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    MJ & Hungryman » Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes

    Easy Vanilla Yogurt

    By Min On November 28, 2022

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

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    A close up shot of vanilla yogurt with berries and granola.

    3 ingredients are all you need to make this vanilla yogurt that contains much less sugar than the store-bought yogurt. It's creamy, slightly sweet, and 100% vanilla-y!

    A close up shot of vanilla yogurt with berries and granola.

    Healthy Vanilla Yogurt

    Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D, protein, and probiotics. The only concern is that most options contain high amounts of added sugar.

    And that's why I always recommend purchasing plain yogurt and sweetening it yourself. It takes very minimal effort and tastes just as good, if not better because you have full control over what to add and how much.

    Like this creamy vanilla yogurt!

    2-3 minutes is all it takes to make, and I have a feeling you'll never purchase another vanilla-flavored yogurt from the grocery store again.

    Want to try other flavored yogurts? Here's how to make strawberry yogurt, blueberry yogurt, and mango yogurt!

    And you can certainly add these flavored yogurts to your smoothies to make them more creamy and filling.

    Or turn them into the most delicious fruit yogurt dip!

    Jump to:
    • Healthy Vanilla Yogurt
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Tips for Success
    • Ways to Use Vanilla Yogurt
    • Storage Suggestions
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Yogurt Recipes
    • Easy Vanilla Yogurt

    Ingredients

    All the ingredients laid out on a white background.
    • Yogurt - My family loves Greek yogurt so that's what we always have on hand, but you can use regular yogurt or dairy-free yogurt. Just be sure to get the PLAIN flavor. I also recommend getting whole milk yogurt (4% or 5%) especially for young kids. Fat plays a critical role in optimal brain development.
    • Real Vanilla - be sure to use pure vanilla extract, NOT imitation, for best flavor.
    • Honey - Just a little goes a long way in sweetening unsweetened plain yogurt! Leave it out if serving to your baby (honey before 1 year can lead to botulism) or if avoiding added sugar. You can also try adding date syrup.
    • Cinnamon - this is optional but will complement and enhance the vanilla flavor.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    all the ingredients in a glass bowl on the left and combined on the right.

    This just may be the easiest recipe I've ever written!

    Add yogurt in a bowl and combine with honey and vanilla. I find using a spoon is easier and quicker than a whisk.

    Tips for Success

    • If you want to turn a whole 32 ounce container of plain yogurt into vanilla yogurt, simply double the recipe.
    • I've found that the perfect vanilla to yogurt ratio is ½ teaspoon of vanilla for 1 cup of yogurt. But if you like your yogurt more vanilla-y, then feel free to add more.
    • Adjust the sweetness level - when making vanilla yogurt for the first time, start with just 2 teaspoons and add more depending on your preference. 1 tablespoons is the sweet spot for us. You can also leave it out entirely and enjoy with fresh, frozen, or dried fruits.

    Ways to Use Vanilla Yogurt

    Two yogurt bowls with various toppings in a muffin pan.

    While delicious as is, the creamy yogurt pairs so well with all kinds of flavors and textures!

    • Fresh fruit
    • Dried fruit
    • Nuts
    • Seeds (hemp, flax, chia)
    • Granola (try this homemade no added sugar granola)
    • Cereal
    • Chocolate chips
    • Coconut flakes
    • Peanut butter (or nut/seed butter)

    You can also add vanilla yogurt to your favorite recipes, like:

    • Smoothies
    • Yogurt parfaits
    • Pancakes
    • Overnight oats
    • Frozen yogurt bars

    Storage Suggestions

    I like to store ½ cup portions in small airtight containers. That way I can easily grab one from the refrigerator in the morning along with various toppings.

    It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    You can also freeze for up to 3 months. Here's how to freeze yogurt.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use a vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract?

    Yes! First cut off the end then slice through the bean lengthwise. Scrape the tiny black vanilla bean seeds from inside. Since they’re more potent than vanilla extract, start with ½ teaspoon. You can always add more, but you can't take away.

    Is vanilla yogurt healthy?

    While it is a great source of protein, calcium, vitamin D, and probiotics, most store-bought vanilla yogurt and other flavored varieties contain high amounts of refined sugars.

    That's why I recommend getting plain yogurt and adding a little bit of honey to sweeten it up. If you desire even more sweetness, you can top with your favorite fruit, granola, etc.

    Is vanilla yogurt suitable for babies?

    Store-bought vanilla yogurt contains high amounts of added sugar, which is recommended to be held until 2 years of age.

    To make this recipe baby-friendly, I suggest just adding the vanilla and serving with super ripe, pureed, or mashed fruit, such as fresh berries or applesauce. This 2 ingredient Date syrup is a great no-added-sugar sweetener as well.

    Can I make this dairy-free?

    Yes! Any plain plant-based alternative will work well!

