Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Clusters are a sweet and delightful treat made with juicy strawberries, creamy yogurt, and a rich chocolate coating. These little clusters bring together the fresh, natural sweetness of strawberries with the smoothness of yogurt and the satisfying crunch of chocolate. They’re simple but feel special, perfect for a snack or a light dessert.
I love making these clusters because they’re so easy to prepare, and you can pop them into the freezer to enjoy whenever you want a quick, cool bite. The balance of tangy yogurt and sweet strawberry makes each bite refreshing and not too heavy. I like to use Greek yogurt for a little extra creaminess, but plain works just as well. Plus, mixing in dark or milk chocolate lets you adjust the sweetness to your liking.
My favorite way to serve these is straight from the freezer, on a little plate with a cup of tea or a cold glass of milk. They’re great to share at gatherings or to just have on hand for a little treat-yourself moment. Whenever I make these, they disappear fast — a sure sign they’re a winner in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and a juicy texture. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) work too. You could also try raspberries or blueberries for a different berry twist.
Greek Yogurt: I prefer Greek yogurt for its thick, creamy texture and tangy flavor. Plain or vanilla both work. For a dairy-free version, try coconut or almond milk yogurt. You can skip the honey if your yogurt is already sweetened.
Milk Chocolate: Milk chocolate chips melt smoothly and give a creamy chocolate coating. If you like a richer taste, swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate. For a nut allergy-friendly option, choose a chocolate without added nuts.
Granola or Nuts: This optional addition adds a nice crunch. Use your favorite granola or chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. Omit this if you want the clusters to be smoother or nut-free.
How Do I Keep the Yogurt from Making the Chocolate Melt Too Fast?
Because yogurt has moisture, it can soften the melted chocolate quickly. Here’s how I manage this:
- Mix gently and quickly to combine the yogurt-strawberry batter with the melted chocolate.
- Work fast when spooning clusters onto the parchment paper to prevent melting and spreading.
- Freeze the clusters right away so the chocolate firms up around the yogurt.
- If the chocolate softens too much, chill it for a few minutes before mixing in the yogurt.
- Use thicker yogurt like Greek yogurt to reduce excess moisture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use a medium bowl for blending the yogurt and strawberries because it’s just the right size and easy to handle.
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler – melts the chocolate smoothly and quickly without burning.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – makes it easy to space out and freeze the clusters without sticking.
- Small spoon or cookie scoop – helps portion the clusters evenly and neatly.
- Optional: Spatula or spoon – for mixing and folding ingredients gently.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use dark or semi-sweet chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor. It pairs well with tart berries.
- Add chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios for extra crunch and flavor.
- Switch strawberries for other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to change up the taste.
- Stir in a teaspoon of almond or coconut extract for a different aroma and flavor profile.
Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Clusters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate
- ½ cup granola or crushed nuts (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, to sweeten yogurt)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Dark chocolate shavings or cacao nibs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and mixing. You will then need to freeze the clusters for at least 2 hours until they are firm and ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yogurt and Strawberries:
In a medium bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with honey and vanilla extract if you’re using them. Stir until smooth. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, being careful not to mash them.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
Place the milk chocolate chips or chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stove.
3. Mix in Crunchy Ingredients and Yogurt:
If you’re adding granola or crushed nuts, stir them into the melted chocolate now. Then quickly fold the strawberry and yogurt mixture into the melted chocolate. Work swiftly as the yogurt can soften the chocolate.
4. Form Clusters and Freeze:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon small dollops of the mixture onto the sheet to form clusters. Sprinkle chocolate shavings or cacao nibs on top if desired. Place the tray in the freezer and let the clusters firm up for at least 2 hours.
5. Store and Serve:
Once the clusters are firm, transfer them into an airtight container and keep them frozen until ready to eat. Serve straight from the freezer for a refreshing snack. If they’re too hard, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that could make the clusters soggy. Pat them dry gently with paper towels before mixing in.
How Should I Store Leftover Clusters?
Store leftover clusters in an airtight container in the freezer. They keep well for up to 2 weeks and stay fresh and firm for a quick, cool treat anytime.
Can I Substitute the Milk Chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate work great too if you prefer a richer flavor or want to reduce sweetness.
Is There a Way to Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can swap regular Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond milk yogurt and choose dairy-free chocolate. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!