This Easy And Healthy Homemade Frozen Yogurt is a refreshingly sweet treat for hot summer days!
There’s a frozen yogurt stand near my house called Yo Mama. This local chain creates the most delicious concoctions, like chocolate and vanilla coconut swirls or piña colada. There’s also a topping bar with everything from cereal to a wide range of crumbled cookies, candy, and nuts. They even offer vegan yogurt flavors for dairy-sensitive folks like myself—though, being from Wisconsin, I don’t mind letting my digestive tract suffer a little for a frozen treat.
For a family of five, you’d be surprised how quickly the bill racks up at Yo Mama, especially those dang toppings. Sure, I can buy a few quarts of Kemps or Blue Bunny, but their ingredients aren’t always the greatest. That’s why I like this easy and healthy homemade frozen yogurt recipe. Made with Greek yogurt and coconut milk, this recipe is a healthier and more affordable alternative that offers plenty of decadent flavor without the additives.
With just a few pantry staples, I can whip up a batch, and let me tell you—it’s become a family favorite. The crushed pineapple gives it a tropical twist, while the hint of vanilla vodka turns it into a Happy Hour treat! When serving to my children, however, I trade the vodka for vanilla extract. Whatever you use, know that the recipe is as simple as it gets, especially if you own an ice cream maker!
Is Homemade Frozen Yogurt Healthy?
As much as I love Yo Mama, I’d have to say, yes, it’s a much healthier alternative to your local frozen yogurt stand or most store-bought varieties. Greek yogurt adds protein and probiotics, while reduced-fat coconut milk keeps it creamy without adding too much fat. Still, there are up to seven tablespoons of granulated sugar, and that might be too much for some. You could always try a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or even monk fruit.
Also, if you want to make it vegan, use a plant-based yogurt like almond or coconut. It’ll still be plenty creamy, though the texture and taste might differ slightly. Vegan yogurts typically offer a milder tang.
Vodka in yogurt? Really?
Yes, really! That measly tablespoon of vodka in this recipe isn’t just for fun, though it does add a subtle flavor. In fact, sometimes, I’ll add an extra tablespoon for a little more flavor and to keep the texture extra smooth. There’s some culinary science going on here as well. You see, alcohol actually lowers the freezing point of the yogurt. This helps the yogurt stay creamy instead of rock-solid in the freezer. If substituting it with a splash of vanilla extract, bear in mind that the frozen yogurt will be a bit more firm.
How to Make Ahead and Store
Once churned and fully frozen, homemade frozen yogurt can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. However, I find that when frozen yogurt is homemade, it’s best to enjoy it within the first month. However long you store the frozen yogurt, you should still let it thaw before serving—about 5 to 10 minutes should do it.
Serving Suggestions
This frozen yogurt is a delightful treat on its own, but when I’m feeling ambitious, I’ll pair it with other desserts. For dinner parties, I like to serve it alongside a Healthy Chocolate Cake for a warm-and-cool dessert combo or add a scoop on top of freshly baked Instant-Pot Brownies.
This frozen yogurt is also a refreshing palate cleanser after savory summer dishes like Grilled Herb Hummus Chicken Kebabs or Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. However you serve it, this frozen yogurt will be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup reduced-fat coconut milk
- 6-7 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla vodka or regular
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple drained
Instructions
- Combine the Greek yogurt, coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla vodka in a blender and blend until well-mixed.
- Cover and place in the refrigerator until well chilled (at least 2 hours).
- Pour the yogurt mixture into your ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer's directions. Mine only took about 15 minutes to become nice and creamy.
- Transfer the frozen yogurt to a large container with a lid and stir in the crushed pineapple. The frozen yogurt will go quite liquidy at this point, but it sets up once frozen. Make sure to mix well to avoid any pineapple juice ice chunks.
- Cover and place back into the freezer until solid, about 2-3 hours, then serve.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Just curious what purpose does the alcohol serve? Just for flavor? Will it not taste as good if I don’t add it? I don’t really drink alcohol much anymore for health reasons and if adding it is just for flavor, I’d rather omit to save a few extra calories.
Hi Kate – You can skip it if you prefer. The alcohol adds a bit of flavor and helps prevent the frozen yogurt from becoming too icy.