We’ve all been there. We are getting ready to bake, and we see vanilla extract in the recipe. Sure, vanilla is great, but sometimes you just want something a little more custom to match your recipe. Here is how to make your own DIY Instant Pot pecan extract (just to get a little bougie from time to time).
Customizing My Recipes
I won’t lie. I love getting to sneak in some homemade elements into traditional baked goods. Making Banana Nut muffins with walnuts? Switch it to walnut extract instead of vanilla to really give those muffins a kick.
So many times, I know I need vanilla or the like in a recipe, but everyone uses traditional old vanilla. Sure it’s great, but it’s kind of boring.
Changing The Entire Baking Routine
While I’m showing you how to do pecans, don’t hesitate to use this same method with other nuts. Or even fresh herbs. If you have an herb garden, growing and making your own peppermint extract would be amazing.
I’m going to have to try that one, I do believe.
But using non-traditional extracts to enhance the other flavors in your baking can do wonders for bringing out better flavors than you can imagine.
Imagine brownies with a dash of peanut extract and peanut butter chips. Pecan extract added to your pumpkin bread or muffins. The limits are as boundless as your imagination!
Making DIY Instant Pot Pecan Extract
Making extracts with your instant pot can change your life.
As long as you have your Instant Pot, some mason jars and lids, and your ingredients, you are golden.
Start by sterilizing your mason jars. This should be done any time you are working with canning jars. I like to put mine in boiling water (lids too) and keep them hot as I use them. Some people prefer to use their dishwasher and heated dry. I personally think this takes too much time but to each their own.
Once you have these sterilized, you can set up your jars to be filled.
I typically use cheap vodka to make extracts. I have used bourbon on occasion, especially with nut extracts to get a bit of a smoky aroma to the finished product. You may choose whatever you like. I’ve heard of using tequila or any preference that you want. It all depends on you.
Instant Pot Pecan Extract
Instant Pot Pecan Extract
Equipment
- Electric pressure cooker with trivet or steamer insert
- 3 (16-ounce) canning jars with lids
- Tongs
- Measuring cup
Ingredients
- 3 cups pecans toasted
- 6 cups vodka
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Divide the pecans and vodka between 3 jars. Divide the nuts among 3 (16-ounce) canning jars. Add 2 cups of vodka into each jar and make sure the nuts are completely covered in vodka.
- Seal the jars and add to the Instant Pot. Place the lids on the jars and seal finger tight. Set the Instant Pot’s trivet in the bottom of the insert. Place the jars on the trivet with equal space around them.
- Add the water to the Instant Pot, seal, and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. When the cook time is up, allow the pot to naturally release its pressure for at least 1 hour or longer.
- Remove the jars of extract and cool completely. Use tongs to transfer the jars to a towel or cooling rack to cool completely before storing.
- Use your extract within as little as 24 hours, but you can also wait, as the flavor will intensify within a week. Store in a cool, dark place.
Tip: Extract too cloudy? Before using or gifting, strain your extract through a piece of cheesecloth to remove impurities and nuts to make it “prettier”. I age mine with the nuts in to further enhance the flavor, but strain before adding to gift baskets.
Use this DIY Instant Pot Pecan Extract in my Toasted Pecan Sour Cream Coffee Cake!
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