Vanilla Frozen Yogurt with an Ice Cream Maker is a cold, creamy dessert. It’s made with plain yogurt, half-and-half, sugar, vanilla extract, vanilla bean, and just a pinch of salt.
This recipe hits the spot when you want something frozen and homemade, but don’t feel like tackling a huge project.
The vanilla bean adds those little specks that remind me of bakery treats, and the yogurt gives it a tangy kick that keeps it from being too sweet.
You’ll need an ice cream maker for this one. If yours has been hiding in the back of a cabinet, here’s a solid excuse to dust it off.
Serve the frozen yogurt in small bowls or cones, or pile some fresh berries on top. Sometimes I like to toss on fruit, chocolate chips, or even crushed cookies because why not?
Just a heads up: homemade frozen yogurt tastes best the day you make it. So, if you’re planning to serve it, try to make it that same day.
Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Frozen Yogurt with an Ice Cream Maker
Made with Simple Ingredients
This recipe uses plain yogurt, half-and-half, sugar, vanilla, and salt. The vanilla bean adds more real vanilla taste without needing extra ingredients.
Creamy and Tangy
The yogurt gives the frozen yogurt a light tang, while the half-and-half helps the texture stay creamy.
Great for Warm Days
This is a cold dessert that works well after dinner, with fresh fruit, or as an afternoon sweet snack.
Uses an Ice Cream Maker
An ice cream maker helps give the frozen yogurt a smoother texture than freezing the mixture on its own.
Ingredient Substitutions
Plain Yogurt
Greek yogurt can be used for a thicker texture. The frozen yogurt may taste a little tangier.
Half-and-Half
Regular half-and-half can be used if that is what you have. The texture may be a little richer.
Sugar
Granulated sugar works best because it dissolves into the yogurt mixture. A fine sugar can also be used.
Vanilla Bean
If you don’t have a vanilla bean, add extra vanilla extract. Use 1 additional teaspoon of vanilla extract in place of the bean.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla bean paste can be used instead of vanilla extract. Use the same amount.
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Don’t have an Ice Cream Machine? This is the one we use, and recommend:
This Ice Cream maker is super easy to use! You can make your own ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, sherbet, or Gelato in just 25 minutes.
The flavor options are endless, so you can get creative and experiment to find your favorites!
Have homemade ice cream any time!
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Vanilla Frozen Yogurt with an Ice Cream Maker
Recipes are written with one action per step for accessibility. Short lines. Fewer rereads. A calmer kitchen on mobile or desktop.
Ingredients
- 2 cups low-fat plain yogurt
- 2 cups fat-free half-and-half
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 vanilla bean split lengthwise in half, scrape all tiny seeds into yogurt mixture.
- pinch salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, place the yogurt, half-and-half, sugar, vanilla extract, vanilla bean seeds, and salt.
- Using a wire whisk, mix until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the yogurt mixture into an ice cream maker.
- Freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Transfer the frozen yogurt to an air-tight container.
- Freeze until firm, at least 2 hours or up to 6 hours.
- Serve the frozen yogurt within 1 day for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Chill the mixture first – If you have time, chill the yogurt mixture before adding it to the ice cream maker. A colder mixture can churn better. Use fresh yogurt – Yogurt with a fresh date gives the frozen yogurt a cleaner taste. Check your ice cream maker bowl – If your machine uses a freezer bowl, make sure it is frozen solid before starting. Serve the same day – Homemade frozen yogurt can become firm in the freezer. The texture is best within 1 day. Let it sit before scooping – If the frozen yogurt is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.Nutrition
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