Lavender extract is very easy to make and ideal for adding a subtle floral touch to recipes. Developed for baking, this easy homemade extract will give cakes and cookies the ultimate lavender flavor.
You can use this extract to:
- Cakes and ice creams; and much more!
Also makes a lovely gift. Store it in a fairly airtight container or bottle, tie on some dried lavender and there you have it – a stylish and inexpensive gift.
If you’re trying to enhance the flavors of a recipe with this extract, be careful: you have to know how much to add, or it can be overwhelming. For baking, start with half a teaspoon of lavender extract.
Ingredients
It’s easy to make a lavender extract that you can use in the kitchen. As in my Earl Gray extract, you will need a hard liquor with a neutral flavor and the ingredient that will be responsible for the flavor. In this case, lavender.
About the ingredients:
For alcohol, I like to use vodka. It has a neutral flavor that will not affect the extract. Also, when making extracts, I tend to go for the cheapest vodka. Rum and bourbon are also options here. They’re not as neutral as vodka, but I’ve made extracts with both and it worked just as well.
Note: Want to make it alcohol-free? Replace the alcohol with three parts food-grade liquid glycerin and one part water, stirring both ingredients together until well combined.
As for the lavender, make sure you use one that is suitable for cooking. This means a lavender that was not treated with sprays or chemicals. If you’re buying the whole flower instead of dried lavender for cooking, make sure it’s “organic.”
Pay more attention to this if you use this fresh ingredient. Some types of lavender are more aromatic and heat friendly (not as bitter when exposed to heat) and therefore better for cooking. I found these types work well and leave no medicinal taste in your recipes: munstead, lady, hicote and folgate.
how to do it
You’ll need: lavender (dried or fresh), vodka (or your neutral alcohol of choice, make sure it’s at least 40% alcohol) and a glass jar with a lid.
If using fresh lavender, double the amount called for on the recipe card.
In the clean glass bottle or jar, add lavender flowers and top with vodka. Close the lid and give it a good shake. It will have this beautiful purple color on the first day.
Place the jar away from sunlight. Let it break for 3 weeks. Shake it every other day during the extraction process.
After 3 weeks, the extract will be medium brown in color. Strain the liquid and discard the lavender flowers. You can also use a coffee filter for this, to have an extra clear extract.
This recipe makes one cup of lavender extract (about 8 oz/236 ml).
You ask what you are doing
Use it as you would vanilla extract. Mix about half a teaspoon into the wet ingredients, instead of the usual vanilla extract. Be careful not to add too much as the lavender can be overpowering.
You can use lavender extract in sweet and savory recipes. My favorite suggestions are to add a few drops to flavor drinks like lemonades, substitute half a teaspoon of lavender extract for vanilla extract in baked goods, and use in ice cream.
Using an amber glass bottle or jar will ensure that the flavors of the extract last longer. So if you use an amber jar or bottle, you can display that extract on the counter, for example.
But don’t worry, if you’re not using it, just make sure you store the extract in a dark place and you should be fine.
Flavor combinations
Here is a list of flavors that complement lavender:
- Berries such as raspberries and strawberries; i
Lavender is used in both savory and sweet dishes. However, it is most commonly found in dessert recipes.
Yield: ¾ cup
Lavender extract
Lavender extract is very easy to make and ideal for adding a subtle floral touch to recipes. Developed for baking, this easy homemade extract will give cakes and cookies the ultimate lavender flavor.
Preparation time
5 minutes
total time
5 minutes
Ingredients
-
3 tablespoons dried lavender (for fresh lavender, see notes at end of card)
-
1 cup of vodka
-
A clean glass jar with a lid
Instructions
- In a clean glass bottle or jar, add lavender flowers and top with vodka. Close the lid and give it a good shake.
- Place the jar away from sunlight. Let it break for 3 weeks. Shake it every other day during the extraction process.
- After 3 weeks, strain the liquid and discard the lavender flowers, using a coffee filter for a clearer extract.
notes
If using fresh lavender, double the amount called for on the recipe card.
If you want to make this recipe alcohol-free, replace the vodka with three parts food-grade liquid glycerin and one part water.
Nutritional information
performance
1
Portion size
1
Amount per serving
calories 0total fat 0 gsaturated fat 0 gTrans fats 0 gUnsaturated fats 0 gcholesterol 0 mgsodium 2 mgCarbohydrates 0 gfiber 0 gsugar 0 gprotein 0 g
Nutritional information is an estimate only and will vary based on substitutions made and/or brands used.