From layered parfaits to fluffy pies and light, tender cakes, these versatile yogurt desserts bring a balanced sweetness to easy and healthy recipes.
There are many ways to make a creamy, satisfying dessert, but you are missing out if yogurt isn’t on your radar. Its naturally tangy flavor balances the sweetness in a variety of recipes, from sticky pineapple muffins to bright berry popsicles. These yogurt desserts highlight how easy it is to incorporate this simple ingredient into delicious treats year-round.
Plenty of recipes with yogurt focus on savory mains or easy breakfasts, but this collection sticks to sweet dishes. We chose these easy yogurt dessert recipes to show off yogurt’s ability to add richness, lightness or tang, often all at once. There are quick no-bake desserts, like homemade frozen yogurt, and tender bakes, like fruit-filled muffins and cakes. Even healthy sweet snacks, like granola parfaits or frozen banana pops, taste more indulgent with a dip or layer of silky yogurt.
Yogurt gives these desserts an unexpected edge— just different enough to keep you coming back. If you want easy or healthy yogurt-based desserts to use up that container beyond a simple breakfast bowl, these ideas are the inspiration you need.
Key Lime Yogurt Pie
Grapefruit Yogurt Cake
Patriotic Pops
Frozen Banana Cereal Pops
Pineapple Upside-Down Muffins
Strawberry-Rosemary Yogurt Pops
Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake
Gran's Granola Parfaits
Strawberry-Rhubarb Ice Pops
Tangy Rhubarb Fool
Lemon Blueberry Trifle
Frozen Berry & Yogurt Swirls
Apple Yogurt Parfaits
Streuseled Zucchini Bundt Cake
Frozen Yogurt
Yogurt Desserts FAQ
Can I use Greek yogurt in dessert recipes?
Greek yogurt’s thick texture works well in desserts like dense no-bake cheesecakes and frozen yogurt bark, when regular yogurt might be too runny. It’s also a wonderful addition to glazes or frostings to offset their sugary nature. The added protein and probiotics, one of the key benefits of Greek yogurt, make it a healthy alternative to sour cream in cakes, quick breads and no-bake treats.
What fruits pair well with yogurt in desserts?
The creaminess of yogurt pairs well with a wide range of sweet fruits, like berries, peaches, mangoes, apples and bananas. Acidic fruits like kiwi, pineapple and citrus can also complement yogurt as long as there is enough added sweetness to keep the dessert from tasting sour. For a richer combination, try caramelized figs and dates or tender poached pears with yogurt, for a custard-like taste.
How can I substitute yogurt in baking recipes?
Before substituting yogurt in baking recipes, consider the consistency and sweetness of the ingredient you are replacing. Thick Greek yogurt, especially whole milk yogurt, is very similar to sour cream and works especially well in dense batters like banana bread or chocolate loaf cake. Instead of buttermilk, thin regular or Greek yogurt with water or milk until pourable. For best results, avoid using a sweetened yogurt in baking recipes, which can throw off the balance of ingredients and change the texture.
