Learn the easiest way to make homemade Vanilla Yogurt with the exact sweetness and flavor your family prefers. This is ready in less than 5 minutes and is a perfect snack or breakfast component.
I always have at least one container of plain yogurt in my fridge, and often turn it into vanilla yogurt that’s just sweet enough and seriously delicious.
I love this method for making vanilla yogurt at home since I can ensure it tastes exactly how my family likes it.
And honestly? I love this as much as my kids do for an easy toddler breakfast or as an easy snack to make at home.
It’s great on its own; paired with my easy Homemade Granola, Nut-Free Granola, or a favorite store-bought option; or with fruit. It can also be used as a Yogurt Dip for fruit or graham crackers if the kids enjoy that option.
Why This Recipe Works
In just five minutes, you can make a flavorful vanilla yogurt with all the nutrition you desire and much less added sugar and cost than the store bought kind.
You can also serve it as part of lunch or dinner paired with simple foods like Broccoli and Cheese Pinwheels, Creamy Pesto, or Spinach Grilled Cheese.
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
Below is a look at the ingredients you need to make this easy vanilla yogurt recipe so you know what to pick up at the store.
- Plain Greek or regular yogurt: You can use whichever type you prefer in this recipe, as it works the same way. I opt for whole-milk yogurt since it helps keep us full a little longer.
- Vanilla extract: You can use pure or artificial vanilla extract in this recipe to add the vanilla flavor. I usually use alcohol-free vanilla from Trader Joe’s.
- Cinnamon, maple syrup (optional): You can sweeten the yogurt as you like using maple syrup or honey (for kids over age 1). You can also add a dash of cinnamon if that sounds appealing to you.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is an overview of how to make this vanilla yogurt recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full recipe, including the amounts and timing.
Step 1. Add the ingredients to a bowl and stir well to combine.
Step 2. Serve in a bowl plain, with fruit, or with a sprinkle of crushed-up granola.
TIP: You can also serve this to kids in a reusable pouch. Or freeze it into Vanilla Frozen Yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! It’s a great source of protein and healthy fats, and making it at home lets you control the sweetness and ingredients.
Store prepared yogurt in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Serve it plain, with fruit, stirred into oatmeal, or as a dip for pancakes or muffins. It’s very flexible and easy to use throughout the week.
More Yogurt Flavors to Try
I have a handful of other flavored yogurts you might like trying after this vanilla one.
- Apple Yogurt
- Banana Yogurt
- Peach Yogurt
- Blueberry Yogurt
- Strawberry Yogurt
- Mango Yogurt
- Fruit-on-the-Bottom Yogurt
How to Store
Store prepared yogurt in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Best Tips for Success
- Serve with diced or sliced fruit fresh fruit, dried fruit, or thawed frozen fruit. Or with Homemade Granola, Nut-Free Granola, Strawberry Sauce, or a store-bought one you prefer. (Avoid whole nuts in granola for kids under about age 4.)
- Add a dash of cinnamon for more flavor.
- Add a drizzle of maple syrup, about 1 teaspoon to start or more to sweeten to taste as desired. You can also use honey for kids over age 1.
- Use the finished yogurt in my Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie, Yogurt Parfaits, Yogurt Bars, or Applesauce Overnight Oats.
- Or if you want a different flavor option, try my Peanut Butter Yogurt or Chocolate Yogurt.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
Favorite Vanilla Yogurt
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dash cinnamon, drizzle maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a bowl and stir well to combine.
- If adding the cinnamon and maple syrup, start with a very small amount of each (or just one) and increase to taste as you like. (You can also use honey for kids over age 1.)
- Serve in a bowl plain, with fruit, or with a sprinkle of crushed-up granola (without any whole nuts for kids). You can also serve this to kids in a reusable pouch.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
This post was first published in February 2024.
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