When the summer sun blazes overhead, our cravings shift—suddenly, it’s all about fresh fruit, chilled bites, and light treats that soothe and satisfy without weighing us down. And standing tall among summer’s sweetest heroes? Yogurt. Creamy, cool, and endlessly versatile, it’s a star ingredient that pairs beautifully with fruit, plays well in the fridge, and transforms effortlessly into dreamy desserts.
So, we’ve whipped up three delightfully creative and refreshingly simple yogurt-based desserts—each a celebration of taste, texture, and that unmistakable summer flair.
1. Cream Cheese Frosting with a Yogurt Twist
photo: Ioanna Chalkoumi
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Yields: 700g
This light, tangy frosting is the ultimate multitasker. Spread it on cakes and cookies or use it as a sweet dip for a fruit platter.
Ingredients:
• 450g cream cheese, at room temperature
• ½ cup strained Greek yogurt
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and beat until smooth, thick peaks form. The result? A lusciously creamy frosting that’s light yet decadent.
2. Chocolate & Peanut Butter Yogurt Mousse
photo: Ioanna Chalkoumi
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Serves: 4
Dessert meets comfort food in this rich, velvety mousse with deep cocoa notes and nutty undertones.
Ingredients:
• 270g strained Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter
• 40g dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp honey
For topping:
• 40g melted dark chocolate
• A drizzle of peanut butter (optional)
Instructions:
Melt the chocolate in short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between. Once cooled slightly, stir in the remaining ingredients until fully combined. Spoon into dessert glasses, drizzle with melted chocolate, and, if you’re feeling indulgent, a touch of peanut butter. Chill for an hour for a firmer texture—or dig in immediately.
3. Strawberry Yogurt Jelly Delight
photo: Ioanna Chalkoumi
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Chill Time: 4 hours | Serves: 6–8
Part mousse, part jelly, all delicious. This dessert is fruity, fluffy, and the prettiest pink hue you’ll serve all summer.
Ingredients:
• 1 packet strawberry-flavored jelly powder
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 gelatin sheets
• ¾ cup cold water
• 6 strawberries + extra for garnish
• 3 tbsp powdered sugar
• 350g heavy cream
• 200g strained Greek yogurt
Instructions:
Soften gelatin sheets in cold water. Dissolve jelly powder in boiling water, then stir in wrung-out gelatin and cold water. Chill the mixture until cool but still liquid. Whip the cream with powdered sugar until it thickens. Reserve some for decorating, then fold yogurt into the rest. Purée strawberries and mix into the jelly, then combine with the yogurt mixture.
Line a loaf tin with cling film and pour in the mixture. Smooth the top, cover with cling film, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Once set, unmold, decorate with whipped cream and fresh strawberries—and serve slices of summer bliss.
