Easy Vanilla Coconut Yogurt

The good news is this delicious Vanilla Coconut Yogurt recipe is vegan, keto, nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and egg-free.

Vanilla Coconut Yogurt is a great alternative to traditional yogurt. With only three ingredients, this yogurt beats all others hands down. It provides a source of energy and pairs well with just about anything you fancy. The primary ingredient is coconut cream, which makes the taste and texture rich and incredibly deliciously coconutty.

Coconut yogurt is an excellent alternative to dairy yogurt for individuals who are lactose intolerant, have a dairy allergy, or simply prefer vegan food. It allows you to enjoy a creamy, yogurt-like texture without experiencing digestive discomfort.

Making coconut yogurt at home allows you to control the ingredients and avoid any unnecessary additives, preservatives, or sweeteners that might be present in store-bought versions. With zero additives, you can guarantee the taste to be a hundred percent more delicious.

What’s To Love?

💕 Has only three simple ingredients.
💕 It doesn’t require any complex cooking skills or hard-to-find ingredients.
💕 The vanilla extract imparts a delightful flavor by adding a pleasant, aromatic note that complements the coconut.
💕 We love that every spoonful is loaded with live probiotic cultures, much more than store-bought versions. These beneficial bacteria promote a healthy gut microbiome, which aids digestion and supports gut health.
💕 It tastes as good as it looks, making it a great dessert for any occasion and sudden onset cravings.
💕 No fancy kitchen equipment is needed.

Have you already tried the Vanilla Coconut Yogurt? If so, let us know how it was…we can’t wait to hear all about it!

Let’s Talk Ingredients

We feel every ingredient adds to the overall taste and texture; if you remove one, it’s like you’ve removed them all.

• Coconut Cream — use a good-quality full-fat coconut cream that should contain at least 85% coconut and be certified organic.
• Vanilla Extract — use Nielsen Massey, which is made with real vanilla beans and alcohol. The vanilla is quite potent and adds a beautiful richness to desserts.
• Probiotics — use a high-quality probiotic because it will make all the difference to the yogurt. We use Lamberts Probioguard as they’ve never failed to produce a lovely thick yogurt.

For more detailed ingredients, see the recipe card.

Customizations

Here are some foodie alternatives should you want to make some changes:

• Coconut Cream — alternatives are full-fat dairy yogurt.
• Vanilla Extract — use a non-alcohol base vanilla flavoring.
• Probiotics — we do not recommend using store-bought yogurt as a probiotic starter base. After the first batch, a great alternative is to reserve at least 1/4 cup to add to your next batch. Do this before adding the vanilla extract. If you prefer, you can add one probiotic capsule as well.

When substituting ingredients, it’s essential to remember that the taste, texture, and overall result might differ, particularly if you’re substituting many ingredients.

If you have made the Vanilla Coconut Yogurt with any customizations, we’d love to hear about it; please message us in the comments.

Instructions – Overview

Vanilla Coconut Yogurt is easy to make and is even easier to eat. Here’s a breakdown of how to get started on your baking journey (more detailed instructions are in the recipe card):

▶︎ The coconut yogurt should be started the night before. Turn the canned coconut cream upside down in the fridge and leave it overnight. This will separate the coconut cream from the coconut water and harden the cream.

▶︎ The next day, sterilize your jars and remove the canned coconut cream from the fridge.

▶︎ With the can upside down and with a can opener, pierce two holes in the base opposite each other. Now turn the ‘can’ the right way up and drain the coconut water in a cup. You will now be able to scoop the coconut cream out of the can and put it in a bowl.

▶︎ Open probiotic capsules, pour them into the coconut cream, and mix them together with a plastic spoon. Spoon into sterilized jars or keep in one jar. Cover with a muslin cloth and place in a warm area for at least 24 hours…48 hours is better.

▶︎ Remove the cloth, add the vanilla extract, and mix. Place the lid on the jar(s) and store it in the fridge overnight to thicken further. After the first 24 hours, your vanilla coconut yogurt is ready.

NOTE: The coconut cream is used to make the yogurt, and the coconut water is used to thin the yogurt should you prefer it runnier.

For more detailed instructions, notes, and ideas…see the recipe card.

