Coconut yogurt is a creamy, dairy-free alternative to traditional yogurt made from coconut milk. Perfect for anyone avoiding dairy or looking for a lighter option, coconut yogurt has a rich, tropical flavor and a smooth texture. It’s packed with probiotics, which are great for gut health, making it a perfect addition to any breakfast, snack, or dessert. This recipe is simple, customizable, and requires only a few ingredients to make your own homemade coconut yogurt.
Quick Facts
| Course | Dessert / Snack |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Vegan / Dairy-Free |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 4-6 servings |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 12-24 hours (fermentation) |
| Calories | 120 per serving (approx.) |
Equipment Needed
Making coconut yogurt at home is a breeze with the right equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Blender – To blend the coconut milk and probiotic culture.
- Large Bowl – For mixing the ingredients together before fermentation.
- Whisk – To ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Clean Glass Jars or Containers – For fermenting the yogurt.
- Towel or Cloth – To cover the jars while they ferment.
- Thermometer (optional) – To check the milk temperature before adding the culture.
- Measuring Spoons – To measure the ingredients accurately.
- Rubber Band or Lid – To keep the cloth in place while the yogurt ferments.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of full-fat coconut milk (preferably organic)
- 1-2 probiotic capsules (or 1 tablespoon of probiotic powder)
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup (optional, for a little sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon of agar-agar powder (optional, for thicker consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coconut Milk: Shake the cans of coconut milk well to mix the cream and water. Pour it into a bowl or blender.
- Heat the Coconut Milk: In a small saucepan, heat the coconut milk over low heat until it reaches 110°F (43°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, it should feel warm but not hot to the touch.
- Add the Probiotics: Open the probiotic capsules (or use the powder) and add them to the warm coconut milk. Stir gently with a whisk to combine.
- Add Agar-Agar (Optional): If you prefer a thicker yogurt, dissolve agar-agar powder in a little warm water and add it to the coconut milk mixture. Stir well.
- Sweeten (Optional): Add a tablespoon of maple syrup for a hint of sweetness, if desired.
- Ferment: Pour the mixture into clean glass jars or containers. Cover with a cloth and secure with a rubber band. Leave the jars in a warm, undisturbed place (like an oven with the light on or a warm kitchen counter) for 12-24 hours. The longer it ferments, the tangier it will be.
- Chill and Serve: Once fermented to your liking, remove the jars and place them in the fridge for 4-6 hours to thicken further. After that, it’s ready to enjoy!
Essential Note:
- Fermentation Time: The time required for fermentation can vary depending on your room temperature and how tangy you want your yogurt. If you’re in a colder environment, the yogurt may take longer to ferment, so be patient!
- Consistency: If your yogurt turns out too runny, consider adding a little more agar-agar next time for thicker yogurt.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 5mg |
| Potassium | 200mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 0 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0mg |
| Calcium | 10mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Recipe Notes
- If you prefer a smoother consistency, blend the coconut milk before adding the probiotics.
- You can experiment with different sweeteners, like agave or coconut sugar, to customize the flavor of your yogurt.
- Use this coconut yogurt as a base for smoothies, parfaits, or simply enjoy it with fresh fruit and granola.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Keep it Warm: The key to successful fermentation is maintaining a warm environment. If your kitchen is too cold, try wrapping the jars in towels or placing them near a heat source.
- Don’t Rush the Fermentation: Taste the yogurt after 12 hours. If you prefer it tangier, let it ferment longer. Check every few hours after 12 hours until it’s just right for your taste.
- Thicker Yogurt: Adding agar-agar gives your yogurt a thicker consistency. If you don’t have it, you can use gelatin as an alternative.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with flavors like vanilla or cinnamon by adding a few drops of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon during the mixing step.
- Probiotic Choice: The quality of probiotics affects the yogurt’s flavor and consistency. Choose high-quality, dairy-free probiotics for the best results.
Conclusion
Making your own coconut yogurt is a simple, rewarding process. Not only will you enjoy a healthy, dairy-free yogurt that’s packed with probiotics, but you can also control the flavor and consistency to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast treat, a creamy dessert, or a snack, homemade coconut yogurt is a versatile, nutritious option. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll be enjoying your very own coconut yogurt in no time. So, grab your jars and start fermenting — your taste buds will thank you!
