Instant Pot Almond Milk Yogurt Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, homemade yogurt. Making your own yogurt can be a rewarding experience, especially when you use almond milk for a dairy-free alternative. With the help of an Instant Pot, the process becomes simpler and more efficient. This guide will walk you through the steps of creating delicious almond milk yogurt in your Instant Pot, perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or healthy desserts.

Why Choose Almond Milk Yogurt?

Opting for almond milk yogurt comes with several benefits:

Perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet.

Almond milk typically has fewer calories than dairy milk.

Almond milk provides essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this creamy almond milk yogurt, gather the following ingredients:

(acts as a thickening agent for the yogurt)

(or 2 tablespoons of store-bought almond milk yogurt as a starter)

Tools You’ll Need

Ensure you have these tools on hand for a seamless yogurt-making experience:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Almond Milk

Start by pouring 4 cups of almond milk into your Instant Pot. Almond milk can sometimes separate when heated, so whisk it thoroughly to ensure it’s well-combined.

2. Add Thickening Agent

Next, add 2 tablespoons of agar agar flakes or powder to the almond milk. This step is crucial as agar agar helps your yogurt achieve a creamy, thick consistency.

3. Heat the Mixture

Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to the ‘Saute’ mode. Gently heat the almond milk mixture until it reaches around 185°F (85°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and whisk occasionally to prevent the milk from burning.

4. Cool the Mixture

Once the mixture has reached the desired temperature, turn off the Instant Pot and allow the mixture to cool down to around 110°F (43°C). This cooling phase is essential for the next step, where you add the yogurt culture.

5. Add Maple Syrup and Vanilla Extract

As the mixture cools, stir in the 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (if using). These ingredients add a touch of sweetness and flavor to your yogurt.

6. Introduce the Yogurt Starter

After the mixture has cooled to 110°F, it’s time to add the yogurt starter culture. Whether you use a store-bought dairy-free yogurt or a packet of yogurt starter culture, stir it into the almond milk mixture until well-combined.

7. Incubate the Yogurt

Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Yogurt’ function. Pour the almond milk mixture into the Instant Pot and close the lid. Let it incubate for 8-12 hours. The longer you leave it, the tangier the yogurt will become.

8. Check Consistency and Refrigerate

After incubation, check the consistency of your yogurt. If it’s thick and creamy, it’s ready. If it seems too runny, you can let it incubate for a bit longer. Once you’re satisfied with the texture, transfer the yogurt into glass jars and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow it to set further.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Almond milk yogurt can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

Yogurt is Too Thin: If your yogurt is too thin, consider adding a bit more agar agar next time or letting it incubate for a longer period.

Sour Taste: If the yogurt tastes too sour, reduce the incubation time on your next batch.

Separation: Yogurt separation is natural. Simply stir the yogurt before serving.

Wrap-Up

Making almond milk yogurt in an Instant Pot is an easy and rewarding process. It lends itself well to a variety of diets and can be a versatile addition to many dishes. Whether you enjoy it plain or with an array of toppings, this homemade almond milk yogurt recipe will surely become a staple in your kitchen. Experiment with flavors and enjoy the creamy, delicious results of your efforts!