Homemade Frozen Yogurt Variations Recipe

Introduction

Frozen yogurt is a delicious and creamy treat that’s easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you prefer classic vanilla, fruity, chocolate, or peanut butter flavors, this versatile recipe offers something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a refreshing alternative to ice cream that you can customize to your taste.

Ingredients

• 1 quart whole milk plain yogurt (~3 1/2 cups)
• 1/2 cup honey (or natural sugar-free honey)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or half & half or full-fat coconut milk)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt

Optional flavor additions:

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (for vanilla frozen yogurt)
• 2 ½ cups frozen fruit of choice (for fruit frozen yogurt)
• ¾ cup Dutch processed cocoa powder and 1 tsp vanilla extract (for chocolate frozen yogurt)
• ¾ cup peanut butter (for peanut butter frozen yogurt)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for your chosen flavor until smooth. For fruit frozen yogurt, blend in a high-powered blender or food processor for best texture. For other flavors, whisking works well.
2. Step 2: Check the temperature of the mixture. If it is not between 40-45°F (4-7°C), cover with plastic wrap flush against the surface and chill in the freezer for 15-20 minutes until cold but not frozen.
3. Step 3: Pour the cold mixture into your pre-frozen ice cream maker bowl and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve texture, usually 15-25 minutes. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container.
4. Step 4: Freeze the frozen yogurt for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm. If you did not use an ice cream maker, stir the mix every 30 minutes during the first 4 hours to improve texture.
5. Step 5: When ready to serve, remove from the freezer and let sit for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly for easy scooping.

Tips & Variations

• Use full-fat yogurt and cream for the creamiest results.
• Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for different sweetness notes.
• Add fresh fruit or mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or cookie crumbs after churning for texture.
• For dairy-free, use coconut milk yogurt and full-fat coconut milk as the cream substitute.
• Keep the mixture cold before churning to improve freezing and texture.

Storage

Store homemade frozen yogurt in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. To serve, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften for easier scooping. Stirring every 30 minutes during initial freezing helps prevent ice crystals if you’re not using an ice cream maker.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat or non-fat yogurt for frozen yogurt?

Yes, but the texture may be less creamy and more icy compared to full-fat yogurt. For a better texture, add a bit more heavy cream or coconut milk.

Do I need an ice cream maker to make frozen yogurt?

An ice cream maker helps achieve a smooth, creamy texture more easily, but you can freeze the mixture in a container and stir frequently to reduce ice crystals if you don’t have one.

Homemade Frozen Yogurt Variations Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 53 reviews

A versatile homemade frozen yogurt recipe that can be customized with various flavors such as vanilla, fruit, chocolate, or peanut butter. This creamy dessert is made by blending yogurt with natural sweeteners and other flavorings, then freezing and churning to achieve a soft-serve texture. Ideal for a refreshing, healthier alternative to ice cream.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes (churning time in ice cream maker)
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including freezing time)
• Yield: Approximately 1 quart (4 servings) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Freezing and Churning
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Basic Frozen Yogurt

• 1 quart Whole milk plain yogurt (~3 1/2 cups)
• 1/2 cup Honey (or natural sugar-free honey)
• 1/4 cup Heavy cream (or half & half or full-fat coconut milk)
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt

Vanilla Frozen Yogurt

• 1 quart Whole milk plain yogurt (~3 1/2 cups)
• 1/2 cup Honey (or natural sugar-free honey)
• 1/4 cup Heavy cream (or half & half or full-fat coconut milk)
• 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt

Fruit Frozen Yogurt

• 1 quart Whole milk plain yogurt (~3 1/2 cups)
• 2 ½ cups Frozen fruit (any kind works, strawberries used in example)
• 1/2 cup Honey (or natural sugar-free honey)
• 1/4 cup Heavy cream (or half & half or full-fat coconut milk)
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt

Chocolate Frozen Yogurt

• 1 quart Whole milk plain yogurt (~3 1/2 cups)
• 3/4 cup Dutch processed cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup Honey (or natural sugar-free honey)
• 1/4 cup Heavy cream (or half & half or full-fat coconut milk)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt

Peanut Butter Frozen Yogurt

• 1 quart Whole milk plain yogurt (~3 1/2 cups)
• 3/4 cup Peanut butter
• 1/2 cup Honey (or natural sugar-free honey)
• 1/4 cup Heavy cream (or half & half or full-fat coconut milk)
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the chosen flavor until smooth. For fruit frozen yogurt, blend in a high-powered blender or food processor to achieve a consistent texture; for all other flavors, whisking is sufficient to maintain the desired texture.
2. Chill Mixture: Ensure the mixture temperature is between 40-45°F (4-7°C). If it is warmer, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface and chill in the freezer for 15-20 minutes until cold but not frozen. If all ingredients were refrigerated before mixing, chilling might not be necessary.
3. Churn the Mixture: If using an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into the pre-frozen bowl of the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until reaching a soft-serve consistency, typically 15-20 minutes but it can take up to 25 minutes.
4. Freeze for Firmness: Transfer the churned frozen yogurt to a freezer-safe container if not using an ice cream maker, or keep it in the machine bowl if appropriate. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.
5. Maintain Texture (No Ice Cream Maker): If no ice cream maker is used, stir the frozen yogurt every 30 minutes during the first 4 hours of freezing to prevent large ice crystals and improve texture.
6. Serve: When ready to eat, let frozen yogurt thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften for easy scooping and optimal creamy texture.

Notes

• Using an ice cream maker produces the best texture but is optional.
• Adjust sweetness by replacing honey with natural sugar-free alternatives if desired.
• For dairy-free options, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and yogurt with a plant-based alternative.
• Frozen fruit should be blended thoroughly for smooth fruit frozen yogurt texture.
• Stirring during freezing helps avoid icy texture without an ice cream maker.
• The recipe can be tailored with different flavor additions like vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or peanut butter.

Keywords: frozen yogurt, homemade frozen yogurt, healthy dessert, yogurt dessert, fruit frozen yogurt, chocolate frozen yogurt, peanut butter frozen yogurt, vanilla frozen yogurt