If you’re seeking a vegan frozen yogurt recipe, I recommend using coconut milk for its creamy texture. Add agave syrup for sweetness and a dash of vanilla for flavor. You’ll want to blend these ingredients and freeze them. This homemade treat is great to enjoy on a warm day.
Why Does It Work?
- Coconut milk provides a creamy base that is suitable for those avoiding dairy.
- Agave syrup offers a natural sweetness that enhances the flavor.
- The addition of vanilla extract gives a rich, aromatic touch.
- This recipe is quick and easy, utilizing simple, plant-based ingredients.
- Freezing the mixture results in a smooth, refreshing texture.
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Finding a delicious treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising your dietary preferences can be challenging, especially if you’re vegan. Many frozen desserts contain dairy or other animal products, leaving fewer options for those following a plant-based diet.
However, there’s a simple way to enjoy a cold, creamy delight that aligns with your vegan lifestyle. This Vegan Frozen Yogurt recipe is your answer.
You can create a delectable dessert without skimping on flavor or texture using coconut milk, agave syrup, and a hint of vanilla. Try this homemade, dairy-free alternative that not only cools you down on hot days but also keeps your diet on track.
What Is Vegan Frozen Yogurt?
Vegan frozen yogurt is a plant-based version of traditional frozen yogurt without animal ingredients. Instead of dairy yogurt, it uses alternatives like coconut, almond, or soy milk. These plant-based milks are combined with natural sweeteners such as agave or maple syrup and sometimes flavor enhancers like vanilla or fruit purees.
The result is a creamy, smooth dessert that mimics the texture and taste of traditional frozen yogurt but is suitable for vegans and others avoiding dairy products. It offers a refreshing treat that can be enjoyed in various flavors, catering to those looking for dairy-free dessert options.
Fact– Vegan frozen yogurt is a dairy-free alternative that commonly uses coconut, almond, or soy milk and is sweetened with natural sweeteners like agave or maple syrup.
Recipe Directions
- Spoon the yogurt into an ice cube tray or mini muffin pan. Place in the freezer and leave it overnight.
- The next day, place the frozen yogurt cubes into a blender. Add frozen blueberries, vanilla, a pinch of salt, and maple syrup if you’re using it.
- Blend the mixture until creamy. You might need to use a tamper to push down the ingredients. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of non-dairy milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Once blended to creaminess, serve immediately in a cup or cone. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag, and the pipe swirls into the serving vessel for a fancier presentation.
- Enjoy your homemade vegan frozen yogurt right away for the best texture!
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Variations
- Chocolate Dream: Add cocoa powder and vegan chocolate chips while blending for a rich chocolatey twist.
- Tropical Treat: Mix in mango chunks and pineapple pieces before freezing for a tropical flavor.
- Berry Blast: Use a mix of berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a berry-rich version.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Blend in some natural peanut butter for a creamy, nutty flavor.
- Coffee Kick: Incorporate a shot of espresso or coffee extract to cater to coffee lovers.
Add-Ons
- Protein Boost: Add a protein punch to some vegan protein powder.
- Superfoods Galore: Add a tablespoon of chia, flaxseeds, or hemp seeds for extra nutrients.
- Herbal Infusion: Infuse the milk with basil or mint before blending for a refreshing herbal note.
Toppings
- Fresh Fruit: Top with slices of banana, kiwi, or any fruit you choose for freshness.
- Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle chopped almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture.
- Vegan Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of vegan whipped cream for a luxurious touch.
- Granola Crunch: A handful of homemade granola adds a satisfying crunch.
- Syrups and Sauces: Drizzle with vegan caramel or chocolate sauce for a sweet finish.
Vegetable Substitutions
- Avocado: This creamy fruit (often used as a vegetable in culinary contexts) adds a rich, buttery texture. It’s great for creating a smoother, thicker frozen yogurt.
- Beets: Roasted and pureed beets offer a sweet, earthy flavor and a vibrant color. They pair well with chocolate or berry flavors.
- Carrots: When cooked and pureed, carrots add a subtle sweetness and boost nutrients. Carrot and cinnamon or nutmeg is a delightful combination.
