If you've been afraid to start making yogurt in your Instant Pot, this Pressure Cooker Vietnamese Yogurt recipe is the perfect recipe with which to get started.

First, let me start off by saying that this is not my original recipe. I found it somewhere, and much to my frustration I can't remember where I saw it, so I can't give credit to the right person and that's bothering me. If you know whose this is, please let me know so I can credit them.

Why You'll Love This Yummy Yogurt

So why is this the best yogurt?

No boiling to 180F.
No cooling. In fact, no heating at all.
Forget the straining. Totally delicious. Just pour and go.
Needs no adding. Delicious without topping, nothing.
Best of all? Less than 5 ingredients.

Doesn't even need a measuring cup, let alone a thermometer. You will use your condensed milk can as the measuring device. When I say one can of water, I mean use the condensed milk can to measure the water.

Why Make Instant Pot Yogurt?

Why not? I love experimenting in the kitchen. However, I understand not everyone enjoys cooking as much as I do. So if you're one of those people that cook out of necessity instead of pleasure, here are some reasons to make your own:

It's inexpensive. Some of the higher end yogurts you find in the grocery store can be quite expensive.
Ingredients. You can control which additives you put into your yogurt.
It makes a lot. If you love yogurt and like to reach for it at breakfast time or for a snack, this is perfect.
Delicious. It's just really dang good.

What Makes This Vietnamese Yogurt?

Vietnamese yogurt (called sữa chua or da ua) is unique because of its sweetness, creaminess, and signature use of sweetened condensed milk, which sets it apart from other yogurt styles around the world.

Is Pressure Cooker Yogurt Low Carb?

This particular It's not low carb, as it has 22 gms of carbs in it.

I do have another Instant Pot Yogurt recipe that is lower carb if you're counting carbs.

While I think it's a good starter yogurt recipe, once you feel confident in your yogurt-making abilities, you may want to reserve this for special occasions.

If you're not watching carbs that closely however, this Vietnamese yogurt recipe makes a great-tasting, easy yogurt.

Which Instant Pot Makes Yogurt?

Technically, they all do. But they're not all created equal. Some have the Yogurt function built-in, while others, like the Instant Pot Lux does not. The following are the models that do have a yogurt button.

Instant Pot Duo
Instant Pot Duo Plus
Instant Pot Ultra
Instant Pot Smart
Instant Pot Duo Nova
Instant Pot Duo Evo

Ingredients You'll Need

1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk- This is the primary sweetener and flavor base of Vietnamese yogurt. It gives the yogurt its signature sweetness, creamy richness, and silky texture.
1 can Hot Water- Measured using the same condensed milk can, the hot water helps dissolve and thin the condensed milk, ensuring a smooth mixture. Rinsing the can also captures any leftover sweetness so nothing goes to waste.
2 cans Whole Milk- Whole milk creates the main body of the yogurt. Using the condensed milk can ensures the proper ratio. Whole milk provides the ideal balance of creaminess and structure for thick, smooth yogurt.
1 can Half and Half- Adds extra creaminess and fat, making the yogurt luxuriously thick and giving it the signature velvety texture Vietnamese yogurt is known for.
5.3 ounces Full-Fat Greek Yogurt- This acts as the starter culture. The live active cultures in the Greek yogurt ferment the milk mixture, turning it into yogurt. Using full-fat yogurt ensures a richer and more stable result.

How To Make Vietnamese Yogurt

Use the can of condensed milk as your measuring device.
Use hot water to get the last of the condensed milk out
Mix everything together, pour into jars, and incubate. This mixture is your yogurt starter (and finisher?)
Refrigerate yogurt once done before serving. That's it.

Tips And Tricks

Making Vietnamese yogurt in the Instant Pot is easy, but a few small techniques can take the texture and flavor to the next level.

Use fresh, full-fat ingredients. Whole milk, half-and-half, and full-fat Greek yogurt create the richest, silkiest yogurt. Lower-fat versions won’t set as well.
Mix the sweetened condensed milk and hot water thoroughly. Ensuring they dissolve completely prevents graininess and ensures the final yogurt is smooth and evenly sweet.
Whisk the starter yogurt until lump-free. Before adding Greek yogurt to the milk mixture, whisk it separately so it blends in smoothly and evenly distributes the cultures.

Variations

Vietnamese yogurt is wonderfully versatile, and with just a few simple ingredient swaps or additions, you can create endless flavor combinations while maintaining its signature silky consistency.

Vanilla Vietnamese Yogurt- Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract after fermentation for a smooth, sweet, universally loved flavor.
Coconut Vietnamese Yogurt- Replace half of the whole milk with full-fat coconut milk to add tropical richness and a subtle coconut aroma.
Coffee Vietnamese Yogurt (Sữa Chua Cà Phê)- Mix in 1–2 tablespoons of instant espresso or a few tablespoons of strong brewed coffee after incubation for a Vietnamese coffee–inspired treat.
Fruit-on-the-Bottom Yogurt- Spoon fruit preserves or cooked fruit compote into the bottom of jars before adding the yogurt mixture. Peach, mango, strawberry, and blueberry all work wonderfully.

What To Enjoy With Vietnamese Yogurt

Vietnamese yogurt is incredibly versatile. Its silky texture and gentle sweetness make it the perfect base for toppings and mix-ins that add crunch, freshness, or extra richness.

Fresh Fruit- Mango, strawberries, blueberries, banana, dragon fruit, or lychee add natural sweetness and brightness.
Granola- Adds crunch and contrast to the yogurt’s silky texture.
Chia Seeds- Boosts nutrition and thickens the yogurt slightly as they hydrate.
Honey or Maple Syrup Drizzle- Enhances the sweetness and adds a rich, glossy finish.
Toasted Coconut Flakes- Adds tropical flavor and gentle crunch.

How Long Does It Last?

Instant Pot Vietnamese yogurt lasts 5–7 days in the refrigerator when stored in airtight containers or jars.

The flavors stay sweet and creamy, and the texture actually improves as it chills. Just be sure to keep it tightly sealed to prevent absorbing other fridge odors.

Forthe best quality, enjoy it within a week.

Can Instant Pot Yogurt Be Frozen?

I would not recommend freezing this Instant Pot yogurt recipe. After freezing, the texture tends to change and become gritty. It also slightly changes the flavor of the yogurt.

Want More Yogurt Recipes?

Hot Start Yogurt- Uses the heating method.
Cold Start Yogurt- Makes a slightly thinner yogurt.
Homemade Greek Yogurt- Makes a slightly thicker yogurt.
Cardamom Yogurt- A copycat Noosa yogurt recipe
Shrikhand Greek Yogurt- a delicious dessert.

In the pictures, I added some fun toppings like dark chocolate, cinnamon peaches, and some pureed pumpkin with pumpkin pie spice for some additional flavor and to mix it up. But, feel free to eat this Vietnamese yogurt plain or add toppings!