Homemade Peach Yoghurt

Reasons to Love this Peach Yoghurt

First, it's incredibly healthy. The yogurt provides a rich source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. Combined with the natural sweetness and vitamins from the peaches, it offers a nutrient-packed treat that supports overall well-being, especially for babies, toddlers, and kids who need extra nutrients for growth and development.

Second, it's versatile. Whether you're serving it as a simple snack for a baby, a fun parfait for a toddler, or a nutritious breakfast for an adult, this peach yogurt can be customized to fit different tastes and needs. You can adjust the texture to be smooth or chunky, add extra toppings, or even blend in other fruits and seeds to increase its nutritional value.

Third, it's easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients—peaches, yogurt, and a bit of lemon juice—you can whip up this delicious treat in no time. It’s a great option for busy parents looking for a quick, healthy snack for their little ones or for anyone who loves making simple, homemade recipes.

Fourth, it’s naturally sweetened. The natural sweetness of the peaches means you don’t have to add any refined sugar, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought flavored yogurts, which often contain added sugars and artificial ingredients.

Lastly, this peach yogurt is great for all ages. Whether you're making it for a baby just starting solids, a toddler, a child, or even for yourself, it's a versatile recipe that satisfies different age groups and dietary needs. Plus, it’s a treat that can be enjoyed year-round, thanks to the availability of both fresh and frozen peaches.

Overall, this peach yogurt is not only a delicious and nutritious snack but also a fun, easy, and customizable option for everyone in the family. What’s not to love about that?

Homemade Peach Yoghurt Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh or frozen peaches
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional but adds a nice tang)
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 cups plain yogurt (unsweetened plain yogurt)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peaches: If using fresh peaches, wash, peel, and chop them into small pieces.

2. Cook the Peaches: Place the chopped peaches into a saucepan. Add the 1 tbsp lemon juice (this gives a nice fresh flavor and helps preserve the color of the peach puree) and 2 tbsp of water. If using fresh peaches, cook the mixture over medium heat for 5 minutes. The peaches will soften and release their juices. If using frozen peaches, cook for about 10 minutes, or until the peaches are soft and break apart easily.

3. Puree the Peaches: Once the peaches are softened, take the saucepan off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan to blend the peaches into a smooth puree. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender and blend until smooth. You can pulse the blender for a textured puree if preferred, or blend it completely for a smooth consistency. Adjust the texture to your liking based on whether you want it chunkier or smoother.

4. Mix the Puree with Yogurt: Once the peach puree has cooled to room temperature, mix it gently with the yogurt.

5. Storage: Divide the peach yogurt into small storage containers. You can use individual servings or larger containers depending on your preference. Store the containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

6. Serving: Serve chilled directly from the fridge. This is a great snack for babies (6 months or older if they have already started solids), toddlers, kids, or even adults. It’s a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness of peaches with the creaminess of yogurt!

Notes:

• For babies under 1 year, always use plain, unsweetened yogurt and ensure that the peach puree has no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

• If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the peach puree.

• For older toddlers and kids, feel free to serve the yogurt with additional toppings like granola, fruit, or a drizzle of honey (for children over 1 year old).

Tips for success

Choose Ripe Peaches: If you're using fresh peaches, select ripe ones for the best natural sweetness and flavor. Overripe peaches also work well, as they tend to be sweeter. For frozen peaches, ensure they are unsweetened and free of added sugars or preservatives, as this helps keep the yogurt naturally sweet and healthy.

Adjust the Texture: For babies, you may want to make the puree completely smooth. This can be easily achieved by blending the peaches with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until silky-smooth. For toddlers and older kids, you might prefer leaving some texture in the puree. To do this, simply pulse the blender a few times instead of blending continuously, creating a chunkier consistency.

Cooling the Puree: It’s important to allow the peach puree to cool to room temperature before mixing it with yogurt. If the puree is too hot when combined with yogurt, it can cause the yogurt to curdle or become too runny. Cooling it down ensures a smooth and creamy result.

Choose the Right Yogurt: When preparing peach yogurt for babies and toddlers, always opt for whole milk yogurt that is plain and unsweetened. This provides the essential healthy fats needed for growth. Avoid flavored yogurts that contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners. For older kids and adults, you can use Greek yogurt for a thicker and creamier texture, or regular plain yogurt for a lighter option.

Storage: Once the peach yogurt is made, store it in airtight containers to maintain its freshness. You can also pre-portion the yogurt into small containers to make serving easier, especially for busy days when you need quick and convenient snacks.