- Spinach: While it might sound unusual, spinach can be added for a nutrition boost without significantly altering the taste. It works well in tropical or citrus-flavored yogurts.
- Sweet Potato: Cooked and pureed sweet potato gives a mild, sweet flavor and creamy texture. It’s excellent with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even maple syrup.
- Zucchini: Mild and versatile, zucchini can be finely grated and added without overpowering other flavors. It increases the bulk of frozen yogurt without adding many calories.
- Pumpkin: Pumpkin puree can be used for a fall-inspired treat, blending beautifully with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
Quick Tip– For smoother vegan frozen yogurt, blend in some soaked cashews. They add creaminess without altering the flavor, enhancing the overall texture of your frozen dessert.
Best Side Dishes
- Vegan Brownies A warm, fudgy vegan brownie pairs beautifully with the coolness of frozen yogurt, creating a delightful contrast.
- Fruit Salad A fresh fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers a light, refreshing side that balances the richness of the yogurt.
- Vegan Cookies Crunchy vegan cookies such as oatmeal raisin or chocolate chip provide a delightful texture contrast.
- Nut Brittle A crunchy, sweet nut brittle adds texture and a nutty flavor that goes well with any frozen yogurt.
- Baked Apples Cinnamon-spiced baked apples are warm and comforting, perfect for a scoop of vegan frozen yogurt.
- Vegan Lemon Bars The tartness of lemon bars complements the sweet and creamy yogurt, adding a citrus flavor.
- Granola Sprinkle some crunchy homemade granola over your frozen yogurt for added texture and a bit of spice.
How To Serve?
- Choose the Right Vessel: Serve your vegan frozen yogurt in a chilled bowl, a classic cone, or a fancy parfait glass. Chilling your serving dishes in advance helps keep the frozen yogurt from melting too quickly.
- Layer with Fruit: Layer your frozen yogurt with fresh fruit like berries, sliced bananas, or mango chunks. This adds color and introduces fresh, juicy flavors that complement the yogurt’s creaminess.
- Add Crunch: Top with granola, chopped nuts, or crushed vegan cookies to add a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the yogurt.
- Drizzle It: Enhance the flavor with a drizzle of vegan chocolate, caramel sauce, or a berry coulis. This adds a gourmet touch and can be tailored to match the frozen yogurt’s flavor.
- Garnish Wisely: A sprig of mint, a sprinkle of edible flowers, or a dusting of cinnamon can make your serving visually appealing and add a hint of extra flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Vegan frozen yogurt is best enjoyed immediately after it’s prepared or scooped. This ensures the texture remains smooth and creamy.
Quick Tip– During preparation, infuse your vegan frozen yogurt base with spices like cinnamon or vanilla for an extra flavor boost. This enhances the taste and aroma of the final dessert.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Freezing: Transfer your vegan frozen yogurt to an airtight container after blending it. You might want to line the container with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze it as quickly as possible to prevent ice crystal formation, which can make the texture gritty.
- Storage Containers: Use a shallow, airtight container to help the yogurt freeze evenly. Glass containers with airtight lids are ideal as they don’t absorb flavors and are easy to clean.
- Thawing Time: Vegan frozen yogurt is best enjoyed slightly soft. Remove it from the freezer about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften to a creamy texture.
- Long-term Storage: Vegan frozen yogurt can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. Beyond that, ice crystals may start to form, and the texture could become less pleasant.
- Revitalizing Leftovers: If your frozen yogurt has hardened in the freezer, re-blend it briefly with a splash of non-dairy milk to restore some of its creamy texture before serving.
Fact– Vegan frozen yogurt typically contains fewer calories and less fat than traditional frozen yogurt, making it a healthier alternative for those watching their calorie and fat intake.
Time-Saving Tips
- Pre-Freeze Ingredients: Freeze your yogurt and any fruit you use in advance. This speeds up the freezing process after blending.
- Use a High-Power Blender: Invest in a powerful blender that can handle frozen ingredients quickly and efficiently, reducing the need for thawing and saving time.
