Easy Dairy-Free Yogurt Recipe

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When I want to send a lunch box parfait to school with my dairy-free son, I use this dairy-free yogurt recipe. It’s also perfect for breakfast, or to add to your favorite smoothie recipe for a little bit of extra creaminess without any dairy. 

Dairy free yogurt

You could say that I have a house filled with food restrictions. My oldest son is on a gluten-free diet, my youngest is on a dairy-free diet, and I eat grain-free and mostly Paleo. It took a while, but I am finally not a short-order cook!

I began using our grain-free meal plan, and all I have to do is add some rice to a couple of meals to make everyone happy. Small switches like today’s yogurt make everything easier too. Dairy free yogurt is just as creamy and delicious as it’s traditional dairy-filled counterparts, so this is a quick recipe I can make for everyone in our house, even the people with no dairy sensitivities.

One of the reasons I love this recipe is that you can use any non-dairy “milk” you like. For the creamiest version equivalent to traditional full-fat yogurt, use canned coconut milk. I like to use this particular brand that doesn’t contain gums as stabilizers.

How to Make Dairy-Free Yogurt

For a real yogurt-like texture, I recommend using full fat coconut milk. Other options such as almond milk, cashew milk, or soy milk don’t compare to the creamy texture it gives this yogurt. But if you have a different favorite dairy-free milk option, you can still make this recipe work with it, just know it will not come out as creamy.

1. Start by stirring gelatin and warm water together in a small bowl. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes until it forms a gel-like substance
2. Meanwhile, warm the milk and maple syrup or honey in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer and remove from heat.
3. Add 1/4 cup of the warmed milk to the gelatin and stir to combine, before adding to the saucepot. Whisk to combine. If you are using active cultures in this yogurt recipe, add them here
4. Divide the liquid between 4 yogurt ramekins or mason jars. Cool to room temperature and refrigerate overnight.

Essentially, if you can make homemade jello, you can make dairy-free yogurt. Do you need special equipment? Not at all! I’m all about making healthy swaps easily, and it really doesn’t get much easier than this recipe.

Now that you know how to make plain yogurt try adding fruit preserves or fresh fruit to the bottom of the dish or jar a homemade fruit-at-the-bottom yogurt.

Your kids will love having this treat around and it’s made with real ingredients, no artificial flavors and sweeteners, which is a winner for me.

It’s recipes like this dairy-free yogurt and others that make the Family Kickstart Program, a success with kids. Unlike other clean eating programs, Kickstart gives healthy, real-food meals kid appeal by recreating their favorite dishes in a wholesome way. For instance, Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice or Pizza Chicken and what about Chicken Burrito Bowls? I think you get the picture.

For a better look at what Kickstart brings to the table head over here and pick up your free sample week while you’re there!

How to make thick homemade yogurt

If you want thick homemade yogurt, a little gelatin helps make yogurt surprisingly creamy and thick (though too much and you’ll get yogurt jello!).

Start experimenting with one teaspoon of gelatin per quart of milk. Mix it in a bowl with a little milk and let it bloom. Then stir into the pot of milk as it starts to heat.

In the case of this recipe, we already incorporated the right amount of gelatin for you to use with a dairy-free yogurt recipe.

How to Easily Send Yogurt for Lunch

If you plan on using this yogurt for school lunches, I love these plastic freezable Ball jars. I often make the yogurt in there so all I have to do is top it with fresh fruit or jam and stick it in the lunch box! You can also transfer the yogurt and berries into a thermos, of course.

Yogurt isn’t for breakfast only; I also like to pack it in lunch along with fruit and crackers. Not sure how to pack yogurt in a lunchbox? Check out these smart hacks on how to pack yogurt for lunch and keep it cold.

Is this Yogurt Lactose-Free?

Since we use coconut milk or another dairy-free milk, this yogurt contains no lactose. But it does have a creamy, delicious texture your family will love, thanks to the coconut milk. This recipe is a great option for dairy-free readers and lactose-free readers alike!

Recipes with Yogurt

Whether you are enjoying it for breakfast, lunch or a healthy snack, these recipes are a great place to start using up this deliciously creamy dairy-free yogurt.

I like making recipes like the Homemade Fruit Yogurt with diced strawberries or blueberries, whichever I have on hand. It’s an easy way to use up fresh berries in a healthy snack.

If you have problems keeping those berries good for recipes like this one, try out this solution to keep berries fresh. I think you’ll be surprised how much longer your fresh berries will keep.

Homemade, dairy-free yogurt is a lot more simple to make than it sounds, right? Give this recipe a try in any of the yogurt lunch ideas above, you won’t be able to tell the difference!

Print Recipe|

Dairy-Free Yogurt

Dairy free yogurt

★★★

3 from 2 reviews
  • Author: MOMables.com
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Snack
Scale

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) warm water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
  • 1 cup canned coconut milk
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 tablespoons (40 g) maple syrup or honey, optional

Instructions

  1. Place warm water and gelatin in a small bowl. Stir to combine and let it sit for 10 minutes to form a jelly-like mixture.
  2. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, whisk coconut and almond milk with maple syrup over medium heat. Allow it to come to a simmer, stirring constantly.
  3. Remove the warm milk from heat and whisk gelatin mixture into the milk until it completely dissolves.
  4. If using active cultures, add it here and whisk to incorporate.
  5. Divide yogurt mixture between 4 6-ounce glass yogurt ramekins or mason jars. Allow the yogurts to cool down to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3/4 cup
  • Calories: 156
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 65.5g
  • Fat: 12.8g
  • Saturated Fat: 10.7g
  • Carbohydrates: 10.7g
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 1.7g
  • Cholesterol: 0

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About MOMables - Laura

Mom to 3 kids, obsessed with coffee, meal planning, and helping you cook fresh meals for your family fast!

Category: All Breakfast, Breakfast, Dairy Free, Dietary Needs, Gluten Free, Grain Free, How to, Paleo, Real Food, Recipes, Snacks, Vegetarian, Whole30/KickStart