If you love the rich, tangy flavor of cheesecake but want something lighter, easier, and perfect for everyday snacking, this Cheesecake Yogurt Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Made right in your yogurt maker, this recipe blends the creaminess of cheesecake with the smooth, cultured finish of homemade yogurt. It’s a deliciously versatile base for parfaits, fruit bowls, granola, or a simple spoonful straight from the jar.

Whether you're new to yogurt-making or a seasoned home fermenter, this recipe delivers a reliable, ultra-creamy texture with that unmistakable cheesecake flavor—all while staying high-protein, probiotic-rich, and budget-friendly.

Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook/Incubation Time: 8–10 hrs (varies by yogurt maker)
  • Chill Time: 4 hrs
  • Total Time: 12–14 hrs
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: About 3 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 can (13.5–15 oz) full-fat coconut milk or whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk of choice for lighter yogurt
  • 4 oz softened cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 3 tbsp sugar, honey, or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch or tapioca starch (optional, for extra thickness)
  • 2 tbsp plain yogurt with live active cultures or 1 packet yogurt starter
  • Optional mix-ins: lemon zest, crushed graham cracker crumbs, strawberry compote for topping

Directions

Step 1: Heat the Milk Base

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, and sugar.
  2. Heat gently over medium heat until the mixture reaches 180°F (82°C).
  3. Remove from heat. This step improves the thickness and helps the yogurt culture grow properly.

Step 2: Add Cream Cheese for the Cheesecake Flavor

  1. While the milk mixture is still warm, add softened cream cheese.
  2. Blend using an immersion blender or whisk vigorously until completely smooth.

Tip: The smoother this mixture is before fermenting, the thicker and more uniform your cheesecake yogurt will be.

Step 3: Cool and Add Starter

  1. Allow the mixture to cool to 110°F (43°C).
  2. Stir in the yogurt starter or 2 tablespoons of active plain yogurt.

Warning: Adding starter to hot milk will kill the cultures and prevent fermentation.

Step 4: Transfer to Your Yogurt Maker

  1. Pour the mixture into your yogurt maker containers or one large vessel.
  2. Incubate for 8–10 hours, depending on how tangy you like your yogurt.
    • 8 hrs: mild cheesecake flavor, very creamy
    • 10 hrs: Tangier, thicker

Step 5: Chill to Set the Cheesecake Texture

  1. Once incubation is complete, stir gently and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  2. Your yogurt will firm up significantly during cooling.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon into bowls and top with fresh berries, honey, graham cracker crumbs, or a dollop of jam. Use it for parfaits, meal prep jars, or a healthy dessert alternative.

Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values

  • Calories: 210
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Total Sugars: 11g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Calcium: 10% DV

Pro-Tip:

If you’ve never owned a yogurt maker—or you’re working with an older model—this recipe is the perfect reason to upgrade. A modern yogurt maker keeps temperatures consistent, ensuring your Cheesecake Yogurt turns out silky, thick, and reliably tangy every single time. No guessing, no scorching, and no failed batches. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned yogurt enthusiast, the right machine makes a huge difference in texture and flavor. Ready to make this recipe even easier? Click the button below to explore top-rated Yogurt Makers on Amazon and find the perfect one for your kitchen.

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Conclusion

This Cheesecake Yogurt Recipe brings together the best of two worlds: the indulgent creaminess of cheesecake and the probiotic benefits of homemade yogurt. With just a yogurt maker and a few simple ingredients, you can create a luscious, tangy treat that works beautifully for breakfasts, snacks, and guilt-free desserts.

Enjoy it plain, dress it up with fruit and graham cracker crumbs, or fold it into your favorite parfaits—the versatility is endless. Once you try homemade cheesecake yogurt, you may never go back to store-bought again!

RecipesYogurt Recipes