If you’ve ever wandered through the dairy aisle wishing for a creamy, tangy vegan yogurt alternative, this best vegan coconut yogurt recipe is here to transform your breakfast game. Coconut yogurt offers a luscious texture paired with a naturally sweet and tropical flavor that’s perfect for those who want to enjoy probiotics without dairy.
Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply exploring plant-based options, making your own coconut yogurt at home is both rewarding and budget-friendly.
This recipe is designed to be simple, requiring only a handful of wholesome ingredients. The result is a rich, velvety yogurt that you can customize with your favorite flavors or toppings.
Plus, it’s packed with live cultures to support your gut health naturally. Say goodbye to preservatives and hello to fresh, homemade goodness that you control from start to finish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan coconut yogurt recipe is a delightful blend of creamy texture and tangy flavor that rivals store-bought varieties. It’s made with minimal ingredients, free from additives, and fully plant-based, making it perfect for anyone following a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle.
Plus, it’s rich in probiotics, which help promote digestion and overall wellness.
The versatility of this yogurt is another major plus. Use it as a base for parfaits, in smoothies, or as a tangy topping for fruit or granola.
And since it’s homemade, you can adjust the sweetness and thickness to your liking. Best of all, you can avoid the often costly and environmentally impactful packaging of commercial yogurts.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (13.5 oz each) full-fat coconut milk – Choose cans with only coconut and water for best results
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup – Optional, for a touch of sweetness
- 1 teaspoon probiotic powder – Make sure it’s dairy-free and suitable for yogurt making
- 1 teaspoon agar agar powder – Helps thicken the yogurt naturally
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – For subtle flavor depth
Equipment
- Medium saucepan – To gently heat the coconut milk
- Whisk – For mixing ingredients smoothly
- Glass or ceramic jar with lid – Ideal for culturing the yogurt
- Thermometer – To check the temperature for probiotic activation
- Cheesecloth or breathable cloth – To cover the jar during fermentation
- Warm place or yogurt maker – For fermenting the yogurt
Instructions
- Prepare the coconut milk: Shake the cans well before opening. Pour the coconut milk into a medium saucepan.
- Add agar agar powder: Sprinkle the agar agar into the coconut milk and whisk to combine thoroughly.
- Heat the mixture: Place the saucepan on medium heat and gently warm the coconut milk mixture, stirring constantly. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to activate the agar agar. This will help thicken your yogurt.
- Cool to the right temperature: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool to about 110°F (43°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature to avoid killing the probiotics.
- Stir in probiotics and sweetener: Once cooled, whisk in the probiotic powder and maple syrup (if using). Add vanilla extract for extra flavor depth.
- Transfer to a jar: Pour the mixture into a clean glass or ceramic jar. Cover it with a cheesecloth or breathable cloth secured with a rubber band.
- Ferment the yogurt: Place the jar in a warm, draft-free spot (around 100°F or 38°C) for 24-48 hours. The longer it ferments, the tangier your yogurt will become. Check after 24 hours for taste and texture.
- Refrigerate and thicken: Once the yogurt has reached your desired tanginess, seal the jar with a lid and refrigerate for at least 6 hours to thicken further.
- Serve and enjoy: Stir the yogurt well before serving. It should be creamy, thick, and slightly tangy—perfect for your favorite dishes!
Tips & Variations
For creamier yogurt, chill your coconut milk cans overnight and scoop off the thick cream layer to use in the recipe.
You can experiment by adding different sweeteners like agave or coconut sugar if you prefer. For a fruit-infused flavor, stir in pureed mango, strawberry, or blueberry before fermenting.
If you want a thicker consistency similar to Greek yogurt, strain the yogurt through a nut milk bag after fermentation to remove excess liquid. Alternatively, increase the agar agar slightly but be careful not to overdo it or the texture may become gelatinous.
Remember, the quality of your probiotic powder is crucial. Look for brands specifically labeled for yogurt making to ensure active and live cultures.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per 1/2 cup serving |
---|---|
Calories | 150 |
Fat | 14g |
Saturated Fat | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 4g |
Fiber | 0g |
Sugar | 2g (from maple syrup) |
Protein | 1g |
Probiotics | Live active cultures |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan coconut yogurt is incredibly versatile! Try it as a creamy topping for fresh fruit, granola, or chia pudding.
It also works beautifully as a base for smoothie bowls, drizzled with nut butters and seeds.
For a refreshing snack, mix the yogurt with diced pineapple and shredded coconut. It can also replace sour cream or mayonnaise in dressings and dips, adding a subtle tropical twist.
Want to try more plant-based recipes? Check out our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for hearty vegan meals, or explore the sweet side with the Marzipan Challah Recipe.
If you love experimenting with doughs, the Magic Dough Recipe is a must-try!
Conclusion
Making your own vegan coconut yogurt is a wonderfully simple way to enjoy a creamy, probiotic-rich treat free from dairy and additives. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness, delivering a luscious texture that you’ll want to reach for every morning.
With just a few kitchen staples, you can customize your yogurt to suit your taste and dietary needs, ensuring every batch is fresh and flavorful.
Whether enjoyed solo, paired with fruit, or incorporated into your favorite recipes, this coconut yogurt brings a tropical flair to your table. Plus, the satisfaction of making it yourself makes it all the more delicious.
Dive into this easy homemade delight and explore the endless possibilities of plant-based cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Coconut Yogurt Recipe
Description: A creamy and tangy homemade vegan coconut yogurt that's perfect for breakfast or snacks. Easy to make with simple ingredients and a probiotic starter.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT36H10M
Servings: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cans (13.5 oz each) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon agar agar powder
- 2 probiotic capsules (vegan-friendly)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons tapioca starch (optional, for thickness)
- 1/4 cup warm water
Instructions
- Shake coconut milk cans well and pour into a saucepan.
- Add agar agar powder and tapioca starch; whisk to combine.
- Heat mixture over medium heat until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool to about 110°F (warm to the touch).
- Open probiotic capsules and stir contents into warm coconut milk.
- Add maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt; mix well.
- Pour mixture into a clean glass jar and cover with a cloth.
- Let ferment at room temperature for 24-36 hours until tangy.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 5g
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