Ingredients
- Greek Yogurt (3 cups): The creamy base of our bark. Opt for full-fat for the richest texture, or non-fat for a lighter option. Greek yogurt is packed with protein and probiotics, making this treat surprisingly nutritious. Its thickness is key for a good bark consistency.
- Mixed Berries (2 cups): A vibrant medley of your favorites. Think strawberries (sliced), blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) berries work wonderfully. Berries are nutritional powerhouses, loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. The variety adds different flavors and textures.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (2-4 tablespoons): A touch of natural sweetness to balance the tartness of the yogurt and berries. Adjust the amount to your preference and the sweetness of your berries. Maple syrup adds a unique depth of flavor, while honey provides a classic sweetness. For a sugar-free option, consider stevia or erythritol.
- Optional Toppings (1/2 cup total): This is where you can get creative! Consider shredded coconut (unsweetened or toasted), chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), seeds (chia, flax, pumpkin), granola, mini chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet), or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. These add crunch, flavor, and visual appeal, and can boost the nutritional profile even further.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This is crucial for easy removal of the bark once it’s frozen. Ensure the parchment paper extends slightly over the edges for easy lifting later. A rimmed baking sheet is ideal to contain the yogurt mixture.
- Sweeten the Yogurt: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and honey or maple syrup. Start with 2 tablespoons of sweetener and taste. Add more if you prefer a sweeter bark, keeping in mind the berries will also add sweetness. Stir well until the sweetener is fully incorporated and the yogurt is smooth and creamy. Taste again and adjust sweetness as needed. For a richer flavor, a tiny pinch of vanilla extract can be a lovely addition at this stage.
- Spread the Yogurt Base: Pour the sweetened yogurt onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the yogurt evenly into a thin layer, about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Aim for a consistent thickness for even freezing and breaking. Don’t spread it too thin or it will be very fragile and break into tiny pieces. Conversely, too thick and it will take longer to freeze and be harder to bite into directly from the freezer. A rectangular or square shape is easiest for breaking into bark pieces, but don’t worry about perfection.
- Add the Berries: Gently scatter the mixed berries over the yogurt layer. If using larger berries like strawberries, ensure they are sliced into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Press the berries lightly into the yogurt to ensure they adhere well and don’t fall off easily once frozen. Distribute the berries evenly across the surface for a beautiful and flavorful bark in every piece. If using frozen berries, make sure they are thawed and thoroughly drained of excess liquid to prevent the bark from becoming watery. Pat them dry gently with a paper towel before adding them to the yogurt.
- Incorporate Optional Toppings (if using): Now is the time to sprinkle on any optional toppings you’ve chosen. Distribute them evenly over the berries and yogurt. Lightly press them into the yogurt as well to help them stick. Consider creating patterns with your toppings for a more visually appealing bark. Think stripes of coconut, clusters of nuts, or a scattered mix of seeds. This is a great step to involve kids in – let them decorate their own yogurt bark canvas!
- Freeze Until Solid: Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the freezer. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the yogurt bark is completely solid and frozen hard. Freezing time will depend on the thickness of your bark and the temperature of your freezer. To test for readiness, gently tap the bark – it should feel very firm to the touch. If it’s still soft in any areas, give it more time in the freezer. For best results, freeze flat and undisturbed.
- Break into Pieces: Once fully frozen, remove the baking sheet from the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for a minute or two to slightly soften, making it easier to break. Lift the parchment paper from the baking sheet using the overhanging edges. Place the bark on a cutting board and use your hands to break it into irregular pieces. You can also use a sharp knife to cut it into more uniform squares or rectangles if desired, but the rustic, broken bark look is part of its charm. For cleaner breaks, you can score the bark lightly with a knife before breaking.
- Serve and Store: Serve the frozen yogurt berry bark immediately straight from the freezer for the best icy texture. It will start to soften at room temperature, so it’s best enjoyed quickly. Store any leftover bark in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. For optimal texture, consume within a month. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. To prevent pieces from sticking together during storage, you can place parchment paper between layers of bark in the container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 10g