Description: These Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Clusters are a delightful, healthy, and incredibly easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for a quick snack, a light dessert, or even a fun project with kids. Combining the tangy creaminess of Greek yogurt, the sweetness of strawberries and honey, and the rich indulgence of dark chocolate, these clusters are a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. This recipe captures the essence of the viral sensation with a detailed, foolproof guide to creating your own batch of these frozen delights.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries (about 8 oz)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or non-fat, your preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate, your choice)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or vegetable shortening)
- Optional: Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries: Begin by thoroughly washing and drying the strawberries. Remove the stems and carefully chop them into small, even pieces. The size of the pieces is important; you want them small enough to distribute evenly throughout the yogurt mixture and freeze well, but not so small that they turn to mush. Set the chopped strawberries aside.
Step 2: Mix the Yogurt Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy base. Taste the mixture and adjust the amount of honey to your liking, keeping in mind that the chocolate will also add sweetness.
Step 3: Incorporate the Strawberries: Gently fold the chopped strawberries into the yogurt mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this could cause the strawberries to release too much moisture and make the mixture watery. You want the strawberries to be evenly distributed throughout the yogurt, creating a beautiful and flavorful swirl.
Step 4: Form the Clusters: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is crucial to prevent the clusters from sticking to the baking sheet during freezing. Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out the yogurt mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming individual clusters. Aim for approximately 2 tablespoons of mixture per cluster. You should be able to make about 10 clusters, depending on the size you prefer. Make sure to space the clusters evenly apart so they don’t freeze together.
Step 5: Freeze the Clusters: Carefully transfer the baking sheet with the yogurt clusters to the freezer. Freeze until the clusters are completely frozen and solid, which typically takes about 1-2 hours. The freezing time may vary depending on your freezer’s temperature. You’ll know they’re ready when they are firm to the touch.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate: While the yogurt clusters are freezing, prepare the chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 15-30 second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize or burn. The coconut oil helps to thin the chocolate, creating a smoother coating that hardens nicely in the freezer.
Step 7: Coat the Clusters: Once the yogurt clusters are fully frozen, remove them from the freezer. Working quickly, dip each frozen cluster into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is thoroughly coated on all sides. You can use a spoon or fork to help with the dipping process. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the coated cluster back onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch: Immediately after coating the clusters with chocolate, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each one. The sea salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and adds a delightful contrast of flavors.
Step 9: Final Freeze: Place the chocolate-coated clusters back in the freezer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden completely and the yogurt to solidify further.
Step 10: Enjoy! Once the chocolate is firm, remove the Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Clusters from the freezer and enjoy immediately. Store any leftover clusters in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Clusters recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and equipment. Second, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream or candy, providing a good source of protein from the Greek yogurt and antioxidants from the strawberries. The combination of creamy yogurt, sweet strawberries, and rich chocolate is simply irresistible, making it a treat that everyone will love. These clusters are also highly customizable, allowing you to experiment with different types of yogurt, fruits, and chocolate to create your own unique flavor combinations. Finally, they’re a perfect make-ahead snack or dessert that can be stored in the freezer for whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy as a refreshing snack on a warm day.
- Serve as a light and healthy dessert after a meal.
- Pack in a lunchbox for a nutritious treat.
- Offer as a fun and interactive activity for kids.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon indulgence.
Tips:
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.
- If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based yogurt and dark chocolate.
- To prevent the chocolate from seizing, melt it in a double boiler or use a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals.
- If the chocolate becomes too thick, add a little more coconut oil to thin it out.
- Experiment with different toppings, such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or sprinkles.
- For a neater presentation, use a piping bag to drizzle the melted chocolate over the frozen clusters.
- If you find the clusters are too sweet, reduce the amount of honey or use unsweetened Greek yogurt.
- Store the clusters in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
5 minutes (for melting chocolate)
Total Time:
2-3 hours (including freezing time)
Nutritional Information (per cluster, estimated):
- Calories: 120-150
- Protein: 4-6 grams
- Sodium: 10-20 mg (depending on sea salt)
Conclusion:
These Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Clusters are a delightful and healthy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal ingredients and easy instructions, you can create a delicious and satisfying snack that’s both guilt-free and incredibly enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a fun project to do with kids, or a nutritious alternative to traditional sweets, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. The customizable nature of the recipe allows you to experiment with different flavors and toppings, making it a versatile and exciting addition to your culinary repertoire. So go ahead, give it a try and experience the joy of creating your own batch of these viral-worthy frozen delights!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh strawberries?
- A: Yes, you can absolutely use frozen strawberries. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before chopping and adding them to the yogurt mixture. This will prevent the clusters from becoming too watery.
- Q: What if I don’t have coconut oil? Can I use something else to melt the chocolate?
- A: If you don’t have coconut oil, you can substitute it with vegetable shortening or even a tablespoon of butter. These alternatives will help thin the chocolate and create a smooth coating.
- Q: How long can I store these yogurt clusters in the freezer?
- A: You can store the Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Clusters in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. After that, the texture and flavor may start to deteriorate slightly.
- Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate, like white chocolate or milk chocolate?
- A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate to suit your taste preferences. White chocolate or milk chocolate will provide a sweeter, creamier flavor compared to semi-sweet or dark chocolate.
- Q: Is there a way to prevent the chocolate from cracking when I bite into the frozen clusters?
- A: To minimize the chocolate from cracking, ensure the chocolate coating is not too thick. Also, allowing the clusters to sit at room temperature for a minute or two before eating can help slightly soften the chocolate, making it less prone to cracking.