Tools You’ll Need

Want to make the best Vanilla Coconut Yogurt? Using the correct equipment for preparation is essential; we think they’re a big helping hand. We understand that you might already have some of these kitchen tools to make this recipe, or you might want to use other tools and may not require our recommendations. Here are some of our suggestions to get you started:

• Jam Jars— to store the yogurt.
• Muslin Cloth— to cover the yogurt.
• Fermenting Jar – simple jars to ferment the yogurt with little effort.
• Silicone Spatula – for stirring and incorporating all the ingredients smoothly.
• Weighing Scales and Measuring Spoons – to measure the ingredients accurately.

If you love gadgets for yogurt, then you might love these fermenting jars. They’re easy to use, save time, and you don’t have to worry about checking in on your food. They’re our go-to for many of our fermenting recipes, and we think they’re a great asset for all kitchens.

Check out our favorite kitchen equipment that we love to use with all our recipes.

Homemade vs. Commercial

We recommend checking the product’s nutrition label and ingredient list to determine if a yogurt is healthy. Here are some pointers to help you get started:

▶︎ Some supermarket versions contain dairy milk; this is something to be mindful of if you’re intolerant or allergic to dairy.

▶︎ Good quality yogurt should contain live and active cultures (probiotics). Rather than using store-bought versions as a starter, we prefer probiotic capsules.

▶︎ Some supermarket yogurts may contain huge amounts of sugar to enhance the taste. Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to various health issues, such as weight gain, dental problems, and an increased risk of chronic diseases. We do not use sugar in our yogurt because the coconut cream has sufficient natural sugars.

▶︎ When buying supermarket yogurt, check the nutritional content, including calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. Many supermarkets add synthetic supplements; this is another reason homemade is the best.

▶︎ Look for natural flavoring rather than synthetic.

▶︎ Compare different brands to find the one that aligns with your health and dietary preferences.

Is Coconut Yogurt Healthy?

▶︎ Coconut cream offers essential nutrients, including healthy fats, vitamins (like C, E, and some B vitamins), and minerals (such as magnesium, potassium, and iron).

▶︎ Coconuts are rich in MCTs, a type of healthy fat believed to have various health benefits, such as supporting brain function and providing a quick source of energy.

▶︎ Coconut products, including coconut milk used to make yogurt, are cholesterol-free, making them heart-friendly options for individuals concerned about their cholesterol levels.

▶︎ Coconut is considered a tree nut but is relatively low in allergenic potential compared to other nuts. As a result, coconut yogurt may be a safer option for those with tree nut allergies, but as always, caution is essential, and individual reactions can vary.

Sterilizing Jars

Before you start, sterilize the jars. Pour boiling water into the jars and lids and let them sit until you’re ready to use them. Because they’ll be very hot, use a cloth or kitchen tongs to hold the jar and lid when removing the water.

NOTE: If the jars and lids aren’t dry in time, pop them in the oven, preferably using the fan oven, to dry them off for a few minutes. Never use a tea towel because they can carry germs.

Storing

See our FAQs for detailed instructions on storing, refrigeration, freezing, and defrosting and for answers to readers’ questions.

Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant.

Pairing

Vanilla Coconut Yogurt is frequently eaten as a standalone dessert, but can easily be paired. Here are some suggestions and our favorite go-to’s what to eat with it:

▶︎ You can enhance its protein content by adding plant-based protein sources or consuming it with protein-rich toppings, granola, chopped nuts, seeds, or toasted coconut flakes. This provides a nice contrast to the creamy yogurt.

▶︎ If you prefer your yogurt a bit sweeter, you can drizzle it with natural sweeteners such as berries, compote, maple syrup, agave nectar, and agave chocolate sauce, or enjoy it with your favorite sweet snack or cake.

▶︎ Dairy-free coconut yogurt makes an excellent base for smoothies, especially our Turmeric Smoothie. Blend it with fruits, greens, and your choice of liquid (like almond milk) for a creamy and flavorful smoothie.

▶︎ Coconut yogurt is the perfect alternative to dairy yogurt, and just like dairy versions, it is a great accompaniment to other desserts. We particularly love having it with our Mini Meringue Nests, Black Rice Pudding, and topping with fresh fruit.

More Recipes

Here are some other creamy-rich recipes that we think you might also like:

⭐️ Quick Tip: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand. Voila…you’re all set to go!

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FAQ’s & Troubleshooting

By addressing these FAQs and troubleshooting tips, you can overcome common challenges and create a delicious batch of Vanilla Coconut Yogurt every time.

Your Questions Matter

Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant. If you don’t already follow us, head over to our Twitter or Facebook to keep up to date with all our new recipes and articles.

For food safety top tips, check out USDA.gov.