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A small glass jar with strawberries steeping in alcohol to make a homemade extract.
Nico

Easy Homemade Strawberry Extract Recipe (For Baking)

Learn how to make your own strawberry extract at home using fresh strawberries and alcohol. This homemade strawberry extract recipe is simple and makes a perfect addition to summer baking and homemade ice creams.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Extraction Time 56 days
Total Time 56 days 5 minutes
Course: Homegrown Eats
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries finely chopped
  • 1 cup alcohol at least 80-proof; choose one with neutral flavor
  • ½ vanilla bean split (optional)

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Wash and dry your fresh strawberries thoroughly.
  2. Chop them into small pieces to maximize surface area. If you're using dehydrated strawberries that aren’t chopped, don’t worry about this step.
  3. Add the chopped berries into your mason jar, filling it about halfway. If using a vanilla bean, add it in now.
  4. Pour the alcohol over the berries until they are completely submerged. Aim for a 1:1 ratio of strawberries to alcohol. You can adjust slightly, but this is a good base for a true extract.
  5. If you used dehydrated strawberries, you may need to top the jar up with alcohol after they absorb some of it. Just keep the level of alcohol above the fruit.
  6. Seal the jar tightly and add the date and label the extract. Store it in a dark place (like a pantry or cabinet) for 6-8 weeks. Shake it gently once every few days. The color will deepen and the scent will grow richer as the natural flavors extract over time.
  7. After 6-8 weeks, strain the mixture using cheesecloth or a strainer into a clean jar or bottle. Store your finished extract in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Make sure you date and label the final extract so you remember when you made it and what it is.

Notes

How to store it

Store your extract in dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids. If stored properly, this extract will keep for at least one year - the best way to do this is to store it in a dark, cool place. The alcohol content acts as a natural preservative, which helps it have a longer shelf life.

How much to use

Check your recipe. Most recipes call for ½ to 1 teaspoon of strawberry essence per batch.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!