Learn the easiest way to make homemade Lemon Yogurt with the exact sweetness, tartness, and flavor your family prefers. This is ready in less than 5 minutes and is a perfect snack or breakfast component.
I love the intense, yet sweet flavor of store bought lemon yogurt, as does one of my kids, but it never occurred to me to try making it at home until recently. I cannot believe I waited so long because it’s easy, delicious, and so easy to customize the lemon and sweetness levels.
The beauty of this lemon yogurt is you can make it with any yogurt you like, including plain whole-milk regular yogurt or plain whole milk Greek yogurt, low-fat or non-fat yogurt, if that’s what you have on hand, or even vanilla yogurt or a nondairy yogurt. (Find more about the best yogurt for babies and toddlers.)
Then simply stir it up and serve it as a toddler snack or toddler breakfast option on its own or paired with fruit or granola. (It also works as an option in a lunchbox idea for picky eaters.) Of course, it also works for any other age group!
(You may also like Lemon Yogurt Muffins, Lemon Yogurt Cake, and Lemon Ricotta Pasta.)
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make Lemon Yogurt so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready.
- Greek yogurt: I prefer to use plain Greek yogurt made with whole milk as the base since it’s the creamiest option. And it ensures that the yogurt remains thick even after you add lemon juice. If you prefer or only have regular style yogurt, that is okay too, though expect the mixture to be thinner.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is what provides the bright lemon flavor in this Lemon Yogurt.
- Maple syrup: I prefer to sweeten this yogurt with maple syrup as the flavor tends to be milder than honey, but honey or agave can also work. We need a small amount of added sweetener to balance the tartness of the lemon.
- Lemon zest (optional): Depending on whether you think your family will mind the very subtle texture of lemon zest you can add it. I usually do since it adds more lemon flavor.
- Vanilla extract: A little vanilla extract rounds out all of the natural flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a preview of how to make this Lemon Yogurt so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. Add the ingredients to a bowl.
Step 2. Stir well or whisk gently to combine.
Step 3. Serve in a bowl plain, with fruit, or with a sprinkle of crushed-up granola (without any whole nuts for kids).
Step 4. Store yogurt in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can add fresh lemon to plain yogurt to make a simple and delicious lemon yogurt.
Fresh lemon juice can curdle some liquid dairy, but since yogurt is already fermented, it simply adds flavor to it here.
You can serve it in a bowl on its own or paired with yogurt or fruit. It also works as a yogurt dip for fruit.
How to Store
- Store prepared Lemon yogurt in an airtight storage container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- You can also freeze Lemon Yogurt in a popsicle mold or use in a Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie for extra flavor.
Best Tips for Success
- Serve with diced or sliced fruit or with Homemade Granola, Nut-Free Granola, or a store-bought one you prefer. (Avoid whole nuts in granola for kids under age 4.)
- Add a drizzle of maple syrup, about 1 teaspoon to start, to sweeten to taste as desired. You can also use honey for kids over age 1.
- Serve in a reusable pouch, suction bowl, or snack cup.
- For more easy homemade flavored yogurts, try Vanilla Yogurt, Blueberry Yogurt, Apple Yogurt, Strawberry Yogurt, Mango Yogurt, and Peach Yogurt.
- Leave out the sweetener and the vanilla, add minced garlic and a pinch of salt and fresh herbs to make an easy lemon sauce to serve with chicken, salmon, or other protein.
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I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
Favorite Lemon Yogurt
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a bowl and stir well to combine.
- Taste and add more lemon juice, lemon zest, or sweetener, as desired.
- Serve in a bowl plain, with fruit, or with a sprinkle of crushed-up granola (without any whole nuts for kids). You can also serve this to kids in a reusable pouch.
OOh, I love lemon yogurt and have never tried making it myself! I wonder how Lemon Extract would work – I’ve heard it can be bitter?
I would start with a really small amount to also ensure it’s not too overpowering. The fresh juice is really yummy!