Frozen delight: Homemade fresh strawberry yogurt is packed with vitamins

Indulge in a refreshing and healthy frozen treat with homemade frozen fresh strawberry yogurt. This yummy treat is a perfect combination of creamy, tangy Greek yogurt and the sweet, vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries.

It's an easy and delicious way to enjoy the best of both worlds – the richness of yogurt and the natural sweetness of ripe, juicy strawberries.

Frozen fresh strawberry yogurt is a smart choice for those seeking a healthier dessert option. The Greek yogurt, which forms the base of this frozen treat, is a nutritional powerhouse, brimming with probiotics that promote a healthy gut and better digestion.

It's also a rich source of high-quality protein and dietary fiber, contributing to a feeling of fullness and promoting a healthy metabolism.

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But that's not all. Greek yogurt is also rich in calcium, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients, making frozen fresh strawberry yogurt a guilt-free indulgence that can be enjoyed as a refreshing snack or dessert, especially during hot summer days.

By using fresh strawberries, you add a burst of natural sweetness and reap the benefits of this nutrient-dense fruit. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants, which can help support a healthy immune system and reduce inflammation.

Making frozen fresh strawberry yogurt at home is incredibly easy and allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring you enjoy a wholesome treat. You can experiment with different yogurt varieties, such as low-fat or non-fat options, or even try substituting honey for sugar.

Whether you're after a cool way to beat the summer heat, a healthier substitute for traditional desserts, or simply a tasty method to incorporate more yogurt and fruit into your diet, frozen fresh strawberry yogurt is a winner. Treat yourself to this guilt-free delight and relish the perfect blend of tangy, creamy, and sweet flavors in every spoonful.

Homemade Frozen Fresh Strawberry Yogurt

Serves 4

Special Equipment: Ice Cream Maker

Ingredients

1 pound (16 ounces) fresh strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and cut into pieces

⅔ cup (4.67 ounces, 132 grams) granulated sugar

1 Tablespoon (0.5 ounces, 14 grams) Creme de Cassis

1 cup (8.5 ounces, 241 grams) plain whole-milk Greek yogurt

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

Combine strawberries, sugar, and creme de cassis in a large measuring cup. Allow to sit at room temperature for one hour.

Add strawberries, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice to a blender—cover the blender and process on high for one minute.

Transfer the strawberry yogurt mixture to a large measuring cup. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.

With the ice cream machine running, add the chilled strawberry yogurt mixture. Process until the desired consistency is reached.

Transfer the frozen strawberry yogurt to a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for at least four hours.

Yield 4 servings.

Recipe tips and tricks

The cleaned, hulled, and cut strawberries equaled two cups. Once I blended all of the other ingredients with the strawberries, I ended up with three cups of the strawberry yogurt mixture.

Creme de cassis might seem like an odd ingredient. However, it not only adds flavor but also plays a key role in freezing. Its alcohol content lowers the freezing point, effectively reducing the formation of large ice crystals and ensuring a smoother texture. You could also substitute Kirsch, Grand Marnier, Chambord, or vodka. Vanilla extract could be used as an alternative.

Greek yogurt is preferable to regular yogurt because it contains less water, resulting in a creamier frozen yogurt.

If desired, strain the strawberry yogurt mixture through a wire mesh strainer to remove any remaining solids. However, I like the strawberry chunks and prefer not to strain the mixture.

The ice cream maker keeps the mixture moving while it’s freezing, minimizing the formation of large ice crystals. You could bypass the ice cream maker and transfer the strawberry/yogurt mixture straight to a covered freezer-safe container. The frozen yogurt, however, will be a bit icier.

Chula King is the blogger behind PudgeFactor.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Homemade frozen yogurt recipe is bursting with fresh strawberries