    More Yogurt Recipes

    • A close up shot of yogurt right after blended.
      Frozen Peach Yogurt (Popsicles for Baby and Toddler)
    • stacked spinach baby pancakes
      Easy Spinach Pancakes (with yogurt)
    • A close up shot of sliced yogurt muffin.
      Healthy Yogurt Muffins (So Moist)
    • yogurt black bean dip in a large red bowl with a toddler hand dunking a sliced sweet potato
      Creamy Greek Yogurt Black Bean Dip

    Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!

    A close up shot of vanilla yogurt with berries and granola.

    Easy Vanilla Yogurt

    3 ingredients are all you need to make this vanilla yogurt that contains much less sugar than the store-bought version. It's creamy, slightly sweet, and 100% vanilla-y!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 3 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (460g)
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or vanilla bean)
    • 1 tablespoon honey, see note
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients until well incorporated. Taste and add more vanilla or honey as desired.

    Notes

    • For a  no added sugar option, leave out the honey and enjoy with fresh, frozen, or dried fruits. You can also add date syrup.
    • Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 10g | Calcium: 111mg
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!

    More Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes

    • Learn how to make the best cheese quesadillas! These are quick to make, customizable, and loved by both kids and adults. Enjoy as a quick lunch or kid-friendly dinner!
      Favorite Cheese Quesadilla Recipe
    • An overhead shot of fun shaped mango popsicles on a plate.
      Creamy Mango Popsicles (So Easy)
    • Overhead shot of ricotta pesto in a bowl with lemon and basil in the background.
      Easy Ricotta Pesto (Creamy and Versatile)
    • Baked biscuits with toddler's hand grabbing one.
      Healthy Teething Biscuits

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    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, I’m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. dc says

      January 16, 2023 at 4:54 pm

      Thank you for this recipe! Just wondering why it’s only good for 5 days in the fridge?

      Reply
      • Min says

        January 16, 2023 at 6:45 pm

        hi! Once opened, yogurt can start to grow mold and develop off-flavors and texture. So most experts recommend using within 5-7 days for peak quality. Having said that, I've eaten yogurt past 7 days and was still ok. If you notice any spots, sour smell, or off taste then def toss it.

        Reply
    2. Meredith says

      December 17, 2022 at 4:49 am

      5 stars
      Love love love this yogurt! I can only find vanilla yogurt that has a ton of sugar or is artificially sweetened, and i don't feel good about either of those options, but my son loves vanilla yogurt. This is the perfect solution, i think it tastes great too! Thanks!!!

      Reply
      • Min says

        December 17, 2022 at 5:53 am

        Yay! So glad you guys love this as much as we do!

        Reply
    3. Erin says

      November 28, 2022 at 3:53 pm

      Do you worry about the alcohol in vanilla extract? Am I overthinking? Thanks!!

      Reply
      • Min says

        November 28, 2022 at 4:32 pm

        Hi! It's a very small amount so I wouldn't worry about it. Having said that, non-alcoholic vanilla extract is available (Sprouts and Trader Joe's store brand as well as Simply Organics)

        Reply
    4. Cailee says

      March 03, 2016 at 9:45 pm

      YUM!! What a great way to start the day! These all look so pretty and fun! 🙂
      hope that you have a great weekend!
      xoxo Cailee!

      Reply
    5. Alexandra Caspero says

      March 01, 2016 at 7:21 pm

      You are a genius! Love the idea of savory breakfast yogurts. I JUST tried savory oatmeal for the first time (baby steps!) and really liked it. Yogurt's up next! Thanks for the great recipes Min 🙂

      Reply
    6. Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says

      March 01, 2016 at 1:15 pm

      Such a brilliant idea! My husband LOVES yogurt for breakfast.

      Reply
    7. Corina says

      March 01, 2016 at 10:01 am

      I love Indian food and love the idea of a savoury breakfast with yoghurt, roasted vegetables and lentils. Definitely pinning for later.

      Reply
    8. Betsy Ramirez says

      March 01, 2016 at 6:05 am

      Love the beets! Never thought to pair it with yogurt!

      Reply
    9. dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says

      February 29, 2016 at 4:45 pm

      i have not tried savory yogurt in any other form but raita..but love yogurt so i will have to check out more ideas.

      Reply
    10. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      February 29, 2016 at 3:10 pm

      That is such a neat idea Min!

      Reply
    11. Kaleigh says

      February 29, 2016 at 2:03 pm

      Loving savory yogurt right now! I just made one this weekend! Yummy!

      Reply
    12. Elizabeth Shaw says

      February 29, 2016 at 8:49 am

      Genius! I was just thinking this morning I have an idea for a savory yogurt creation! It's trending now fur sure! Love your beautiful set up- and how creative! Love that Mr. Hungryman jumped on board too.

      Reply
    13. rachel @ Athletic Avocado says

      February 29, 2016 at 6:34 am

      I've never tried savory yogurt but I think it's a pretty cool idea! The southwestern one seems right up my alley 🙂

      Reply
    14. Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says

      February 29, 2016 at 6:23 am

      I loved reading that food trends post too, and I keep thinking about the savory yogurts. Thank you for these inspired way(s) to enjoy yogurt without the sugar! Yummy!

      Reply

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    HI!

    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope you’ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

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