bird Baking

Southern Caramel Cake | The Spiffy Cookie

This decadent cake is a Southern favorite. Moist yellow cake layers are filled and frosted with a rich and creamy caramel frosting. It's a labor of love to make, but the end result is worth it. Serve this cake at your next special occasion and watch it disappear.

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Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Butter, Sugar, Vanilla, Eggs, Milk

Southern Sweet Potato Pie - Feast and Farm

Southern Sweet Potato Pie • A Sweet Pea Chef

Southern Sweet Potato Pie - My Forking Life

Similar to pumpkin pie, Southern sweet potato pie is a Thanksgiving staple in the South. Made with brown sugar, eggs, and evaporated milk, this pie is rich and creamy. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

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Southern Blackberry Cobbler

Main Ingredients: Blackberries, Sugar, Self Rising Flour, Milk, Butter

Southern Blackberry Cobbler Recipe (With images) | Blackberry cobbler ...

Easy Skillet Blackberry Cobbler - southern discourse

Southern Blackberry Cobbler Recipe | Recipe | Cobbler recipes ...

This traditional Southern dessert is made with fresh blackberries and a buttery biscuit topping. It's the perfect balance of tart and sweet, and it's best served warm with a scoop of whipped cream. This cobbler is a great way to use up any fresh blackberries you may have on hand.

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Southern Style Peach Cobbler

Main Ingredients: Syrup, Peaches, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar

Old Fashioned Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe - Oh Sweet Basil

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25 Ideas for southern Peach Cobbler Recipe - Home, Family, Style and ...

Another classic Southern dessert, peach cobbler is a must-try for any peach lover. Made with juicy peaches and a buttery crust, this cobbler is a comforting and delicious treat. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect summer dessert.

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Southern Johnny Cakes (Hoe Cakes)

Main Ingredients: Flour, Cornmeal, Eggs, Baking Powder, Sugar, Salt

Johnny Cakes Recipe (Hoe Cakes or Fried Cornbread) - Grandbaby Cakes

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Easy Southern Hoecakes (Johnny Cakes) ) | gritsandpinecones.com ...

Johnny cakes, also known as hoe cakes, are a Southern breakfast staple. Made with cornmeal, these pancakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are perfect for soaking up the syrup and butter, making them a delicious and filling breakfast option.

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Southern Style Banana Pudding

Main Ingredients: Cornstarch, Sugar, Stevia Extract, Soymilk, Banana

Easy Banana Pudding - melissassouthernstylekitchen.com

Warm Banana Pudding (Southern Style) - CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Homemade Southern Banana Pudding | Easy homemade dessert!

Similar to the classic version, Southern banana pudding is made with layers of vanilla pudding, bananas, and Nilla wafers. However, this version is topped with meringue and baked until golden brown. The result is a creamy and delicious dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

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Easy Southern Buttermilk Pie

Main Ingredients: Pie Crust, Butter, Sugar, All Purpose Flour, Large

Easy Buttermilk Pie Recipe #PiDay - West Via Midwest

If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious Southern dessert, this easy buttermilk pie is the perfect option. Made with a pre-made pie crust and a simple filling, this pie comes together in no time. It's a great option for last-minute guests or a quick weeknight treat.

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Southern Coconut Cake

Main Ingredients: Butter Cake, Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt

Southern Coconut Cake Recipe - Julias Simply Southern

Delicious layered Southern coconut cake recipe with frosting topped ...

Southern Coconut Cake ~ cooking Of all time

Coconut cake is a staple at any Southern gathering. This classic cake is made with coconut milk and shredded coconut, giving it a rich and tropical flavor. It's topped with a cream cheese frosting and toasted coconut, making it a beautiful and delicious dessert.

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Southern Caramel Cake

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Shortening, Butter, Milk

This cake is a Southern tradition and a must-try for any caramel lover. The layers are made with a dense and moist yellow cake, and they are filled and frosted with a rich and decadent caramel frosting. It's a labor of love to make, but the end result is truly delicious.

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Southern Tea Cakes

Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Vanilla, Egg, Buttermilk, Baking Soda

Deep South Old-Fashioned Tea Cakes Recipe | Divas Can Cook

Southern Tea Cakes - Love Bakes Good Cakes

Southern Tea Cakes - Immaculate Bites Tea Cookies Recipe, No Egg ...

Tea cakes are a simple and delicious Southern cookie. Made with butter, flour, and sugar, these cookies are soft and buttery with a hint of vanilla. They are perfect for serving with tea or enjoying as a sweet afternoon snack.

