Dairy-free yogurt is easy to make, with a simple version consisting of only two ingredients. This how-to calls for blending the mixture, but you can also use a ceramic bowl to mix.

Beyond the basic, two-ingredient yogurt, it’s easy to add in whatever fruit, nuts, or spices you’d like. Though the process is simple, be warned that the preparation process is lengthy. The yogurt needs more than 8 hours to ferment, so this is a make-the-day-before type dish. Here are six steps to making your own dairy-free yogurt.

1. Prep your coconut meat

To give your yogurt some thickness, include coconut meat in your recipe. Crack a young coconut, scoop the meat out of it, and place the meat into the blender.

2. Add liquid & blend

After you’ve undergone the task of cracking open a coconut and scooping out the meat, you’ll need to choose ½ cup of a liquid to blend with it. Coconut water works well, as does soy milk. Blend the liquid with the coconut meat until smooth. Add more liquid if you wish for a thinner yogurt.

3. Stir in powders

The probiotic power of dairy yogurt is a huge appeal. You can still get probiotics in this non-dairy yogurt by mixing in one tablespoon of probiotic powder. Probiotics are important organisms like yeast or live bacteria that are believed to be healthy for us. “Probiotics can improve intestinal function and maintain the integrity of the lining of the intestines,” says Stefano Guandalini, MD, professor of pediatrics and gastroenterology at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

In addition to the probiotic powder, you can try adding one tablespoon of vanilla bean powder, or another flavor of your choosing, like chocolate or acai. Experiment according to your taste.

4. Ferment for 8-10 hours

Next comes the long fermentation process. You’ll need to empty the content of the blender into a bowl and cover. Dehydrate this mixture at 105 degrees F for about 8-10 hours. If you do not have a dehydrator, another option is to store the mixture in a warm, dark, dry place for 8-10 hours. This long stretch is the fermentation process, which allows the yogurt to develop probiotics.

5. Chill until ready to use

After your fermentation process is up, you’ll need to transfer the bowl into the fridge. Keep chilled until you’re ready to use it.

6. Add fun extras and enjoy!

When you are ready to eat the yogurt, stir or fold in add-ons of your choice for flavor. Choose berries, bananas, nuts, cinnamon, granola, or anything else to get the taste you want. The list is endless!

Image Source: Raw Vegan Coconut Yogurt