You might be surprised to learn that yogurt is quite easy to make at home! This recipe for homemade vanilla yogurt can be made with or without a yogurt maker, and it comes out perfectly creamy.

If your family loves vanilla yogurt, make it yourself and surprise them! Follow the steps in this recipe for sweet and creamy homemade vanilla yogurt.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

fresh whole milk
plain yogurt
Half of a vanilla bean
optional sugar to taste

How to Make Vanilla Yogurt

With a yogurt maker

Combine the milk, yogurt and vanilla. Stir gently with a whisk or spoon.
Pour into the yogurt maker and let it thicken for 4 to 6 hours.

Without a yogurt maker

Heat the milk to 180°F in a saucepan. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool down to 115°F.
Pour the yogurt into a ceramic bowl, add a bit of milk, stir and add the rest of the milk and the vanilla seeds. Continue to stir to thoroughly combine with the yogurt.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a cloth and place into the oven with just the light on. The oven should ideally be at 85°F. Use a thermometer to check.
Let the yogurt set in the oven for about 8-12 hours or until it thickens. Add optional sugar, fruit, and flavorings before serving.

Tips and Tricks

If you use fresh, unpasteurized milk, you’ll need to boil it first to kill any bad bacteria.
Use a container that holds heat like ceramic, if you’re using the oven method. This will help the active cultures convert milk to yogurt during fermentation.
Resting times can vary depending on temperature and the active cultures. It can take anywhere from 4-6 hours to 8-12 hours.
If you prefer a thicker yogurt, use whole milk and plain yogurt. Higher amounts of fat will produce a creamier yogurt.

How to Store Homemade Vanilla Yogurt

Homemade yogurt should be stored in an airtight container. It can remain in the coldest part of the fridge for 4-5 days.

How Can I Make Vanilla Yogurt Taste Better?

Add fresh or frozen fruit to the yogurt for extra flavor and texture. You can also flavor the yogurt with maple syrup, raw honey, and warm spices like cinnamon.

Is Vanilla Yogurt Good For A Diet?

Vanilla yogurt can be a good option for weight loss. Because yogurt is a good source of protein, it can help you feel satisfied or full. As with all other foods, it’s always a good idea to keep portion sizes in mind.

Homemade Vanilla Yogurt Recipe

You might be surprised to learn that yogurt is quite easy to make at home! This recipe for homemade vanilla yogurt can be made with or without a yogurt maker, and it comes out perfectly creamy.

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5

Resting Time: 8

Total Time: 8 5

Author: Izzy

Ingredients

▢ 2 cups fresh whole milk
▢ ¼ cup plain yogurt store-bought
▢ Half of a vanilla bean split and the seeds scraped
▢ optional sugar to taste

Instructions

With a yogurt maker:

Combine the milk, yogurt and vanilla. Stir gently with a whisk or spoon.
Pour into the yogurt maker and let it thicken for 4 to 6 hours.

Without a yogurt maker:

Heat the milk to 180°F in a saucepan. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool down to 115°F.
Pour the yogurt into a ceramic bowl, add a bit of milk, stir and add the rest of the milk and the vanilla seeds. Continue to stir to thoroughly combine with the yogurt.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a cloth and place into the oven with just the light on. The oven should ideally be at 85°F. Use a thermometer to check.
Let the yogurt set in the oven for about 8-12 hours or until it thickens. Add optional sugar, fruit, and flavorings before serving.