Everyone around me knows that I'm a big fan of Greek yogurt. It's definitely a staple in our household. We often have Greek yogurt bowls topped with different fruits and nuts as breakfast or even as a snack throughout the day. I always use plain Greek yogurt and add fruits and/or honey for extra sweetness. This time, I thought to change things up and get a bit creative, so ended up making these Berry Chocolate Frozen Greek Yogurt Barks!
For these barks, I used plain Greek yogurt and topped them with mixed frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries and blackberries); almond slices and cocoa nips, with a drizzle of chocolate on top! I love that these barks are so simple to make! Preparation is very quick, you just need to allow them to set in the freezer for a few hours and they are ready! After taking them out of the freezer, I broke them into barks on a cutting board and we had them as a healthy dessert after dinner. You can store them in the freezer and have them as a healthy, refreshing and delicious snack to fulfill your cravings. Great thing about them is that kids love them too!
Greek Yogurt: Nutrition Facts
Compared to regular yogurt, Greek yogurt has a creamier, thicker texture. Due to the straining process (straining the whey and lactose), Greek Yogurt contains more protein and less sugar (lactose) than regular yogurt! Greek yogurt has a very impressive protein profile, with 18 grams of protein in only 3/4 of a cup. You would need to eat 2 to 2 1/2 cups of regular yogurt to get the same amount of protein!
Other than being a great source of protein, Greek yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and Vitamin B12! Calcium is important in bone health, and Vitamin B12 plays a role in producing and regulating DNA as well as red cell production in the body. Greek Yogurt also contains probiotic bacteria, which help in supporting a healthy microbiome and can improve gut and overall health.
Some people who lactose intolerant are unable to have any dairy products including cheese, milk or yogurt, while others (with a slight sensitivity) can tolerate certain dairy products and in smaller amounts. For the later group, Greek Yogurt may be a good choice as like mentioned above, it contains less lactose!
Recipe
Serves 8
Ingredients
2 cups of Greek Yogurt
2 cups of mixed Frozen Berries (you can also use fresh berries)
1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup (depending on level of desired sweetness)
1 tsp of vanilla extract
1/4 cup sliced almonds
2 tbsp of cocoa nibs
1 tbsp of melted chocolate for drizzle (dark or milk chocolate, melted on stove or in microwave)
Directions:
Add yogurt to a big bowl and add honey and vanilla extract. Mix well. I used a whisk to get a smooth consistency.
Line baking sheet in parchment paper. Spread mixture evenly into a rectangular shape on baking sheet
Scatter mixed berries and sprinkle sliced almonds and cocoa nibs on top
Add chocolate drizzle
Place baking sheet in freezer and allow to freeze/set for at least 3 hours
Take out of freezer, place on a cutting board and break into pieces with a sharp knife
Enjoy immediately as a bark or allow to thaw for a few minutesat room temperature in a bowl for a softer consistency
Store in airtight container in freezer
