Vanilla extract is a staple in many desserts and baked goods. It provides a rich, aromatic vanilla flavor that enhances everything from cookies to cakes. But like all extracts and flavorings, vanilla extract does eventually go bad. Knowing how to identify bad vanilla extract can help you avoid ruining your recipes.
What is Vanilla Extract?
Vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in a solution of ethanol and water. This liquid extraction process allows the flavor compounds in the vanilla beans to infuse into the liquid. The result is an intensely flavored vanilla extract.
Pure vanilla extract contains a minimum of 35% ethanol. The ethanol content helps preserve the shelf life of the extract. Higher quality extracts often contain a higher percentage of ethanol, up to 50-60%.
In addition to ethanol, pure vanilla extract contains water, vanilla bean extractives, sugar, and color. Artificial colors, flavors, and sugars are not present.
How Long Does Vanilla Extract Last?
When stored properly in a cool, dark place, pure vanilla extract will generally last:
- Unopened: An unopened bottle of pure vanilla extract will last 2-3 years past the printed expiration date.
- Opened: An opened bottle of pure vanilla extract will last 2-3 years.
Make sure to store vanilla extract away from heat and light, as exposure to these elements will cause it degrade faster. Keep the bottle tightly sealed when not in use.
How to Tell if Vanilla Extract is Bad
Here are some signs that your vanilla extract has gone bad and needs to be replaced:
1. Change in Color
Pure vanilla extract has a dark brown color. It should maintain this rich, dark color throughout its shelf life. If your vanilla extract starts to fade to a light tan or yellow color, it has likely gone bad.
2. Cloudy Appearance
Fresh vanilla extract has a transparent, clean appearance. If your extract looks cloudy or contains particles floating in it, toss it.
3. Weak Vanilla Scent
Vanilla extract has a robust, sweet vanilla aroma when you open the bottle. A faint or weak vanilla scent is a red flag that your extract is no longer fresh.
4. Off Odors
While a weakened scent is concerning, an off odor is a sure sign your vanilla extract has spoiled. If you detect odors like sour milk or rotten eggs, the extract has gone bad.
5. Mold Growth
The high alcohol content of pure vanilla extract inhibits microbial growth. However, if left for extremely long periods, mold can start to grow in old extracts. If you see any fuzz, dots, or film floating in the bottle, throw it away.
6. Separation
Oil separation in extract bottles is normal, but complete separation of the liquid is not. If your vanilla extract separates into distinct oil and alcohol layers, it’s time to replace it.
How to Store Vanilla Extract
Follow these tips for maximum vanilla extract freshness:
- Store tightly sealed in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. Keep away from heat, light, and moisture.
- Keep bottle upright to minimize oil separation.
- Write the purchase date on a label so you know when to replace it.
- Don’t store vanilla extract in the refrigerator or freezer. The cold can cause water condensation inside the bottle.
- Keep your bottle away from the stove, as heat can evaporate the ethanol and weaken the vanilla flavor.
What About Imitation and Artificial Vanilla?
Imitation vanilla contains vanillin, the main flavor molecule found in real vanilla beans. While it mimics natural vanilla flavor, it lacks the complexity and depth of real vanilla extract.
Artificial vanilla is made from synthetic vanillin and has an overly sweet, fake vanilla flavor. Neither imitation nor artificial vanilla will go bad in the way that real vanilla extract does.
For the best flavor, it’s worth seeking out high quality, pure vanilla extract. With proper storage, you can keep a bottle on hand to add authentic vanilla flavor to cookies, cakes, and other goodies for years to come.
How to Use Up Vanilla Extract
If you have a bottle of vanilla extract that’s reaching the end of its prime, here are some great ways to use it up:
Baked Goods
Any baked good like cookies, cakes, muffins, and breads will benefit from some vanilla extract. Add it to cookie dough, cake batter, icings, and more.
Pancakes and Waffles
Stir some vanilla extract into pancake, waffle, crepe, and French toast batter. It adds warmth and flavor.
Oatmeal and Porridge
Porridge, oatmeal, and overnight oats taste delicious with a dash of vanilla extract stirred in.
Yogurt and Pudding
Mix a little vanilla into yogurt, chia puddings, tapioca pudding, overnight oats, and other creamy desserts.
Smoothies
Add vanilla to boost the flavor of fruit smoothies, protein shakes, and green smoothies.
Coffee and Tea
Add a few drops of vanilla extract to brewed coffee or tea for a flavor boost.
Frosting and Icing
Vanilla is a must for flavoring buttercream frosting, cream cheese frosting, glazes, and powdered sugar icing.
Milkshake
Whip up vanilla milkshakes by blending extract with ice cream and milk.
No-Bake Cookies
Stir vanilla extract into the dough mixture for no-bake cookies like chocolate peanut butter haystacks.
Panna Cotta
Infuse cream with vanilla beans and extract to make ultra-vanilla panna cotta.
Rice Pudding
Vanilla extract adds wonderful aroma and flavor to creamy rice puddings.
Beverages
Add a few drops of vanilla to enhance hot chocolate, chai tea, apple cider, and other warm drinks.
Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe
Once your vanilla extract goes bad, consider making your own at home! All you need are two ingredients – vanilla beans and vodka. Here is an easy DIY vanilla extract recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 good quality vanilla beans
- 1 cup vodka (80 proof/40% alcohol)
Instructions:
- Split the vanilla beans lengthwise down the middle. This exposes more surface area to the vodka.
- Place the split beans into a clean glass jar or bottle.
- Pour the vodka over the beans. Make sure they are completely submerged.
- Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks, shaking gently every few days.
- After the infusing process, strain out the vanilla beans. You can rinse and dry the beans, then bury them in sugar to make vanilla sugar.
- Pour the infused vanilla vodka into an airtight bottle. Label and date it.
- Let the homemade vanilla extract age for 1-2 months to allow the flavors to further develop before using.
This easy infused extract rivals store bought versions! Adjust the number of beans to achieve your desired vanilla strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if opened vanilla extract is still good?
Check the color, aroma, and taste. Opened vanilla extract is good for 2-3 years if stored properly. Signs it has gone bad include faded color, weak aroma, off odors, separate layering, and poor flavor.
Can old vanilla extract make you sick?
Consuming spoiled vanilla extract is unlikely to make you ill, but it can lead to stomach upset in some cases. The alcohol helps prevent harmful bacterial growth. Still, it’s best not to cook with vanilla extract past its prime as the flavor and aroma will be severely diminished.
Does vanilla extract need to be refrigerated after opening?
No, you should not refrigerate opened vanilla extract. The cold temperature can cause water condensation inside the bottle, introducing moisture that degrades the extract faster. Store opened vanilla extract in a cool, dry place like your pantry.
How long does homemade vanilla extract last?
Homemade vanilla extract will keep for 2-3 years stored in a cool, dark place. Because it doesn’t contain preservatives like commercial extracts, it has a slightly shorter shelf life of around 2 years. Refrigerate infused vodka for 5-6 months before making extract.
Can you use expired vanilla extract?
It’s not recommended to use vanilla extract past its expiration date. While it likely won’t make you sick, the flavor and potency will decline over time. Old vanilla extract will give lackluster flavor to baked goods and desserts. Get a fresh bottle for the best results.
The Bottom Line
Pure vanilla extract has a shelf life around 2-3 years unopened or opened. Store it properly in a cool area out of light. Over time, the color, aroma, and flavor will fade. If your vanilla extract exhibits signs of aging like weak scent or separation, it’s time to replace it. Make sure to use up aging extract to get the most out of it before it goes bad!