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This cool, homemade strawberry frozen yogurt hits the spot when you're craving something sweet but want a healthier option than what's in stores. The coolest thing? You'll only need three basic ingredients and a good blender to whip it up in just minutes.
I came up with this during a brutal summer hot spell when my children kept asking for ice cream. They loved this healthier treat so much that it's now our go-to dessert all year long, and we love trying it with whatever fruits are in season.
What You'll Need
- Yogurt (regular or plant-based): Go for thick Greek yogurt if you want it extra creamy, or grab your favorite plant-based yogurt for a vegan treat
- Frozen strawberries: Berries you freeze yourself at their ripest taste way better than the ones you buy already frozen
- Honey or maple syrup: Add more or less depending on how sweet your berries are; pick maple syrup to keep it vegan
How To Make It
- Get Everything Ready:
- Get your ingredients measured out and make sure those strawberries are completely frozen. If you're starting with fresh ones, pop them in the freezer on a tray for at least 4 hours so they don't stick together.
- Stack In The Blender:
- Put everything in your blender in this order: yogurt on the bottom, then your sweetener, with the frozen strawberries right on top. This helps everything blend smoothly without burning out your blender motor.
- Mix It Up:
- Crank your blender to high and use the pusher to keep shoving those frozen berries down into the blades. You'll see it come together after about 30 seconds. Keep an eye on it as it changes from chunky to smooth – but don't let it get too runny.
- Eat Now Or Save:
- Dig in right away for that soft-serve feel or pack it into a container for later. If you're saving it, put some wax paper right on top to keep ice crystals away.
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The trick that makes this work so well is using completely frozen strawberries. I tried it once with berries that had started to thaw and ended up with something more like a drinkable smoothie instead of frozen yogurt. You need those rock-hard frozen berries to get the right texture.
How To Keep It Fresh
Your homemade frozen yogurt will stay good in the freezer for about two weeks if you store it right. Use a container that seals tightly and fill it as full as possible to keep air out and prevent freezer burn. When you want some after it's been frozen solid, let it sit out for about 5 minutes to soften up a bit. If it gets too hard, just throw it back in the blender with a splash of milk to make it creamy again.
Mix It Up
What's great about this simple recipe is how many ways you can change it. Switch out strawberries for frozen mango pieces for something tropical, or try a mix of different berries for more complex flavors. If you love chocolate, toss in a spoonful of cocoa powder with vanilla yogurt. My kids' newest favorite is adding some frozen banana chunks and a spoonful of peanut butter to the strawberry mix for a twist that tastes like a frozen PB&J sandwich.
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Health Perks
Unlike the frozen yogurt you buy at the store that's full of thickeners and tons of sugar, making it at home means you know exactly what's in it. The yogurt gives you calcium and protein, while strawberries add vitamin C and antioxidants. You can adjust how much sweetener goes in, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth while actually getting something nutritious. I often give this to my kids as a snack in the afternoon, and I feel good knowing they're enjoying something tasty that's actually good for their bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch strawberries with other fruits?
Definitely! Use frozen mango, blueberries, or even a berry mix. Just keep the process the same, but you might tweak the sweetness depending on the fruit.
- → How long can I keep it frozen?
Stick it in an airtight container, and it should hold up to 2 weeks. It's best scooped in the first few days, but if it gets solid, sit it out for 5-10 minutes to soften.
- → Is Greek yogurt okay to use?
Of course! Greek yogurt makes it creamier and adds protein. You might need some extra sweetener or a splash of milk if the texture’s hard to blend.
- → What can I try if my blender isn’t super strong?
Food processors work well too! For weaker blenders, pause often to scrape down the sides and break ice chunks till it’s smooth.
- → How do I make it more like a dessert?
Mix things up with add-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or swirl in caramel after blending. Toppings like nuts or granola work too for an extra crunch.
- → Is it healthier compared to store-bought versions?
Homemade versions skip extra sugar and weird stuff you can’t pronounce. Naturally sweetened with fruit and only a bit of honey, it’s a cleaner, fresher option.