Coconut yogurt is a creamy, dairy-free alternative to traditional yogurt made from coconut milk. Perfect for anyone avoiding dairy or looking for a lighter option, coconut yogurt has a rich, tropical flavor and a smooth texture. It’s packed with probiotics, which are great for gut health, making it a perfect addition to any breakfast, snack, or dessert. This recipe is simple, customizable, and requires only a few ingredients to make your own homemade coconut yogurt.
Quick Facts
| Course | Dessert / Snack |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Vegan / Dairy-Free |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 4-6 servings |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 12-24 hours (fermentation) |
| Calories | 120 per serving (approx.) |
Equipment Needed
Making coconut yogurt at home is a breeze with the right equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Blender – To blend the coconut milk and probiotic culture.
- Large Bowl – For mixing the ingredients together before fermentation.
- Whisk – To ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Clean Glass Jars or Containers – For fermenting the yogurt.
- Towel or Cloth – To cover the jars while they ferment.
- Thermometer (optional) – To check the milk temperature before adding the culture.
- Measuring Spoons – To measure the ingredients accurately.
- Rubber Band or Lid – To keep the cloth in place while the yogurt ferments.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of full-fat coconut milk (preferably organic)
- 1-2 probiotic capsules (or 1 tablespoon of probiotic powder)
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup (optional, for a little sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon of agar-agar powder (optional, for thicker consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coconut Milk: Shake the cans of coconut milk well to mix the cream and water. Pour it into a bowl or blender.
- Heat the Coconut Milk: In a small saucepan, heat the coconut milk over low heat until it reaches 110°F (43°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, it should feel warm but not hot to the touch.
- Add the Probiotics: Open the probiotic capsules (or use the powder) and add them to the warm coconut milk. Stir gently with a whisk to combine.
- Add Agar-Agar (Optional): If you prefer a thicker yogurt, dissolve agar-agar powder in a little warm water and add it to the coconut milk mixture. Stir well.
- Sweeten (Optional): Add a tablespoon of maple syrup for a hint of sweetness, if desired.
- Ferment: Pour the mixture into clean glass jars or containers. Cover with a cloth and secure with a rubber band. Leave the jars in a warm, undisturbed place (like an oven with the light on or a warm kitchen counter) for 12-24 hours. The longer it ferments, the tangier it will be.
- Chill and Serve: Once fermented to your liking, remove the jars and place them in the fridge for 4-6 hours to thicken further. After that, it’s ready to enjoy!
Essential Note:
- Fermentation Time: The time required for fermentation can vary depending on your room temperature and how tangy you want your yogurt. If you’re in a colder environment, the yogurt may take longer to ferment, so be patient!
- Consistency: If your yogurt turns out too runny, consider adding a little more agar-agar next time for thicker yogurt.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 5mg |
| Potassium | 200mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 0 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0mg |
| Calcium | 10mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Recipe Notes
- If you prefer a smoother consistency, blend the coconut milk before adding the probiotics.
- You can experiment with different sweeteners, like agave or coconut sugar, to customize the flavor of your yogurt.
- Use this coconut yogurt as a base for smoothies, parfaits, or simply enjoy it with fresh fruit and granola.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Keep it Warm: The key to successful fermentation is maintaining a warm environment. If your kitchen is too cold, try wrapping the jars in towels or placing them near a heat source.
- Don’t Rush the Fermentation: Taste the yogurt after 12 hours. If you prefer it tangier, let it ferment longer. Check every few hours after 12 hours until it’s just right for your taste.
- Thicker Yogurt: Adding agar-agar gives your yogurt a thicker consistency. If you don’t have it, you can use gelatin as an alternative.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with flavors like vanilla or cinnamon by adding a few drops of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon during the mixing step.
- Probiotic Choice: The quality of probiotics affects the yogurt’s flavor and consistency. Choose high-quality, dairy-free probiotics for the best results.
Conclusion
Making your own coconut yogurt is a simple, rewarding process. Not only will you enjoy a healthy, dairy-free yogurt that’s packed with probiotics, but you can also control the flavor and consistency to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast treat, a creamy dessert, or a snack, homemade coconut yogurt is a versatile, nutritious option. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll be enjoying your very own coconut yogurt in no time. So, grab your jars and start fermenting — your taste buds will thank you!
