Would you like to enjoy a thick, creamy, and dairy-free yogurt alternative? Look no further! This 3-ingredient homemade coconut yogurt is not only delicious but also easy to make. It's perfect for those following a gluten-free, plant-based, low-carb, keto, or whole30 diet. Plus, it's vegan, contains gut-friendly probiotics, and has no added sugar!
Picture: A jar with homemade coconut yogurt and strawberry syrup.
I've put in the effort to perfect this recipe, and now you can enjoy the results. This homemade coconut yogurt is velvety, creamy, and has a subtle coconut flavor that is simply divine. With just three ingredients and no special equipment (other than a thermometer), you can easily prepare this dairy-free yogurt at home.
Picture: A spoonful of homemade coconut yogurt and half a coconut.
What is Coconut Yogurt
Coconut yogurt is a dairy-free alternative to traditional yogurt. Instead of fermenting dairy milk, this recipe uses dairy-free coconut milk and a vegan starter. To achieve the desired creamy consistency, a thickener, such as cornstarch, is often added. The result is a delicious yogurt free from lactose, casein, and dairy.
Picture: Homemade coconut yogurt in a jar.
Coconut Yogurt Vs Dairy Yogurt
Aside from the flavor difference, coconut yogurt and dairy yogurt also differ in nutritional values. Coconut milk has minimal protein and calcium, fewer carbs, and higher fat content. This makes coconut yogurt a great choice for those following a keto diet. Additionally, coconut yogurt, like its dairy counterpart, contains gut-friendly probiotics that improve gut health, immunity, and overall well-being.
Lately, I've been focused on consuming more probiotic-rich foods, including yogurt, miso, tempeh, kimchi, and kombucha.
Dairy-Free Coconut Yogurt Ingredients
To make this vegan coconut yogurt, you only need three simple ingredients:
- Coconut Milk: It's best to use canned organic, full-fat coconut milk. Alternatively, you can make your own coconut milk using 1 cup of coconut meat and 2 cups of filtered water.
- Cornstarch: This is used as a thickener to achieve the desired consistency. Tapioca starch can also be used as a substitute.
- "Starter": You have two options for the starter. You can use probiotic capsules or a non-dairy yogurt starter culture. Alternatively, you can use plain coconut yogurt that contains live/active cultures.
Picture: Ingredients to make coconut yogurt.
When using probiotics, make sure they don't contain any prebiotics or other enzymes. When selecting yogurt, ensure it doesn't contain unnecessary additives. If you're not concerned about making a dairy-free yogurt recipe, you can use plain natural yogurt as a starter.
You'll also need non-reactive tools like wooden or silicone spoons (avoid metal), sterilized jars, a saucepan, and an instant-read thermometer.
How to Make Coconut Yogurt
Step 1: Heat the Coconut Milk
Start by sterilizing all your tools (refer to FAQs for the method). In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of coconut milk and whisk until lump-free. If necessary, sieve the mixture to remove any lumps.
If the coconut milk has separated, simply whisk it well to bring it back together. Transfer the cornstarch slurry and the remaining coconut milk to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the mixture reaches 180ºF/82ºC, stirring occasionally.
Allow the milk to cool down until it reaches 108-111ºF/42-44ºC. This warm temperature encourages fermentation without killing the starter.
Picture: Steps for heating coconut milk with cornstarch.
Step 2: Add the "Starter"
With Probiotics:
Combine the yogurt powder starter or probiotic capsule contents with a tablespoon of the cooled coconut milk. Mix it until lump-free, and then pour it into the remaining warm coconut milk. Stir well.
With Coconut Yogurt:
Add the coconut yogurt directly to the warm milk and mix well.
Picture: Steps for adding yogurt starter to coconut milk.
Step 3: Allow the Coconut Yogurt to Incubate
Transfer the warm coconut milk mixture to your desired glass jars and leave them to incubate in a warm, draft-free area. Once the incubation period is over, transfer the jars to the fridge to set for a further 6 hours minimum. During this time, the yogurt will thicken further and become a creamy plant-based delight.
If some separation occurs, don't worry. The thick yogurt will rise to the top while chilling, allowing you to scoop it off and enjoy!
How to Enjoy Coconut Yogurt
You can enjoy coconut yogurt just like dairy yogurt! Here are a few ideas:
- Pair it with fresh berries, fruit compote/jam, and granola or muesli for a delightful parfait.
- Mix it into smoothies, smoothie bowls, overnight oats, or oatmeal.
- Incorporate it into chia seed pudding.
- Dollop it over pancakes, waffles, or French toast, and top with fresh fruit.
- Use it as a base for healthy popsicles.
How Long Can You Keep Coconut Yogurt in Your Fridge
Homemade coconut yogurt will last between 1-2 weeks in the fridge. I recommend storing it in smaller jars to keep the unopened portions fresh for longer. While I haven't personally tried freezing it, you may be able to freeze coconut milk yogurt for up to a month.
If you plan to make more yogurt, set aside 2-3 tablespoons of the current batch to use as the starter for the next batch. You can repeat this process for 2-3 batches until the starter weakens.
Enjoy the delicious and nutritious benefits of homemade coconut yogurt!
Picture: A spoonful of homemade coconut yogurt.
FAQs
Picture: A spoonful of coconut yogurt made at home.
Top Tips For Making Coconut Yogurt
- Results will vary depending on the culture/starter used, fermentation process, duration, and the brand of coconut milk.
- The brand of coconut milk matters. If the recipe doesn't work initially, try another brand. Alternatively, you can make your own coconut milk.
- If you want flavored yogurt, add flavorings like vanilla, maple syrup, or fruit purees after the yogurt is ready to eat. Consume flavored coconut milk yogurt within 3-4 days.
- Sterilize everything to prevent bacteria from competing with the yogurt cultures and causing fermentation to fail.
- Avoid using reactive tools like metal spoons, as they can deactivate the yogurt starter/probiotics. Instead, opt for wooden, ceramic, or plastic/silicone utensils.
More Fun DIYs
- Learn how to make coconut butter with just one ingredient.
- Create homemade fruit roll-ups for a delicious snack.
- Make your own Dukkah, the Egyptian spice blend.
- Enjoy homemade dried strawberries for a sweet treat.
- Discover how to make Seitan Chicken, a plant-based protein option.
Picture: How to make coconut butter. 1 ingredient organic coconut butter. 10 minutes. vegan, refined sugar-free, dairy-free.
Picture: Strawberry fruit roll-ups on a board, with a few strawberries in the background.
Picture: A bowl filled with homemade Dukkah spice.
If you try this homemade easy coconut yogurt recipe, I'd love to hear your thoughts and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie. Enjoy!