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Red Velvet Cake

Main Ingredients: Cake Flour, Salt, Hot Chocolate Mix, Butter, Eggs

Cream Cheese Icing For Red Velvet Wedding Cake - Barney Evangelista ...

Red Velvet Birthday Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting : cakedecorating ...

Peppermint Bark Red Velvet Cake - Homemade Home

Red velvet cake is a classic Southern dessert that's loved all over the world. The vibrant red color and cream cheese frosting make it a show-stopping dessert. The secret ingredient, buttermilk, makes this cake extra moist and delicious.

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Southern Hummingbird Bundt Cake!

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Soda, Salt, Sugar, Cinnamon

Hummingbird Bundt Cake Recipe | Southern Living

Hummingbird Bundt Cake | Bake or Break

Southern Living's Hummingbird Cake | Recipe | Hummingbird cake ...

This Southern cake is a delicious and beautiful addition to any dessert table. Made with pineapple, bananas, and pecans, this cake is moist and flavorful. It's perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to potlucks.

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Southern Fudge Pie

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, All Purpose

Fudge Pie - Easy and Amazing! | Southern Food and Fun

28 Old-Fashioned Pie And Cobbler Recipes

Southern Chocolate Fudge Pie {aka Chocolate Chess Pie}

Fudge pie is a rich and decadent Southern dessert that's perfect for chocolate lovers. Made with cocoa powder, eggs, and evaporated milk, this pie has a fudgy texture and is best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's a delicious and indulgent treat.

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Southern Belle Cornbread

Main Ingredients: Bisquick, Cornmeal, Granulated Sugar, Baking Powder

BEST Crispy Southern Cornbread Recipe (5th Generation Recipe!)

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Classic Southern Cornbread {Granny's Recipes}

Southern Cornbread Dressing | I Heart Recipes

Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine, and this recipe is a must-try. Made with cornmeal, buttermilk, and honey, this cornbread is moist and slightly sweet. Pair it with a bowl of chili or beans for a comforting and delicious meal.

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Perfectly Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Dark Brown Sugar, Sugar, Butter, Large

Southern-Style Sweet Potato Pie - Once Upon a Chef

The BEST Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie | Life, Love, and Good Food

A Southern Classic Sweet Potato Pie - melissassouthernstylekitchen.com

This recipe takes the traditional sweet potato pie to the next level. Made with a pecan crust, this pie is filled with a creamy and flavorful filling made with nutmeg, cinnamon, and maple syrup. It's a delicious and unique twist on a classic Southern dessert.

Why Make Your Own Homemade Vanilla Extract?

While it may seem easier to simply buy a bottle of vanilla extract from the store, making your own at home has many benefits. Firstly, you have complete control over the quality and purity of your vanilla extract. Many store-bought options are made with artificial flavors and additives, while homemade vanilla extract uses only natural ingredients. Additionally, making your own vanilla extract allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. You can use different types of vanilla beans and adjust the amount of alcohol to create a unique and personalized flavor profile. Plus, it makes for a great gift for friends and family who also love to bake.

What You'll Need

To make your own homemade vanilla extract, you'll need vanilla beans, vodka or bourbon, and a bottle or jar for storing. You can find vanilla beans at most grocery stores or online, and they come in different varieties such as Madagascar, Tahitian, and Mexican. Vodka or bourbon are the most popular choices for the alcohol base, but you can also use rum or brandy for a different flavor. Make sure to use a high-quality alcohol for the best results. As for the bottle or jar, you can use a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid or a decorative glass bottle for a more aesthetically pleasing presentation.

The Recipe

To make your own homemade vanilla extract, you'll need about 6-8 vanilla beans and 1 cup of alcohol. Begin by slicing the vanilla beans in half lengthwise to expose the seeds inside. Place the beans in your chosen bottle or jar and pour the alcohol over them, making sure they are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and give it a good shake. Store the jar in a dark, cool place for about 6-8 weeks, shaking it occasionally. The longer you let it sit, the stronger the vanilla flavor will be. Once ready, you can strain the extract into a clean bottle or leave the beans in for a more intense flavor. Your homemade vanilla extract is now ready to use in all your favorite recipes!

In Conclusion

Making your own homemade vanilla extract is not only a fun and rewarding project, but it also produces a higher quality and more flavorful product than store-bought options. With just a few simple ingredients, you can elevate your baking game and impress your friends and family with your homemade vanilla extract. So why not give it a try and enjoy the rich and comforting flavor of homemade vanilla in all your desserts?