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You can make coconut milk yogurt in the Instant Pot by culturing full-fat coconut milk with probiotic capsules or a dairy-free starter.
It’s a simple, dairy-free process that gives you thick, tangy yogurt without any fancy equipment beyond your pressure cooker.
If you’ve been wondering how to make coconut milk yogurt in the Instant Pot, you’ll be happy to know it takes just a handful of ingredients and a little patience.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make coconut milk yogurt in the Instant Pot step by step, plus tips for getting a thick, creamy result every time.
Let’s get cultured.
Why Make Coconut Milk Yogurt in the Instant Pot
Making coconut milk yogurt in the Instant Pot works so well because the “yogurt” setting holds a steady, low temperature for hours.
That consistent warmth is exactly what the probiotics need to ferment the coconut milk.
Here’s why so many people love making coconut milk yogurt in the Instant Pot:
1. It’s Fully Dairy-Free
If you’re lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet, coconut milk yogurt is a game-changer.
You get that creamy, tangy yogurt experience without a drop of dairy.
Making coconut milk yogurt in the Instant Pot keeps it completely plant-based from start to finish.
2. It’s More Affordable Than Store-Bought
Good dairy-free yogurt can be pricey.
Cans of coconut milk and a bottle of probiotic capsules cost far less per serving.
Once you know how to make coconut milk yogurt in the Instant Pot, you’ll save money batch after batch.
3. You Control the Ingredients
Store-bought versions often sneak in gums, sweeteners, and stabilizers.
When you make coconut milk yogurt in the Instant Pot, you decide exactly what goes in.
That means no additives unless you want them, and you can sweeten it to your taste.
How to Make Coconut Milk Yogurt in the Instant Pot Step by Step
Here’s the exact process for making coconut milk yogurt in the Instant Pot:
1. Choose Full-Fat Coconut Milk
Start with two cans of full-fat coconut milk, not the light stuff.
Full-fat coconut milk gives you the thickest, creamiest coconut milk yogurt in the Instant Pot.
Light coconut milk will still ferment, but the result is runnier, more like a drinkable yogurt.
2. Add a Thickener (Optional but Helpful)
For a thicker coconut milk yogurt, whisk in one to two tablespoons of tapioca starch or arrowroot powder.
This helps mimic the body of dairy yogurt.
Some people also add a tablespoon of agar powder for a firmer set.
3. Heat and Cool the Milk
Pour the coconut milk into your Instant Pot and press Sauté.
Warm it to about 180°F, whisking constantly, then turn off the pot.
Let it cool to around 110°F before adding your starter, since high heat can kill the probiotics.
4. Add Your Probiotic Starter
Open two to three probiotic capsules (or use a dairy-free yogurt starter) and whisk the powder into the cooled coconut milk.
This is the good bacteria that makes coconut milk yogurt in the Instant Pot actually ferment.
5. Ferment on the Yogurt Setting
Secure the lid and press the Yogurt button.
Set it for 8 to 12 hours depending on how tangy you like it.
The longer it ferments, the thicker and tarter your coconut milk yogurt will become.
6. Chill Before Eating
Once the cycle finishes, transfer the coconut milk yogurt to jars and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Chilling firms it up and improves the texture.
It keeps in the fridge for about a week.
Tips for Thick Coconut Milk Yogurt in the Instant Pot
A few small tweaks make a big difference when making coconut milk yogurt in the Instant Pot:
1. Use a Guaranteed Starter
Not all probiotic capsules contain live cultures that ferment well.
Look for ones with Lactobacillus strains, or buy a dedicated vegan yogurt starter.
2. Strain for Greek-Style Texture
For ultra-thick coconut milk yogurt, strain it through cheesecloth for a few hours after fermenting.
This removes excess liquid and leaves you with a luscious, spoonable yogurt.
3. Keep Everything Clean
Always sterilize your Instant Pot insert and utensils before making coconut milk yogurt.
Clean equipment prevents unwanted bacteria from ruining your batch.
So, Can You Make Coconut Milk Yogurt in the Instant Pot?
You can absolutely make coconut milk yogurt in the Instant Pot, and it’s easier than you might think.
With full-fat coconut milk, a good probiotic starter, and the yogurt setting, you’ll have thick, tangy dairy-free yogurt in under a day.
Now that you know how to make coconut milk yogurt in the Instant Pot, you can skip the pricey store tubs and enjoy homemade yogurt anytime.
Happy fermenting.