How to Make Homemade Frozen Yogurt: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a fan of tangy, creamy, and healthier frozen treats, making homemade frozen yogurt is a perfect skill to master. Unlike commercial frozen yogurts loaded with sugar and artificial additives, homemade versions let you control ingredients for optimal taste and nutrition. Whether you’re a health-conscious eater or a dessert enthusiast, learning how to make frozen yogurt at home opens a world of creamy, refreshing possibilities with minimal effort.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple, delicious process of making frozen yogurt with basic kitchen tools—no fancy equipment or expertise required.

Understanding the Context


Why Homemade Frozen Yogurt?

  • Control over ingredients: Avoid artificial flavors, high-fructose corn syrup, and excessive sugar.
  • Healthier option: Rich in probiotics from live cultures, lower in sugar, and high in calcium.
  • Customizable flavor: Add fruits, nuts, honey, or spices to match your taste.
  • Cost-effective: Save money compared to buying premium frozen yogurt shops.

Key Insights

What You’ll Need

Basic Ingredients:

  • 1 gallon whole milk (for creaminess)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup/honey for a healthier twist)
  • 1/4 cup non-fat dry milk (enhances texture and tang)
  • 2–3 packages active dry yogurt culture (accessible online or at specialty stores)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Zest or fresh fruit (optional, for flavor)

Equipment:

  • Large saucepan
  • Whisk or hand mixer
  • Sterilized glass jars (for freezing)
  • Freezer-safe containers (for storage)
  • Thermometer (optional but recommended)

Step-by-Step Recipe

Final Thoughts

1. Heat the milk and sugar mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and dry milk. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves—do not boil. Aim for a warm milk temperature around 180°F (82°C) if using a thermometer.

2. Add the yogurt culture

Remove the mixture from heat. Let it cool slightly (to about 110°F / 43°C), as extreme heat can kill live cultures. Gradually add the yogurt cultures, stirring gently to fully incorporate.

3. Inoculate in jars

Pour the mixture into sterilized jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace. Secure lids tightly. Place jars in a large insulated container or water bath to maintain a warm environment (70–90°F / 21–32°C) for 6–8 hours.

4. Chill and set

After the initial fermentation, move jars to the refrigerator for 4–6 hours to firm up. Once chilled and set, cover with lids and freeze until firm (at least 4–6 hours).

5. Optional texture boost

For smoother, ice-cream-like consistency, blend frozen yogurt for 1–2 minutes before freezing in smaller portions.

6. Flavor and serve

Scoop frozen yogurt into bowls and enrich with honey, fresh fruit, crushed granola, or a dollop of nut butter. Store leftovers in sealed containers, up to 2–3 months in the freezer.


Pro Tips for Perfect Frozen Yogurt

  • Use raw milk or UHT milk for a richer texture, but ensure it’s pasteurized for safety.
  • Avoid direct high heat—slow warming preserves cultures better.
  • Pasteurize dry milk briefly to activate its probiotic potential.
  • Experiment with Greek yogurt for a stiffer base.
  • For a dairy-free version, use coconut yogurt or almond milk blended with aquafaba.