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!
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.
You are going to love this strawberry yogurt too!
And you can certainly add these flavored yogurts to your smoothies to make them more creamy and filling.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- 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
This just may be the easiest recipe I've ever written!
Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and stir! 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.
Serving Suggestions (Yogurt Toppings)
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
- 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, and overnight oats.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
Yes! Any plain plant-based alternative will work well!
More Yogurt Recipes
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!
Easy Vanilla Yogurt
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.
dc says
Thank you for this recipe! Just wondering why it’s only good for 5 days in the fridge?
Min says
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.
Meredith says
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!!!
Min says
Yay! So glad you guys love this as much as we do!
Erin says
Do you worry about the alcohol in vanilla extract? Am I overthinking? Thanks!!
Min says
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)
Cailee says
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!
Alexandra Caspero says
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 🙂
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
Such a brilliant idea! My husband LOVES yogurt for breakfast.
Corina says
I love Indian food and love the idea of a savoury breakfast with yoghurt, roasted vegetables and lentils. Definitely pinning for later.
Betsy Ramirez says
Love the beets! Never thought to pair it with yogurt!
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says
i have not tried savory yogurt in any other form but raita..but love yogurt so i will have to check out more ideas.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
That is such a neat idea Min!
Kaleigh says
Loving savory yogurt right now! I just made one this weekend! Yummy!
Elizabeth Shaw says
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.
rachel @ Athletic Avocado says
I've never tried savory yogurt but I think it's a pretty cool idea! The southwestern one seems right up my alley 🙂
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says
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!