Once I made yogurt in the Instant pot, I was cooked.
Simple ingredients and some time is all you need to make homemade yogurt.
It takes 8 hours to make the yogurt. So while this Instant Pot yogurt recipe is easy, just know it does take 8+ hours of cooking in the Instant Pot! (I say 8+ because there is also an additional 4+ hours of chill time).
Yogurt contains probiotics, which have proven to be beneficial for our gut health.
A perk of making yogurt from scratch is the satisfaction of making the yogurt yourself. Plus, this recipe yields about ~7 cups of yogurt, making this Instant Pot yogurt a cost efficient recipe as well.
Instant Pot yogurt ingredients
Making my yogurt recipe in an Instant Pot requires just four simple ingredients: ultra pasteurized, ultra filtered whole milk, pre-made yogurt with live cultures, sweetened condensed milk (optional) and a vanilla bean (optional).
No really, that’s it!
How to make Instant Pot yogurt
Pour 1 cup of the milk and the sweetened condensed milk (14 oz) into the Instant Pot and whisk well. Pour the rest of the milk in and 2 Tbsp. of the yogurt and whisk again.
You should see “8:00” pop up on the screen. If not, adjust it to 8 hours. The time will count UP, so don’t worry when you see “0:00” after the Instant Pot beeps.
*Also be sure the pressure is set to “normal” and not set to “less” or “more”.
Once the 8 hours is up, the Instant Pot will read YOGT. Do not stir at this point.
Now, you need to chill the yogurt. DO NOT STIR IT OR TASTE IT YET! Cover the Instant Pot with plastic wrap and chill for 4-6 hours or overnight.
Once chilled, add in the vanilla bean. Stir until it’s evenly distributed. Give it a taste, yum!
Store the yogurt in mason jars or containers in your fridge for up to 2-3 weeks (If it lasts that long!)
My favorite yogurt toppings
There are so many ways to dress up a plain bowl of vanilla yogurt. Here are a few of my favorite yogurt toppings I turn to each morning:
When making homemade yogurt — whether you’re making an Instant Pot yogurt recipe or using a different method — you must use a yogurt starter.
Figuring out what a yogurt starter is and what kind to use can be difficult if you’re new to the world of yogurt making.
Here are some commonly asked questions I get about making Instant Pot vanilla yogurt.
If I haven’t addressed your question below, please leave me a comment at the end of this post and I’ll help you as best I can!
What is a yogurt starter?
To put it simply, a yogurt starter helps transform your milk into yogurt. It contains live bacteria that helps this process along.
What’s the best yogurt starter to use?
For homemade yogurt in the Instant Pot, you must use a yogurt start or a store bought yogurt with active cultures. I tried this Instant Pot yogurt recipe using other yogurts for my starter, and the batch that turned out best was when I used FAGE yogurt.
Tips for making Instant Pot yogurt
Don’t mix the yogurt after the 8 hour mark. It needs to be refrigerated for at least 4-6 hours and then you can stir!
Fairlife milk is ultra-pasteurized and ultra-filtered, which means it has more protein and less sugar. This milk will produce a thicker yogurt than just ONLY ultra pasteurized milk. If you use ultra pasteurized milk (and not ultra-filtered milk), you may need to strain your yogurt to get it thick.
I recommend using whole milk in this Instant Pot yogurt recipe for best results. However you can use any percentage fat milk you like. There has been success with the 2% Fairlife as well. (Once again just make sure it is ultra-pasteurized and ultra-filtered).
This method of making yogurt in the Instant Pot is called “cold start.” It comes out just like Greek yogurt, and no need for straining!
This recipe was made in a 6QT Instant Pot, but since making yogurt doesn’t require the Instant Pot to come to pressure, you can make this in the 3QT as well.
Depending on what you last made in your Instant Pot you may want to give it a deep clean so the yogurt doesn’t taste like whatever was made last! You don’t want your yogurt tasting like Corn Chowder!
To clean your Instant Pot, you’ll need white vinegar. Fill the Instant Pot with 2 cups of white vinegar, seal the lid and press the “steam” setting for 2 minutes. Remove the sealing ring from the lid and let it air dry all the way.
Also, I have different silicone rings. I use one for making sweet recipes, one specifically for my yogurt and one for savory recipes!
1/2gallonwhole milk (52 oz)ultra-pasteurized and ultra-filtered
14oz.Sweetened Condensed Milk (canned)
2Tbsp.yogurt with active cultures, plain or vanillaI used 5% FAGE
1vanilla bean(split and cut in half with the beans scraped out)
Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
Pour 1 cup of the milk and the sweetened condensed milk (14 oz) into the Instant Pot and whisk. Pour the rest of the milk in and 2 Tbsp. of the Greek yogurt and whisk again. Place the Instant Pot lid, or a plate, on top of the Instant Pot and press "Yogurt."
