This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
You can make coconut yogurt in an Instant Pot, and it’s honestly one of the easiest homemade dairy-free yogurts you can pull off.
Yes, making coconut yogurt in an Instant Pot is totally doable, and the results are creamy, tangy, and way more affordable than those tiny store-bought tubs.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can make coconut yogurt in an Instant Pot without a fancy yogurt maker, the answer is a resounding yes.
In this post, we’ll walk through why making coconut yogurt in an Instant Pot works so well, the exact steps to do it, and tips to get it thick and delicious every time.
Let’s get into it.
Why You Can Make Coconut Yogurt in an Instant Pot
You can make coconut yogurt in an Instant Pot because the appliance’s yogurt setting holds a steady, warm temperature that cultures love.
Here’s why this method works so well:
1. The Yogurt Function Maintains Ideal Temperatures
An Instant Pot’s yogurt setting keeps the contents at around 110°F, which is the sweet spot for probiotic cultures to thrive.
This consistent warmth is exactly what you need when you make coconut yogurt in an Instant Pot.
Without that steady heat, culturing becomes unpredictable, but the Instant Pot takes the guesswork out.
2. Coconut Milk Is a Great Culturing Base
Full-fat canned coconut milk contains enough fat and natural sugars to feed the bacteria during fermentation.
When you make coconut yogurt in an Instant Pot with full-fat coconut milk, you get a rich, creamy texture that plant-based yogurts are famous for.
The cultures feed on the sugars and transform the milk into tangy yogurt overnight.
3. You Only Need Two Ingredients
To make coconut yogurt in an Instant Pot, all you really need is canned coconut milk and a starter culture.
You can use a couple of probiotic capsules or a few tablespoons of store-bought coconut yogurt as your starter.
That’s it, no thickeners required unless you want an extra-firm result.
How to Make Coconut Yogurt in an Instant Pot Step by Step
Making coconut yogurt in an Instant Pot comes down to a simple process of heating, cooling, culturing, and chilling.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Sterilize Your Equipment
Before you make coconut yogurt in an Instant Pot, wash the inner pot and any utensils with hot soapy water.
Clean equipment keeps unwanted bacteria out and gives your cultures the best chance to thrive.
2. Heat and Cool the Coconut Milk
Pour two cans of full-fat coconut milk into the Instant Pot and press the yogurt button set to boil, or use sauté mode briefly.
Heat it to about 180°F, then let it cool back down to roughly 110°F before adding your starter.
This step helps thicken the milk slightly and eliminates competing bacteria.
3. Add Your Starter Culture
Once the milk is warm but not hot, whisk in your probiotic powder or a few spoonfuls of plain coconut yogurt.
Stir gently until it’s fully combined, then close the lid.
4. Set the Yogurt Cycle
Press the yogurt button and set the timer for 8 to 12 hours, depending on how tangy you like it.
The longer it ferments, the tarter your coconut yogurt in an Instant Pot will turn out.
5. Chill Before Eating
Once the cycle finishes, transfer the pot to the fridge for at least 4 hours to let the yogurt set.
This chilling step is what gives homemade coconut yogurt its thick, scoopable texture.
Tips for Thick, Creamy Coconut Yogurt in an Instant Pot
Getting your coconut yogurt in an Instant Pot to turn out thick and creamy takes a few smart moves.
Keep these tips in mind:
1. Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk
Light coconut milk will give you a watery result, so stick with full-fat canned versions when you make coconut yogurt in an Instant Pot.
2. Add a Thickener If You Like
A tablespoon of tapioca starch or a spoonful of agar powder can help firm up coconut yogurt made in an Instant Pot.
3. Keep It Consistent
The more often you make coconut yogurt in an Instant Pot, the more you’ll dial in your preferred fermentation time and texture.
So, Can You Make Coconut Yogurt in an Instant Pot?
You can make coconut yogurt in an Instant Pot, and it’s a simple, rewarding process that saves money and gives you full control over ingredients.
With canned coconut milk, a starter culture, and your Instant Pot’s yogurt setting, homemade coconut yogurt is completely within reach.
Hope this post has shown you exactly how to make coconut yogurt in an Instant Pot and inspired you to give it a try this week.