- Prepare in Batches: Make larger quantities of vegan frozen yogurt and store it in individual servings. This way, you only need to blend once and have ready-to-eat portions for later.
- Simple Flavors: Start with basic recipes that require fewer ingredients and steps. When serving, you can always add variety with toppings or mix-ins.
- Ready-made Alternatives: Keep a store-bought vegan frozen yogurt on hand when you need a quick dessert but don’t have time to make it from scratch.
Dairy-Free Delights With Vegan Frozen Yogurt Recipe
Vegan frozen yogurt is a delightful, creamy dessert made with plant-based milk and natural sweeteners. It offers a refreshing, dairy-free alternative to traditional frozen yogurt, perfect for vegans and those with dairy sensitivities. Enjoy it with a variety of flavors and toppings for a custom treat.
1
servings10
minutes24
hours150
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups (360g) 1 1/2 Unsweetened plain, non-dairy yogurt
1 cup (140g) 1 Frozen blueberries
2 Tbsp 2 Maple syrup (optional)
1 Tsp 1 Vanilla extract
A pinch A pinch Salt
To blend To blend Non-dairy milk (if needed)
Directions
- Preparation: Spoon the non-dairy yogurt into an ice cube tray or mini muffin pan.
- Freezing: Place the tray in the freezer overnight to allow the yogurt to freeze solid.
- Blending: The next day, remove the frozen yogurt cubes from the tray and place them into a blender. Add the frozen blueberries, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and maple syrup (if using).
- Mixing: Blend the mixture until it reaches a creamy consistency. Use a tamper if necessary to push down the ingredients. If the mixture appears too thick, gradually add a splash of non-dairy milk until you achieve the desired texture.
- Serving: Once the mixture is creamy, serve immediately. You can scoop it into a cup or cone. Transfer the vegan frozen yogurt into a piping bag and pipe swirls into your chosen serving vessel for a more decorative presentation.
- Enjoy: Promptly consume your homemade vegan frozen yogurt for its best texture and flavor.
- Equipment
- Blender
- Ice cube tray
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Airtight storage container
- Piping bag (optional)
- Freezer
Notes
- Yogurt Selection: For the best results, use a high-quality, unsweetened, plain, non-dairy yogurt. Coconut, almond, and soy yogurt are excellent choices, as they tend to have a creamier texture, which is ideal for frozen desserts.
- Sweetness Adjustment: The amount of maple syrup can be adjusted based on your preference for sweetness. You can reduce or omit the quantity entirely if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with other flavors. For different tastes, you can substitute blueberries with other frozen fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or mixed berries.
- Texture Tips: If your blender struggles with the frozen ingredients, let them thaw slightly before blending. This helps to prevent the blender from overworking and ensures a smoother texture.
- Serving Suggestions: For an added touch, garnish with fresh fruits, nuts, or a drizzle of vegan chocolate syrup before serving.
- Storage Advice: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer. When ready to serve again, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes for easier scooping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Vegan Frozen Yogurt Without An Ice Cream Maker?
Yes, you can make vegan frozen yogurt without an ice cream maker. Simply freeze the yogurt in ice cube trays, then blend with other ingredients until creamy.
What Are The Best Non-Dairy Yogurts To Use For Vegan Frozen Yogurt?
Coconut yogurt, almond yogurt, and soy yogurt are all excellent choices for making vegan frozen yogurt due to their creamy textures and neutral flavors that pair well with various mix-ins.
How Can I Prevent Ice Crystals From Forming In My Vegan Frozen Yogurt?
To minimize ice crystals, ensure the mixture is very cold before freezing and store it in an airtight container. To improve the texture, blend the frozen yogurt a second time before serving.
Is Vegan Frozen Yogurt Healthier Than Regular Frozen Yogurt?
Vegan frozen yogurt can be healthier as it often contains less saturated fat and cholesterol. However, the nutritional content greatly depends on the ingredients used, so it’s best to check labels and make choices based on your dietary needs.
Can I Add Protein To My Vegan Frozen Yogurt?
Absolutely! You can add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder to boost protein content during blending. This is a great way to make your dessert more filling and nutritionally balanced.
