Homemade coconut milk yogurt is one of the easiest and most rewarding dairy-free projects you can make in your kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and the steady, reliable warmth of a yogurt maker, you can create a creamy, tangy, probiotic-rich yogurt that rivals anything store-bought. This recipe uses full-fat coconut milk for the best texture and flavor, along with a high-quality probiotic or yogurt starter to ensure consistent results. Whether you're avoiding dairy, eating more plant-based foods, or love experimenting in your kitchen, this Coconut Milk Yogurt Recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a wholesome homemade treat.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins (heating the coconut milk)
- Fermentation Time: 8–12 hours
- Total Time: 8–12 hours 20 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: About 3 cups of coconut yogurt
Ingredients
- 2 cans (13.5 oz each) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or sugar (feeds the probiotics; optional but recommended)
- 2 probiotic capsules or 1 tablespoon plain yogurt with live cultures
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons agar agar powder or tapioca starch (optional, for a thicker yogurt)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment
Wash your saucepan, whisk, jar, and all utensils with hot, soapy water. Rinse with boiling water to avoid introducing unwanted bacteria. Proper sanitization makes a big difference in yogurt consistency.
Step 2: Heat the Coconut Milk
Pour the coconut milk into a saucepan. If using agar or tapioca starch, whisk it in now. Heat gently over medium-low heat, bringing the mixture to about 180°F (82°C). This helps activate the thickener and improves texture.
Do not boil. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
Step 3: Cool the Mixture
Remove from heat and let the coconut milk cool to 110°F (43°C) — warm to the touch but not hot. Higher temperatures can kill your probiotic cultures, so cooling is an important step.
Step 4: Add Starter Cultures
Open your probiotic capsules and sprinkle the powder into the cooled coconut milk, or stir in your tablespoon of yogurt starter. Add the maple syrup or sugar to help fermentation. Gently whisk until smooth.
Step 5: Transfer to Yogurt Maker
Pour the mixture into your yogurt maker containers or a single vessel, depending on your machine. Set the yogurt maker to ferment for 8 to 12 hours.
- 8 hours = mild flavor
- 12 hours = tangier, richer yogurt
Step 6: Chill and Thicken
Once fermentation is complete, refrigerate the yogurt for at least 6 hours. Coconut milk yogurt thickens significantly as it cools.
If separation occurs, simply stir before serving — this is normal for coconut-based products.
Optional Tip:
For extra-thick yogurt, refrigerate overnight or strain briefly through cheesecloth to remove excess liquid.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 165
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 2g
(Values will vary depending on the brand of coconut milk, added sweetener, and probiotic type.)
Pro-Tip:
If you’ve ever struggled with inconsistent results when fermenting yogurt on the countertop or in the oven, a high-quality yogurt maker can completely transform your homemade Coconut Milk Yogurt experience. Yogurt makers maintain a steady, precise fermentation temperature—something that's hard to achieve in a typical kitchen—giving you thicker, creamier, and more reliable batches every time. Whether you're making dairy-free yogurt for the first time or ready to upgrade to a modern machine with digital controls, investing in a yogurt maker ensures perfect results with minimal effort. Click the button below to explore top-rated Yogurt Makers on Amazon and find the perfect one for your kitchen.
Conclusion
Making coconut milk yogurt at home with a yogurt maker is an easy, rewarding process that gives you complete control over your ingredients, flavor, and texture. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a creamy, dairy-free yogurt perfect for breakfast bowls, smoothies, baking, or spooning straight from the jar. Once you’ve mastered the basics, feel free to experiment with natural sweeteners, fresh fruit, spices, and superfood mix-ins to make this recipe truly your own. Enjoy your homemade Coconut Milk Yogurt — fresh, wholesome, and tailored exactly to your taste!