Flavor Variations: While the basic peach yogurt recipe is delicious on its own, you can experiment with flavor variations. A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract can add a delightful twist to the flavor. If you want a little extra sweetness, consider adding a small amount of honey or maple syrup, but be sure to wait until the child is over 1 year old to introduce honey due to the risk of botulism in infants.

Monitor for Allergies: Whenever introducing new foods to babies or toddlers, especially ones who are just starting solid foods, it’s important to introduce ingredients one at a time. This helps you monitor for any allergic reactions. While peach allergies are rare, it’s always best to proceed with caution when trying out new foods.

Use Fresh Lemon Juice: A small amount of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the peach flavor and balance out the sweetness. However, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can choose to skip the lemon juice, especially if you're making the yogurt for babies who may be more sensitive to tart flavors.

Serving suggestions

For babies (6 months+ if they've started solids), you can serve the peach yogurt on its own as a simple and nutritious snack. You can offer it in a baby-safe bowl or even spread it on a silicone feeder if your baby is still learning to self-feed. If your baby is ready for finger foods, serve the yogurt with soft pieces of fruit like bananas or berries on the side for an extra nutrient boost.

For toddlers, consider serving the yogurt with fun toppings such as small pieces of chopped soft fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi. This not only adds variety but also encourages toddlers to explore different textures and flavors. You can also add a sprinkle of granola (for older toddlers) or crushed graham crackers for a little crunch, making it feel more like a dessert. Pair the yogurt with whole grain crackers or small whole wheat toast strips for a balanced snack that combines protein, carbs, and healthy fats.

For kids, turn the peach yogurt into a parfait by layering it with granola, berries, or even a drizzle of honey or maple syrup (for kids over 1 year old). This creates a fun, layered treat. You could also add a spoonful of chocolate chips or dried fruit for a sweet and snackable yogurt that kids will love. Mixing in chia seeds or flaxseeds is another great way to boost the yogurt's nutritional content with extra fiber and omega-3s—your kids won’t even notice the added nutrients.

For adults, enjoy the peach yogurt as a healthy breakfast or dessert by pairing it with a handful of nuts (like almonds or walnuts) for extra protein and crunch. You could also create a smoothie bowl by adding the peach yogurt to a bowl and topping it with fresh fruits, seeds, and a drizzle of nut butter for a filling, nutritious start to your day. For a refreshing snack, serve the yogurt with a bit of mint or cinnamon sprinkled on top for a zesty kick.

If you'd like to add extra flavor, you can mix in a small amount of vanilla extract, cinnamon, or a dash of ginger for a warm, comforting flavor profile. The peach yogurt also makes a great accompaniment to pancakes or waffles, serving as a healthier alternative to whipped cream or sugary syrups.

How to store 

Cool Down First: After making the peach yogurt, allow it to cool to room temperature before storing it in containers. This prevents condensation inside the containers, which could affect the texture and freshness of the yogurt.

Use Airtight Containers: Store the yogurt in airtight containers to maintain its flavor and prevent any contamination from other odors in the fridge. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well for this purpose.

Portioning for Convenience: If you want to make serving easier, consider dividing the yogurt into individual portions before storing. This is especially helpful for toddlers and kids who may need quick access to their snack, or for busy days when you need to grab a pre-packed serving.

Refrigeration: Store the peach yogurt in the fridge, where it will keep for 3-4 days. Make sure your refrigerator is set to the proper temperature (around 37-40°F or 3-4°C) to maintain food safety.

Avoid Freezing: While you can freeze the peach puree separately for up to 3 months, it’s not ideal to freeze the yogurt once it’s mixed with the fruit. Freezing yogurt can alter its texture, making it grainy when thawed. Therefore, it’s best to store the peach yogurt in the fridge and consume it within a few days.

Check for Freshness: Before serving stored yogurt, always check for any changes in color, texture, or smell. If it smells off or has an unusual texture, it’s best to discard it.

Equipments

• Saucepan
• Immersion blender
• Airtight containers

Nutrition 

Suitable for 6 months +

• CALORIES: 95KCAL 

• CARBOHYDRATES: 13G 

• PROTEIN: 5G

• FAT: 3.5G 

• SODIUM: 45MG 

• POTASSIUM: 300MG 

• FIBER: 1.5G 

• SUGAR: 9G 

• VITAMIN A: 100IU

• VITAMIN C: 10MG 

• CALCIUM: 150MG 

• IRON: 0.3MG

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.