Pin it
I've fallen head over heels for these creamy frozen yogurt bites whenever I need to tame my sweet tooth. There's something magical about how the chocolate richness plays against the yogurt tanginess, giving you that perfect sweet spot between treat and health food.
The idea for these bites came to me during a brutal hot spell when I needed something cold but didn't want the sugar rollercoaster. These days my whole family bugs me for them constantly, and I never let our freezer run empty of these guilt-free goodies.
What You'll Need
- Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt: Needs to be SUPER thick to freeze properly and packs in protein plus good bacteria for your gut
- Cashew butter or almond butter: Brings a silky texture and good-for-you fats that make everything blend beautifully
- Maple syrup: Gives a natural sweetness with flavors you just can't get from regular sugar
- Protein powder (optional): Great way to make these bites more filling so they keep you going longer
- Vanilla extract: Ties all the flavors together and adds a cozy note to the yogurt mix
- Sea salt: Cuts through the sweetness and makes the chocolate taste even better
- Cacao nibs: Pack in the antioxidants while giving you a nice crunchy surprise against the smooth yogurt
- Chocolate chips: Grab the good stuff for the smoothest melt and richest taste
- Coconut oil: Helps the chocolate layer set up just right in the freezer
How To Make Them
- Mix your base:
- Start by throwing together your thick yogurt and nut butter in a big bowl. Make sure you're using super thick, well-drained yogurt so your bites freeze with the right texture. Pour in the maple syrup, protein powder if you're using it, vanilla, and a good pinch of sea salt. Stir everything until it's totally smooth with no lumps hanging around. Give it a taste and tweak anything that needs fixing before moving on.
- Load up your molds:
- Scoop or pipe your yogurt mix into silicone molds, filling each space about two-thirds of the way. Give the mold a few taps on the counter to get rid of air bubbles and smooth things out. For your cacao nibs or other goodies, you can mix them into the whole batch beforehand or sprinkle them into each mold if you want more control.
- Whip up your chocolate:
- Mix your chocolate chips and coconut oil in a bowl you can microwave. Heat it in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until you've got a smooth, shiny mixture. The coconut oil keeps the chocolate from getting too hard when frozen and helps it stick to the yogurt part. Let it cool a bit but keep it liquid enough to pour.
- Top with chocolate:
- Carefully pour your melted chocolate over each yogurt-filled mold, covering it completely and filling up the rest of the space. Tap the molds again to smooth the surface and knock out any bubbles. If you want, sprinkle some fancy salt or extra nibs on top before the chocolate sets.
- Freeze them solid:
- Put your filled molds on a flat spot in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours until they're completely frozen. This waiting time makes sure the yogurt sets up with just the right bite. For best results, leave them overnight before trying to pop them out.
- Pop them out and pack them up:
- When they're frozen solid, flex the silicone molds to release your treats. If they're stuck, let them sit out for half a minute before trying again. Move them straight to an airtight container and get them back in the freezer. To keep them from sticking together, put parchment paper between layers.
Pin it
I can't say enough about the cacao nibs in this recipe. They're totally optional but they're my hidden hero ingredient. They pack in tons of antioxidants plus they bring this coffee-like flavor and awesome crunch that takes these from basic frozen snacks to something you'll crave. My daughter wasn't sure about the crunchy bits at first, but now she always asks me to throw in extra for her portion.
Picking Your Yogurt
Getting these frozen bites just right really comes down to starting with super thick yogurt. Regular Greek yogurt might work, but I get the best results when I strain it even more using cheesecloth over a strainer for a couple hours in the fridge. This gets rid of extra water that would turn into ice crystals in the freezer. Brands like Fage Total 5% or Chobani Whole Milk Greek work great straight from the container. If you're making these dairy-free with coconut yogurt, look for cultured ones without too many additives and strain them if needed until they're thick like cream cheese.
Fun Add-In Options
Take these basic bites to the next level by playing with different mix-ins. Try adding fresh or freeze-dried berries for pops of flavor and extra nutrients. Just push a few blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries into the yogurt before adding the chocolate layer. Chopped nuts are great too – they add protein and crunch. Toasted almonds, pistachios, or pecans fit right in. For a more dessert-like treat, try adding tiny chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or even a small blob of nut butter in the middle for a surprise when you bite in. Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger can bring warmth and depth, especially when paired with things like apple pieces or crystallized ginger.
How To Enjoy Them
Let these frozen yogurt bites thaw just a bit for the best eating experience. Take them out of the freezer about 3-5 minutes before you want to eat them so the yogurt center softens slightly while the chocolate outside stays intact. For a fancy dessert look, arrange a few bites on small plates with fresh mint leaves and a light sprinkle of cocoa powder. Make a fun twist on a sundae by putting 4-5 bites in a bowl with fresh berries and a tiny drizzle of warm nut butter. When you're rushing out the door in the morning, grab two bites and a piece of fresh fruit for a quick breakfast that handles your sweet craving while giving you protein and energy for the day.
Pin it
These creamy frozen gems will change how you handle sweet cravings while still keeping your healthy eating on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
Coconut yogurt makes a great non-dairy choice. Just make sure whatever yogurt you pick is thick enough to hold its shape. You can also use regular yogurt if you drain the extra water first.
- → Can I make these without nut butter?
Sure thing! If you've got nut allergies or just don't like nuts, try sunflower seed butter, tahini, or coconut butter instead. They'll all give you different flavors but still keep the smooth, creamy feel you want.
- → What mix-ins can I add besides cacao nibs?
These treats work with lots of stuff - tiny chocolate chips, bits of dried fruit, crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or even small chunks of granola. Just remember that really juicy things might mess up how they freeze.
- → How long should I let them thaw before eating?
For the best creamy bite, let them sit out for about 3-5 minutes before you dig in. That way they'll soften up a bit but won't fall apart on you.
- → Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
You bet! Honey works great instead of maple syrup. Agave or date syrup are good too. Just add more or less depending on how sweet you like things, since each sweetener has its own level of sweetness.
- → What type of mold works best for these bites?
Silicone molds are your best bet since they make it easy to pop the treats out after freezing. Ice cube trays, mini muffin pans, or candy molds all do the job. If you're using metal tins, you might want to put down some parchment paper so they come out easier.