Frozen Yogurt Fruit Clusters - Dairy Free
As the temperature rises, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a cool, refreshing treat. My Frozen Yogurt Fruit Bites are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. This recipe features the natural sweetness of fruits, the creaminess of plant-based yogurt, and a touch of indulgence from vegan semi-sweet chocolate. These bites are perfect for a quick snack, a healthy dessert, or even a treat for guests.
Benefits of the Ingredients:
Fruit of Your Choice!
Blueberries: Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which help fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. They are also high in vitamins C and K, which support immune function and bone health, respectively. Additionally, blueberries provide a good amount of dietary fibre, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut.
Mangos: Mangoes are rich in vitamins A and C, both essential for immune system support and skin health. They also contain dietary fibre, which aids digestion, and a variety of antioxidants that help protect against cellular damage. The natural sugars in mangoes provide a healthy energy boost.
Strawberries: Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is crucial for immune function and skin health. They also contain manganese, folate, and potassium, supporting metabolic processes and heart health. Strawberries’ high antioxidant content helps combat inflammation and oxidative stress.
Plant-Based Yogurt: Plant-based yogurt is a great source of probiotics, which support gut health and improve digestion. It provides a good amount of calcium and vitamin D, essential for maintaining strong bones. Additionally, plant-based yogurts are often fortified with vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious alternative to dairy-based yogurts.
Ingredients:
Fruit of your choice: For this recipe, we’re using 1 cup of blueberries, one mango, and 1 ½ cups of strawberries.
Plant-based yogurt (or yogurt of your choice): 3.5 cups, divided.
Vegan semi-sweet chocolate: 2 cups or I recommend doing solely the top to boost nutrition and balance decadence. Coconut oil: 1 tablespoon.
Instructions:
Prepare Your Fruit
Wash your fruits thoroughly
Dry the fruits completely
Peel the mango and any other fruit if applicable
Dice the fruits into bite-size pieces, blueberries can be tossed in whole
Mix with Yogurt:
Mix well with a spoon, ensuring every piece of fruit is evenly coated with yogurt
Freeze the Mixture:
Use a spoon to scoop the fruit yogurt mixture, ensuring you get an even distribution of both fruit and yogurt in each scoop
Carefully dollop the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating small mounds. Alternatively, spoon the mixture into individual cupcake cups for a more uniform shape and easier handling.
Place the baking sheet or cupcake tray in the freezer, making sure it is level to keep the mixtures stable. Freeze for at least 2 hours or until the bites are completely solid and firm to the touch.
Prepare the Chocolate Coating:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the coconut oil and semi-sweet chocolate. The coconut oil helps to thin the chocolate, making it easier to coat the fruit bites. Coconut oil is optional
Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals. After each interval, stir the chocolate and coconut oil together to ensure even melting. Continue this process until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth
Once melted, stir the chocolate thoroughly to ensure it is completely smooth and well-blended with the coconut oil
Dip and Set:
Remove the frozen yogurt fruit bites from the freezer
Dip each bite into the melted chocolate
Let any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl before placing the coated bite on a parchment-lined baking sheet
Arrange the chocolate-coated bites on the parchment paper, making sure they are spaced apart and not touching each other
Return the baking sheet to the freezer and allow the bites to set for an additional 30 minutes
Once the chocolate has fully hardened, your Frozen Yogurt Fruit Bites are ready to enjoy. The contrast between the crunchy chocolate shell and the creamy, fruity center is absolutely delightful.
Storage:
Serve the bites immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the freezer. These treats can be kept in the freezer for up to two weeks, making them a convenient, healthy snack that’s always ready to enjoy.
Guest blog post by work experience student Alyssa Yu for Jordan Bruce Nutrition.