This refreshing strawberry frozen yogurt is a simple, wholesome treat perfect for warm days.
Made with just four ingredients, it’s naturally sweet, fiber-rich, and low in saturated fat, while the plant-based yogurt adds a touch of protein.
Quick to prepare and entirely dairy-free, it’s a guilt-free dessert or snack that satisfies your sweet cravings without compromising on health.
Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor or High-Speed Blender
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon
- 1 Container for Freezing (optional)
- 1 Zester or grater
Ingredients
- 4 cups 1 lb frozen strawberries
- 1 cup vanilla plant-based yogurt
- 1 –3 tablespoons sweetener of choice maple syrup, agave, or honey alternative
- 1/2 lemon zest and juice
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients in one place. Ensure your strawberries are fully frozen, as this will give the yogurt its creamy, soft-serve texture. Measure 1 cup of your favorite vanilla plant-based yogurt, such as almond, soy, or coconut-based yogurt. Zest and juice half a lemon, and have 1–3 tablespoons of your preferred sweetener ready, depending on your sweetness preference. Having everything measured beforehand makes the process smooth and efficient.
- Prepare the Strawberries for Blending: Place the frozen strawberries in your food processor or high-speed blender. If your berries are large, consider chopping them roughly into halves or quarters. This ensures a more uniform puree and reduces strain on your appliance. The frozen berries will be the base of your frozen yogurt, giving it both natural sweetness and fiber content.
- Add Plant-Based Yogurt: Spoon in the measured cup of vanilla plant-based yogurt on top of the strawberries. The yogurt adds creaminess, a hint of natural sweetness, and a plant-based source of protein. Using a creamy variety helps achieve a soft, scoopable texture without needing additional thickeners.
- Incorporate Lemon Zest and Juice: Add the zest of half a lemon along with its freshly squeezed juice. The zest intensifies the natural strawberry flavor, while the juice provides a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness. This step is key to creating a bright, refreshing flavor profile in your frozen treat.
- Sweeten to Taste: Add 1–3 tablespoons of sweetener according to your preference. Start with 1 tablespoon if your strawberries are naturally sweet and increase gradually. Taste-testing as you blend ensures the yogurt isn’t overly sweet and keeps it healthy. Maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar-free alternative works well for a natural sweetness.
- Blend Until Smooth and Creamy: Secure the lid on your food processor or blender. Begin blending at a low speed, gradually increasing to high. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides as needed, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated. Continue blending until you achieve a completely smooth, creamy texture. The consistency should resemble soft-serve ice cream—thick but easily spoonable.
- Taste and Adjust Flavors: Once blended, taste your frozen yogurt. Adjust the sweetness or acidity if needed by adding a little more sweetener or a few drops of lemon juice. This step allows you to customize the flavor to your liking, ensuring a perfectly balanced dessert.
- Serve Immediately for Soft-Serve: For a soft-serve experience, scoop the yogurt directly into bowls or cones and serve immediately. It will be creamy, light, and ready to enjoy without additional freezing. This is perfect for a quick snack or when you want a refreshing treat right away.
- Freeze for Scoops (Optional): If you prefer firmer, scoopable portions, transfer the yogurt into a freezer-safe container. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to 60 minutes. The yogurt will firm slightly but remain creamy enough to scoop easily with an ice cream scooper. Avoid freezing longer than necessary, as it may harden and require softening before serving.
- Soften if Too Firm: If your frozen yogurt becomes too hard after extended freezing, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping. Alternatively, stir it gently to restore its creamy texture. This ensures each serving maintains a smooth and enjoyable consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the strawberry frozen yogurt into bowls or cones and garnish with fresh fruit, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of your favorite syrup if desired. Enjoy this healthy, fiber-rich, plant-based treat as a guilt-free dessert or midday snack.
Notes
- Using fully frozen strawberries is essential for achieving a creamy, soft-serve texture without additional thickeners.
- Adjust the sweetness according to the ripeness of your strawberries; naturally sweet berries may need little to no added sweetener.
- Plant-based yogurt adds protein and creaminess, but you can choose almond, soy, or coconut-based yogurt depending on flavor preference or dietary needs.
- For a slightly tangier flavor, add a bit more lemon juice; for extra creaminess, stir in a small splash of non-dairy milk.
- Serve immediately for soft-serve consistency, or freeze briefly for scoopable portions. Avoid over-freezing, which can make the yogurt too firm.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Flavor
The secret to a truly luscious strawberry frozen yogurt lies in balancing sweetness and acidity.
Always start with ripe, flavorful strawberries, as their natural sugars create a richer taste.
The lemon zest enhances the berry flavor while cutting through the creaminess, giving a refreshing tang.
Blending in stages—starting slow and gradually increasing speed—ensures an ultra-smooth texture.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider folding in small pieces of fresh strawberries after blending for a delightful burst in every bite.
Using high-quality, creamy plant-based yogurt is also crucial; it adds body without overwhelming the natural fruit flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
This frozen yogurt is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings.
Sprinkle chopped nuts, seeds, or granola for added crunch, or drizzle a little maple syrup or chocolate sauce for an indulgent twist.
Fresh berries, shredded coconut, or cacao nibs also enhance texture and visual appeal.
Serve in bowls for a casual snack, or use waffle cones for a playful summer dessert.
It can even be layered with fruit compotes in a parfait for an elegant presentation, making it perfect for entertaining or family-friendly treats.
Storage Tips to Maintain Texture
For the best texture, store leftover strawberry frozen yogurt in an airtight container in the freezer.
Freeze for no longer than 1–2 weeks to maintain optimal flavor and creaminess.
When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly, then stir gently before scooping.
Avoid repeatedly thawing and refreezing, which can lead to icy textures.
If the yogurt becomes too firm, blending briefly with a small splash of non-dairy milk can restore its creamy, scoopable consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Fresh strawberries can be used, but you will need to freeze them for a few hours beforehand.
Using fully frozen fruit ensures the yogurt reaches a creamy, soft-serve texture without becoming watery.
2. What plant-based yogurt works best?
Almond, soy, or coconut-based yogurt all work well. Choose a creamy variety with a mild flavor to allow the strawberry taste to shine.
Vanilla-flavored yogurt adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
3. Can I make this sugar-free?
Absolutely! Replace maple syrup or other sweeteners with a sugar-free alternative, like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Taste-test as you blend to achieve the perfect balance.
4. How long can I store it in the freezer?
Stored in an airtight container, this frozen yogurt will keep for up to 1–2 weeks.
Beyond that, it may lose creaminess and develop ice crystals. Always let it soften slightly before serving.
5. How can I adjust the consistency?
For softer, scoopable yogurt, freeze for only 30–60 minutes.
For firmer portions, extend freezing time slightly, but avoid over-freezing.
If the yogurt becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature or stir in a splash of non-dairy milk to restore creaminess.
