Homemade Frozen Yogurt: Made with Kefir or Yogurt

Anyone else love to eat ice cream regardless of whether it’s 95 degrees or -20 outside? Homemade ice cream and frozen yogurt are high on the list of favorite desserts in our house. When made homemade, frozen yogurt can actually be quite nutrient dense and packed with ingredients that will fuel your body.  Homemade frozen yogurt is so creamy and flavorful and will leave you full and satisfied. Another added benefit of making your own frozen yogurt is to be able to customize it however you like. Not only are you able to ensure that you are using real, nutrient dense ingredients, but you are also able to use the flavors and add-ins of your choice.

Ice cream vs frozen yogurt: both delicious in my opinion, but each has its own characteristics. When it comes to dairy, cream and milk tend to have a higher lactose content which can make traditional ice cream harder to digest. Fermented dairy such as kefir or yogurt, on the other hand, has a lower content of lactose. The fermenting process “eats” the lactose making it easier for those with dairy sensitivities to digest. Even if you don’t have sensitivities to dairy, the tangy flavor of frozen yogurt can be a wonderful alternative to the rich sweetness of traditional ice cream. 

How To Make Homemade Frozen Yogurt In an Ice Cream Machine

Making homemade frozen yogurt is really quite simple and requires a few high quality ingredients. This recipe is a simple base for a standard vanilla frozen yogurt. Check out the section at the bottom of the post for different flavor options and add-ins. 

Ingredients:

1 cup Raw Cream*

1 Cup Raw Kefir or Yogurt*

2 Egg Yolks

1 tsp Vanilla

2-3 Tbsp Honey

Pinch of Salt

***Note: if you prefer not to use raw dairy, you can substitute the raw cream and milk with 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1 cup of yogurt or kefir.

Instructions:

1. If you’re using raw dairy products to make your frozen yogurt, mix the cream and the kefir or frozen yogurt together and allow it to sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours. This will allow the cream to ferment, lowering the lactose content and giving it that delightfully tangy flavor. ***Note, if you are using pasteurized dairy, you should skip this step as pasteurized dairy will turn rancid at room temperature for that period of time***
2. If your ice cream maker has a churn only function, add the egg yolks to the machine and turn on the “churn only” option. Otherwise, gently mix egg yolks with a whisk or fork. This is an important step or you will end up with large chunks of egg yolk in your ice cream.
3. Add cream and kefir or yogurt mixture, vanilla, honey, and salt and mix until combined.
4. Place the mixture in your ice cream maker and turn it on. Churn until thick and creamy. 

How to Make Homemade Frozen Yogurt Without An Ice Cream Maker

If you don’t have an ice cream making machine, you can also use a blender, or stand up mixer. It just requires a bit more foresight and time to prepare beforehand.

Ingredients:

1 cup Raw Cream*

1 Cup Raw Kefir or Yogurt*

2 Egg Yolks

1 tsp Vanilla

2-3 Tbsp Honey

Pinch of Salt

***Note: if you prefer not to use raw dairy, you can substitute the raw cream and milk with 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1 cup of yogurt or kefir.

Instructions:

1. If you’re using raw dairy products to make your frozen yogurt, mix the cream and the kefir or frozen yogurt together and allow it to sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours. This will allow the cream to ferment, lowering the lactose content and giving it that delightfully tangy flavor. ***Note, if you are using pasteurized dairy, you should skip this step as pasteurized dairy will turn rancid at room temperature for that period of time***
2. Add egg yolks to blender or kitchen and mix them to break them. This will ensure you do not end up with large chunks of egg yolk in your ice cream.
3. Add cream, kefir or yogurt, vanilla, honey, and salt to the mixer or blender and mix just until combined. Be sure not to over-whip or you will end up with whipped cream that will be much more airy when put into the freezer.
4. Transfer the mixture to a glass dish with a lid or another freezer safe dish. Make sure there is some extra space to allow for expansion as the mixture freezes. Freeze for at least 6hrs to ensure it freezes completely.
5. This method can make the frozen yogurt a little harder, so you may need to take it out 10-15 minutes before serving to allow for it to thaw a bit to be more easily scooped and eaten.
6. Top with your favorite flavors and enjoy!

Benefits of Raw Dairy In Homemade Frozen Yogurt

While the topic of raw dairy is quite controversial, it has been gaining more popularity because of the numerous health benefits it provides. Many people who are lactose intolerant are actually able to consume raw dairy since it contains lactase, the enzyme that is needed to process lactose. The lactase in raw dairy products is destroyed during the pasteurization process which is why so many people struggle with pasteurized milk. It is said that up to 80% of people who are lactose intolerant are actually able to enjoy raw milk. 

In addition to lactase, raw milk contains a variety of enzymes and beneficial microbes that help strengthen the lining of the gut. Approximately 70% of the immune system is housed within the lining of the intestines. Therefore, what we eat is extremely important for a strong and healthy immune system. Raw milk and dairy products provide numerous immune boosting bacteria to strengthen the lining of the gut.

While there are risks with eating any type of food, raw dairy has long had a bad reputation as dangerous when it comes to food-borne illness. However, there are many farmers working hard to provide safe quality dairy products. As with any food, it is important to know how the animals are being raised, treated, and the process for extracting and storing the milk. Be sure to visit the farm where you get your raw milk and talk with the farmer about how they raise and feed the animals and how the milk is extracted and stored.

Additional Homemade Frozen Yogurt Recipes 

There are certainly an endless amount of ways to customize your frozen yogurt. Aside from adding toppings and add-ins such as chocolate chips, berries and other fruit toppings, peanut butter, and nuts; there are several frozen yogurt flavors you can make right in your own home.

Chocolate: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. 

Mango: Add ½ mango diced into small chunks or pureed. 

Banana: Add 1 banana sliced into small chunks or pureed.

Maple Cinnamon: Substitute ⅓ cup of maple syrup for the honey and add ½ tsp of cinnamon. 

Maple Pecan: Substitute ⅓ cup of maple syrup for the honey and add ¼ cup of chopped pecans.

Honey: Use the same recipe above but omit the vanilla extract for a delightful light honey flavor.

Cider Ice Cream: Add ¼-½ cup of cider to the recipe.

Coconut: Substitute 1/2 cup of coconut milk for a half cup of the kefir or yogurt and add shredded coconut or coconut flakes.

Coffee: Add ¼ cup of coffee or espresso to the recipe.

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