Instant Pot Coconut Yogurt
Making Instant Pot Coconut Yogurt is fool-proof and way cheaper than buying yogurt at the store. Plus, you have full control over the thickness, flavor, and probiotic levels!
Making Instant Pot Coconut Yogurt is fool-proof and way cheaper than buying yogurt at the store. Plus, you have full control over the thickness, flavor, and probiotic levels!
- 1 quart of full fat canned or boxed coconut milk (i get be but any full fat coconut milk will work)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (do not sub in honey—it has its own b
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt with live active cultures (dairy soy, coconut, almond—all fine) or one packet of freeze dried yog
- optional thickener: 1 to 2 teaspoons unflavored g
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 quart (0g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Pour the coconut milk and maple syrup into the pot of the Instant Pot. Whisk well, then press the “Yogurt” button, and then adjust the setting until you see “boil.” Let the Instant Pot run through the process (it’s getting the milk up to a temperature of around 185°), whisking occasionally. No need to place the lid on the Instant Pot during this stage.
- When the Instant Pot beeps that it is finished, allow the milk to cool until it is between 100° and 110°. This can take upwards of an hour.
- If using starter yogurt: When the milk is at the correct temperature, ladle out about 1/2 cup of the warm milk into a small bowl, and whisk with the 3 tablespoons plain starter yogurt until smooth. Pour the mixture back into the Instant Pot and whisk well.
- If using freeze-dried yogurt culture: When the milk is at the correct temperature, sprinkle on one packet of the starter culture and then whisk very well to combine.
- If using a thickener, sprinkle on top of the warm milk, and then whisk very well to combine.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot (no need to seal), and press the “Yogurt” button. Adjust the setting until you see the time display. Set for the desired amount of fermentation time. Eight hours is bare minimum, but I much prefer yogurt that has been fermented closer to 24-36 hours. This results in a naturally thick and tangy yogurt—very like regular Greek yogurt. Plus, it has more probiotics!
- When the fermenting time is up, transfer the yogurt to a glass storage container (I use a wide mouth quart jar) and keep in the fridge. It will thicken up considerably as it cools.
Homemade Coconut Yogurt: A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon
As a busy mom of three, time is my most precious commodity. Juggling work, school runs, and keeping a somewhat clean house leaves little room for elaborate cooking projects. That's why I've fallen head over heels for this Instant Pot Coconut Yogurt recipe. It's quick, easy, and allows me to control the ingredients, ensuring my family enjoys a healthy and delicious snack without the added sugars and preservatives found in store-bought options.
Before discovering this method, I was a slave to the grocery store yogurt aisle. The expense alone was enough to make me consider starting my own dairy farm! Not only was it pricey, but I was never entirely satisfied with the texture or taste. Some were too sweet, others too tart, and the ingredient list often felt like reading a chemistry textbook. I craved something simple, natural, and most importantly, something I could make in the time it took to fold laundry!
This Instant Pot recipe changed everything. The entire process, from start to finish, takes a fraction of the time of traditional methods. No more painstakingly monitoring temperatures or worrying about whether my yogurt will set properly. The Instant Pot handles all the heavy lifting, leaving me free to attend to other pressing matters – like preventing a toddler meltdown or tackling the mountain of dishes accumulating in the sink.
Why I Love this Coconut Yogurt:
- Speed and Convenience: The Instant Pot drastically reduces the time needed to make yogurt. I can easily whip up a batch while I'm getting other things done.
- Control over Ingredients: I use full-fat coconut milk, which gives the yogurt a lovely creamy texture. I control the sweetness by using maple syrup (though honey could also work). It's also easy to add other flavors for variety!
- Health Benefits: Coconut yogurt is naturally dairy-free, making it a great alternative for those with lactose intolerance. It's also packed with probiotics which support gut health, something that’s really important for my family.
- Cost-Effective: Making your own yogurt is significantly cheaper than buying it from the store. Over time, the savings add up!
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. I've experimented with adding different fruits, spices, and extracts to create a range of flavors to suit different moods and preferences. A splash of vanilla extract makes a creamy vanilla yogurt, while a squeeze of lemon and some zest add a bright citrusy twist. Sometimes I even add a bit of cocoa powder for a decadent chocolate coconut yogurt. The possibilities are endless!
Making yogurt at home feels like a little act of self-care in the midst of the chaos of motherhood. It's a reminder that even in the busiest of lives, there's always time to nourish yourself and your loved ones with healthy, homemade goodness. This Instant Pot Coconut Yogurt has become a regular fixture in our home, a simple yet satisfying treat that brings a little bit of calm to our otherwise hectic days. So ditch the store-bought yogurt and give this recipe a try; you might just be surprised at how easy and rewarding it is.
Tips for Success:
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest results.
- Make sure your coconut milk is at the correct temperature before adding the starter.
- Experiment with different flavors to find your favorites.
- Store your yogurt in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Give this recipe a try. Let me know in the comments below how your homemade coconut yogurt turns out. And remember, even amidst the daily grind, there's always time for a little homemade happiness!
