Homemade Cup-Set Yogurt (With Mild Rose Variation)

An easy, reliable recipe for creamy cup-set yogurt in your Instant Pot—customizable, beginner-friendly, and full of possibilities.

Why I Make Cup-Set Yogurt

I didn’t set out thinking I’d be the kind of person who made yogurt at home. I imagined yogurt making as something that required fancy equipment or endless precision. I thought it involved some hidden level of skill I didn’t have.

But one day, I decided to try. I haven’t looked back since. Cup-set yogurt became one of those small kitchen projects that makes me feel capable. It’s something good for myself and my family. What I love most? I know exactly what goes into it. There are no hidden thickeners or mystery ingredients—just simple goodness.

Cup-set yogurt sets right in the jar you’ll eat it from. There’s no straining or scooping from a big pot. It’s easy to portion, customize, and store. Surprisingly, it’s also forgiving. Once, I forgot it overnight. I panicked at first. But after checking that it smelled fresh and looked fine, I learned a valuable lesson—yogurt is sturdier than I gave it credit for.

🌿 What Is Cup-Set Yogurt?

Cup-set yogurt is yogurt that cultures and thickens directly in small jars or cups. You heat your milk, add a little starter, pour it into jars, and let it do its thing. The result? A custard-like texture that feels smooth, fresh, and satisfying.

📝 Rooted N Red Cup-Set Yogurt Recipe

This is my go-to recipe. I use whole milk for a creamier result, but you could use 2% if that’s your preference.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 3 tbsp dry milk powder (for added thickness)

• 3 tbsp Fage 2% plain Greek yogurt (as your starter)

  
  

Instructions:

1️⃣ Pour the milk and cream into a saucepan. Whisk in the dry milk powder until smooth.

2️⃣ Heat the milk to about 180°F and maintain it for 15 minutes. This helps create a thicker yogurt.

3️⃣ Let the milk cool down to around 110°F.

4️⃣ Gently whisk in the yogurt starter with a small amount of milk taken from your saucepan. You want it well mixed but not overworked.

5️⃣ Pour into small glass jars or cups. Arrange them on the rack or trivet inside your Instant Pot.

6️⃣ Set to the yogurt function for 6½ to 7 hours.

✅ Tip: If you forget it and leave it longer (ask me how I know), don’t panic. Check the smell and look—if it smells tangy and fresh, you’re still good to go.

🌸 Mild Rose Variation

Want to try a gentle floral twist? Add one of these to your milk before culturing:

• ½ tsp rose water

• ½ tsp homemade rose vodka infusion

• 1 tsp very finely crushed dried rose petals

  
  

🌹 The rose flavor stays soft and subtle—not perfume-y. It’s more of a hint than a statement.

🍯 Serving Ideas

• A drizzle of honey

• A dollop of lemon curd (one of my favorites!)

• A spoonful of berry jam

• Fresh fruit

• A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom

  
  

💡 What I’ve Learned (So Far)

🌟 It’s okay to mess up a little. Yogurt-making felt intimidating at first, but I’ve learned it’s more forgiving than I expected.

🌟 Adjust to your taste. If you like thicker yogurt, using whole milk or adding an extra spoon of dry milk powder helps.

🌟 Start simple, then play. Try the plain version first, then experiment with flavors like rose, vanilla, or citrus zest.

🌟 Label your jars. If you’re adding different flavors, a little masking tape and a marker go a long way.

🌼 Rooted N Red Tips

• Let the jars cool before sealing and refrigerating.

• Cup-set yogurt is meant to stay in its jar—no straining needed.

• Always save a bit from your batch as a starter for next time.

  
  

🌟 The Benefits of Homemade Yogurt

Making yogurt at home has numerous benefits. First, it allows you to control the ingredients. You can avoid additives and preservatives found in store-bought varieties. Second, it can be more economical. Once you have the initial setup, the cost of making yogurt is significantly lower than buying it regularly.

Health Benefits

Homemade yogurt is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. These live bacteria can help improve digestion and boost your immune system. Additionally, making yogurt at home means you can choose the type of milk and sweeteners you prefer, tailoring it to your dietary needs.

Sustainability Aspect

By making yogurt at home, you reduce packaging waste. Store-bought yogurt often comes in plastic containers that contribute to environmental issues. Using reusable glass jars for your yogurt is a more sustainable option.

Experimenting with Flavors

Once you master the basic recipe, the possibilities are endless. You can infuse your yogurt with various flavors. Consider adding vanilla extract, fresh fruits, or even spices like turmeric or ginger for a health boost.

Conclusion

Making cup-set yogurt in your Instant Pot is a rewarding experience. It’s simple, customizable, and packed with health benefits. Plus, you can feel good knowing exactly what goes into your yogurt. So why not give it a try? You might just find it becomes a staple in your kitchen routine.

If you're looking for a new culinary adventure, making yogurt at home is a fantastic choice. Enjoy the process, and savor the delicious results!