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Herby and spicy in all the right ways, this cardamom extract recipe is the perfect swap for vanilla extract! It’ll add an aromatic flavor to literally any recipe and goes perfectly with fall flavors or summer berries!
If you love chai tea, there’s a good chance you love cardamom. It’s such a unique yet versatile flavor. It fits really nicely with warming spices like cinnamon, yet it’s also herbaceous and refreshing!
It’s one of the best flavors, and you’ll quickly realize that this queen of spices tastes amazing in more than just a big chai latte!
P.S. I love sharing jars of cardamom extract as a homemade holiday gift! People love it, and it’s something most people have never tried before. Feel free to grab my 🏷️printable tags to make gifting a little easier!
How do you use cardamom extract? Try it in these cardamom scones with my cardamom infused sugar for a cozy chai-like flavor!
What is cardamom extract?
Just like other extracts, this cardamom extract is a way to infuse alcohol with the essential oil and flavor of cardamom to use in your baked goods and other dishes. It’s a tried-and-true technique that allows you to add delicate scents and flavors really easily.
What you’ll love about this cardamom extract recipe:
Equipment
You need just two things for this extract recipe: a half pint mason jar and a small strainer.
Ingredients
- Cardamom pods: This is the part that matters the most. Buy the highest quality and freshest green cardamom pods you can find! I ordered mine from Burlap & Barrel, and they smell absolutely heavenly!
- Vodka: Use a high-proof neutral alcohol like vodka to extract the natural goodness of cardamom from the seeds and pods.
Pro Tip: Use the Best Spices!
The quality of your recipes hinges on the quality of your ingredients. The spices from Burlap & Barrel are hands-down the best quality you can find.
All of their spices are grown using organic methods on small family farms around the world. They’re never irradiated and have the absolute best flavor.
Order your next batch of spices through them and get a FREE bottle of Robusta Black Peppercorns (1.8 oz grinder-top bottle)! Just be sure to add the peppercorns and $15 worth of products to your cart, then use code MILKGLASSHOME.
How to Make Cardamom Extract
- Fill the half-pint jar with vodka.
- Add the cardamom pods.
- Close the jar and shake to combine.
- Store in a cool dry place and shake daily for 2-3 days.
- On the third day, strain out the cardamom pods and store the extract in an airtight bottle or jar.
- Use as desired.
🏷️ Free Printable Cardamom Extract Tags
Want to share your homemade extract with friends and family? View and download the gift tags below, then print to attach to your jars and bottles!
Storing
It’s best to store extracts in an amber glass or blue glass bottle away from the sun. The colored glass will help protect the extract from the sun. Keep your jar in a cool dry place for best results. This extract has a long shelf life and will last indefinitely. However, it’s best to use it within a year.
Master the art of making extracts!
Learn how to make 15 different extracts from the comfort of your own home. This printable ebook includes all of the recipes, pro tips for making the best extracts and printable labels. It’s everything you need to get started!
How to Use Cardamom Extract
The best thing about this recipe is that it can be used in pretty much anything! Try replacing vanilla extract with cardamom to add a unique taste to ice creams, muffins, cakes, cookies, whipped cream, and more.
I love it in these chewy Cardamom Blondies, especially when paired with my cardamom sugar.
Tips & Variations
- A little goes a long way! If you’re using this cardamom extract to replace vanilla extract in a recipe, you might want to add half as much.
- To help the alcohol draw out even more flavor, you can also crush open the pods using a mortar and pestle.
- Give your leftover cardamom a second life! Use it to make this cardamom syrup.
FAQs
Absolutely! If you love the natural flavors in cardamom, you can easily infuse the pods in vodka to create a delicious extract full of those wonderful flavors. Plus, since cardamom is such an expensive spice, this is a great way to make a little bit go a long way!
To keep it easy, I prefer to infuse the pods. I don’t crush them or open them at all because the vodka will seep through and pull the oils out of the black cardamom seeds without any extra help.
If you’d prefer to buy your extract, I highly recommend checking out this option from Burlap & Barrel! They work to support small family farms growing traditional herbs and spices around the world. Every spice I’ve tried is phenomenal, and you can either buy the cardamom from them directly or snag a bottle of their extract!
Related Recipes
Make your own homemade extracts to take your baking to the next level!
- Lavender Extract
- Cinnamon Extract
- How to Make Orange Extract
- Bourbon Vanilla Extract Recipe
- Blueberry Extract for Baking
If you made this recipe, please leave a comment or ask a question below! I’d love to hear what you think or troubleshoot any issues.
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Cardamom Extract Recipe
Equipment
- 1 half-pint jar
Ingredients
- 8 oz vodka
- 1 tbs cardamom pods
Instructions
- Fill the half-pint jar with vodka.
- Add the cardamom pods.
- Close the jar and shake to combine.
- Store in a cool dry place and shake daily for 2-3 days.
- On the third day, strain out the cardamom pods and store the extract in an airtight bottle or jar.
- Use as desired.
Video
@milkglasshomekitchen Cheater's Vanilla Extract Vanilla extract won't be ready in time for all your holiday baking? I've got you! Cardamom has the most gorgeous aromatic flavor that can replace vanilla in ANY recipe. It also only takes 3 days to infuse. That's basically nothing in the world of extracts. You just need 1 cup vodka and 2 tbs cardamom pods. I like to crush them but it works without that step too. Steep for 3 days, strain, and use as desired. EASY! #vanillaextract #cardamom #homemadeextract #holidaybaking #holidaybakingrecipes #cookieseason #foodtok ♬ original sound – Rachael – Milk Glass Home 🌻
Notes
- A little goes a long way! If you’re using this cardamom extract to replace vanilla extract in a recipe, you might want to add half as much.
- To help the alcohol draw out even more flavor, you can also crush open the pods using a mortar and pestle.
- Give your leftover cardamom a second life! Use it to make this cardamom syrup.
Nutrition
Did you try this recipe?
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Did you enjoy this cardamom extract? How did you use it? I’d love to know more! Leave a comment below to share your experience.
Thank you for the various Extract recipes!
I have been making my own vanilla for some time. I had toyed with lemon and orange extracts, coffee and chocolate as well, but never thought about cardamom! Hazelnut is next, I think!
You can get the above online,(except cardamom) however they either add sugar!?? or agave, which isn’t really healthy, or use essential oils, which, for me, I don’t take internally.
Homemade is always better, anyway!
Not really fond of almond extract, though…..
Carol, You’re welcome! Extracts are so fun to make and cardamom is my FAVORITE since it’s so fast. It’s truly versatile and you’re right – no need for sugar or agave. I just use vodka and cardamom, and get incredible flavor in just 3 days. Happy infusing! 🙂
Don’t sleep on adding cardamom to coffee! I add extract or I grind pods with my beans. After living in the Middle East, can’t live without it….