You should see "8:00" pop up on the screen. If not, adjust it to 8 hours. The time will count UP, so don't worry when you see "0:00" after the Instant Pot beeps. Once the 8 hours is up, the Instant Pot will read "YOGT".
Now, you need to chill the yogurt. DO NOT STIR IT OR TASTE IT YET! Chill for 4-6 hours or overnight. Once chilled, add in the vanilla bean. Stir until it's evenly distributed. Give it a taste, yum! Store the yogurt in your fridge for up to 2-3 weeks (If it lasts that long!)
Video
Notes
Note: Add in your favorite sweetener and mix ins to boost the flavor! If you don’t want to use sweetened condensed milk, that’s fine. You don’t NEED it to make yogurt. It only adds flavor. For the milk, I used the Fairlife milk, whole milk, ultra filtered milk. Recipe inspired by Six Sisters.
Welcome to my tiny “korner” on the Internet! I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves cookies as much as kale. (OK, maybe I like cookies a little bit more but shh, don’t tell anyone). I am so glad you’re here! Follow along for hassle free, realistic and approachable recipes.
I’ve been too nervous to try making yogurt in the IP but then I found this recipe and it was perfect!
Lloyd
2 years ago
Hi!
Very confused here. I am new to making yogurt and have only just done it three times via other consensus based recipes and yogurt science. (I recently just got the Instant pot.) Your method is startling.
I thought you had to boil milk to 180 degrees, cool to roughly 110 degrees, and then add in your live cultures. You add yours in right off the bat.
Hello, thank is a no boil method! Very simple and easy! Thank you, I hope you love it! – Tawnie
Jessica
2 years ago
This is super easy and smells delicious. I have not tasted it because it had to chill but I had to pour it into a different container ( I didn’t have enough room in my refrigerator)
How will that effect the yogurt?
Hi Jessica! Thank you so much for making 🙂 I have always left the yogurt in Instant Pot when I place it in the fridge to chill because you want to leave it alone to really allow it to set-up. However, I think if you leave it in there now to chill without touching it, the yogurt will turn out just fine. Please so let me know how it turns out – I am curious now, thank you so much! xo, Tawnie <3
I was just thinking about looking up how to make yogurt in my IP and then came across your recipe. It looks fabulous, and with your step-by-step instructions, I’m going to give it a try!
I’ve been too nervous to try making yogurt in the IP but then I found this recipe and it was perfect!
Hi!
Very confused here. I am new to making yogurt and have only just done it three times via other consensus based recipes and yogurt science. (I recently just got the Instant pot.) Your method is startling.
I thought you had to boil milk to 180 degrees, cool to roughly 110 degrees, and then add in your live cultures. You add yours in right off the bat.
Are you kind enough to explain?
Thanks,
Lloyd
Hello, thank is a no boil method! Very simple and easy! Thank you, I hope you love it! – Tawnie
This is super easy and smells delicious. I have not tasted it because it had to chill but I had to pour it into a different container ( I didn’t have enough room in my refrigerator)
How will that effect the yogurt?
Hi Jessica! Thank you so much for making 🙂 I have always left the yogurt in Instant Pot when I place it in the fridge to chill because you want to leave it alone to really allow it to set-up. However, I think if you leave it in there now to chill without touching it, the yogurt will turn out just fine. Please so let me know how it turns out – I am curious now, thank you so much! xo, Tawnie <3
Can I use vanilla extract instead of the bean?
Hi Kim! I have not tried using vanilla extract but I am sure 1-2 tsp. adding in would be just fine! 🙂
Thanks. I know the bean is probably better, but I’m laid up with a broken leg & hubby’s not going to go get me a vanilla bean. Maybe next time.
Totally understand. You can make it without the vanilla and add fresh fruit on top for flavor! Feel better! Hope you get a chance to try it soon!
Thank you so much. We love vanilla yogurt with peaches on top! I will try it using the extract & let you know how it turns out. Appreciate your help.
Ooo with peaches, yum! Thank YOU! 🙂 xo
I’ve been wanting to try to make my own yogurt. This looks so simple and yummy. Thank you!
This version is my go to! Thanks for the recipe!
Yay!! Thanks!!
I was just thinking about looking up how to make yogurt in my IP and then came across your recipe. It looks fabulous, and with your step-by-step instructions, I’m going to give it a try!
Thank you so much Jenn! Hope you love it!!
There is so much you can do with vanilla yogurt. I love the idea of making my own. Will be trying this soon.
Thank you so much Jayne!! I hope you love it!! xo, Tawnie
Another great recipe for my Instant Pot! Looking forward to starting my day off right with this tomorrow!
Now – this is the last nail in the coffin! I really want an Instant Pot! I can make my own yogurt? How awesome is that?