Here are two ways to make delicious frozen yogurt at home:
Method 1: No Ice Cream Maker Needed (Simple and Quick)
This method is perfect for a quick and easy frozen yogurt treat without needing an ice cream maker.
Ingredients:
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2 cups plain Greek yogurt (whole milk or low fat, depending on your preference)
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¼ - ½ cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to your desired sweetness)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup fresh or frozen fruit (optional) - chopped
Instructions:
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Combine yogurt and sweetener: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
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Optional: Add fruit: If you're using fruit, gently fold it into the yogurt mixture. Frozen fruit can add a thicker consistency, while fresh fruit might result in a softer frozen yogurt.
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Freeze the mixture: Pour the yogurt mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe container. Cover the container with plastic wrap or an airtight lid.
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Freeze for at least 4 hours: Place the container in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until frozen.
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Breaking up the ice crystals (optional): For a smoother texture, after 2 hours of freezing, take out the container and whisk the mixture to break up any ice crystals that may have formed. Return it to the freezer to continue freezing.
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Scooping and serving: Once fully frozen, take the container out of the freezer and let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to scoop. Scoop the frozen yogurt into bowls and enjoy!
Method 2: Using an Ice Cream Maker (Creamier Texture)
This method utilizes an ice cream maker for a creamier frozen yogurt with a consistency closer to store-bought options.
Ingredients:
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2 cups whole milk yogurt
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½ cup heavy cream
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¼ cup sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Whisk together ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
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Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the yogurt mixture for at least 2 hours, or until well chilled. This helps with churning and prevents ice crystals from forming.
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Follow ice cream maker instructions: Pour the chilled yogurt mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This typically takes 20-25 minutes.
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Freezing (optional): Once churned, you can enjoy the frozen yogurt immediately for a soft-serve consistency. If you prefer a firmer texture, transfer the churned yogurt to a freezer-safe container, cover it with plastic wrap or an airtight lid, and freeze for at least 2 hours.
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Scooping and serving: When ready to serve, take the frozen yogurt out of the freezer and let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly. Scoop into bowls and enjoy your homemade frozen yogurt!
Tips:
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For both methods, you can experiment with different flavors by adding extracts like almond or mint, or using different fruits or mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
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If the frozen yogurt becomes too icy after freezing, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping.
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Frozen yogurt is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. The longer it's stored, the icier it might become.
Enjoy your delicious homemade frozen yogurt!