Frozen Yogurt bark is a healthy, delicious, and versatile snack that can be customized with various toppings. It’s perfect for hot weather or if you are tired of regular yogurt.
Is frozen yogurt healthy or not?
Frozen yogurt can be a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, as it generally contains less fat and fewer calories. It is made with yogurt instead of cream, which contributes to its lower fat content. Additionally, yogurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can support gut health.
However, the healthiness of frozen yogurt depends on the specific product and the ingredients it contains. Some frozen yogurts can be high in added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or flavorings, which may diminish their health benefits. The toppings you choose can also impact the overall nutritional value; adding fruit and nuts can boost the nutritional content, while adding candies, syrups, and cookie pieces can increase the sugar and calorie content.
To enjoy the health benefits of frozen yogurt, opt for versions with lower added sugars and choose wholesome toppings such as the ones I recommend bellow.
Ingredients and substitution for yogurt bark
Here is a list of ingredients for yogurt bark and possible substitutions:
- Yogurt (base): Use plain or flavored Greek yogurt, regular yogurt, or a non-dairy yogurt alternative, such as almond, soy, or coconut yogurt.
- Sweetener (optional): Depending on the yogurt you choose and your preference, you might want to add a sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup to make your Frozen Yogurt Bark sweeter. For a lower-calorie option, use stevia or another sugar substitute.
- Toppings:
- Fruits: Fresh or frozen blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, mango, or kiwi.
- Dried fruits: raisins, cranberries, cherries, or chopped apricots for a different texture and concentrated sweetness.
- Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate chips, or cacao nibs for a less sweet option.
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or cashews.
- Seeds: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or flaxseeds
- Nut butter: swirl in almond, peanut, or cashew butter for a different texture
- Optional add-ins: unsweetened coconut flakes, Homemade Cranberry Pistachio Granola, puffed cereal, or a sprinkle of spices like cinnamon or cardamom.
The key to making Frozen Yogurt Bark is to choose ingredients that complement each other and suit your taste preferences. Feel free to mix and match the suggested ingredients and substitutions to create a unique and delicious yogurt bark recipe. I chose simple blueberries and strawberries and chocolate chunks.
Is Greek yogurt good frozen?
Greek yogurt can be quite enjoyable when frozen, as it takes on a thick, ice cream-like consistency. This makes it a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream or frozen desserts while still providing a creamy, satisfying texture.
Frozen Greek yogurt can be used as a base for frozen yogurt bark, as described in the previous recipe, or as a simple frozen treat on its own. You can also blend frozen Greek yogurt with fruits or other flavorings to make a smoothie or frozen dessert.
Greek yogurt can be an excellent option for a Frozen Yogurt Bark or any frozen dessert or snack, offering a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional frozen treats.
How to make yogurt bark?
In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with honey or maple syrup (if using) to sweeten it to your desired taste. Mix well. Spread the yogurt mixture evenly onto the parchment-lined baking sheet or tray, creating a layer that’s about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Scatter the chopped or sliced strawberries and blueberries evenly over the yogurt layer. Distribute the chocolate chunks evenly on top of the yogurt mixture.
Place the baking sheet or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until the yogurt bark is completely frozen and firm.
Once the yogurt bark is frozen, remove it from the freezer and break it into pieces using your hands or a knife.
Feel free to adjust the quantities of the toppings for your Frozen Yogurt Bark to your personal preference!
Store the yogurt bark pieces in an airtight container in the freezer. Enjoy them as a cold, refreshing, and healthy snack straight from the freezer.
How long does yogurt take to freeze?
For yogurt bark, it usually takes about 3-4 hours for the yogurt to freeze completely and become firm enough to break into pieces. The exact time needed may vary depending on the thickness of the yogurt layer and the temperature of your freezer.
If you like healthy frozen snacks, check out this Chocolate-covered Yogurt Tangerine bites!
Frozen Yogurt Bark – Healthy Snack
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or flavored, according to your preference)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
- โ cup fresh strawberries, chopped or sliced
- โ cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tbsp chocolate chunks (dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with honey or maple syrup. Mix well.
- Spread the yogurt mixture evenly onto the parchment-lined baking sheet or tray, creating a layer that's about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Scatter the chopped or sliced strawberries and blueberries evenly over the yogurt layer. Sprinkle the chocolate chunks over the yogurt and fruit.
- Place the baking sheet or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until the yogurt bark is completely frozen and firm.
- Once the yogurt bark is frozen, remove it from the freezer and break it into pieces using your hands or a knife. Enjoy!
Frozen Yogurt Bark