I’ve been seeing those viral chocolate-covered yogurt fruit clusters all over social media lately. I just knew I had to try them with strawberries, because chocolate + strawberries is one of my favourite flavour combinations EVER!
This recipe did not disappoint and was practically inhaled by everyone who tried one. Made with nutritious ingredients, this is a healthier dessert recipe that is sure to be a hit with the whole family 🙂
These fruit clusters are a healthy dessert option as they are made with just a few simple ingredients. The main ingredients – strawberries and plain Greek yogurt – are both filled with nutrition benefits. Using a high-quality, semi-sweet chocolate adds the perfect touch of sweetness and indulgence!
Strawberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C – a serving of 8 strawberries (1 cup) has about the same amount as an orange! Vitamin C plays an essential role in immune function and helps form your body’s blood vessels, muscle, and collagen. It also helps your body absorb iron from foods and acts as an antioxidant.
Strawberries are also a source of dietary fibre (a 1 cup serving contains 3 grams). Fibre helps to lower blood cholesterol and promotes a healthy digestive system. Plus, strawberries contain a small amount of other micronutrients, like: potassium, vitamin B6, folate, phosphorus and magnesium.
Greek yogurt is an excellent source of: high-quality, complete protein (a 3/4-cup serving has 16 grams) micronutrients like: calcium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and gut-friendly probiotic bacteria. I also added some protein powder as I find if the treat is not balanced (not enough protein and lots of carbs), it leaves me hungry a couple of hours after but when there is sufficient protein I stay full and happy for longer.
I like keeping a bag of these gorgeous clusters in my freezer for when that sweet tooth kicks in. They are super easy to make and so yummy. This recipe is no bake and so wonderfully easy and the perfect addition to any dessert table or holiday party! They are dense yet light, the yogurt, chocolate mix has a melt-in-your mouth quality. They are crispy and crunchy, yet soft and chewy. I give them a 1 on work, 10 on reward. I wish all sweet treat recipes delivered those results.
Unlike a traditional one big slab of chocolate bark, these sweets were made by shaping them into clusters, so they come out looking as great as they taste into delightful one serving portions. You can make these treats all year round, substituting seasonal dried fruits and different nuts for the occasion.
Some more ideas for variation:
Fruit: Sweet and tangy fruit or berries pair well with dark chocolate. Try dried mango or pineapple for a more tropical flavor and add some shredded coconut. Dried raspberries, blueberries or even goji berries would also taste delicious.
Toasted Nuts: Toasting nuts in the oven before using in candies and bark is a great way to add an extra layer of flavor. Toss them in a spicy seasoning to add zing that balances out the sweetness.
Chocolate: While dark or milk chocolate is delicious, these clusters would taste just as good substituting white or semi-sweet chocolate. You can also decorate by dipping your clusters halfway into melted chocolate.
Candy Bars: Make these into Strawberry Yogurt Protein Bars. Make a simple base out of 1 cup nuts and 1 cup dates blended and press into an 8×8-inch pan as one even layer. Assemble your cluster mixture on top and chill for 1 hour. Slice into even bars.
Why you will love this recipe…
This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes.
The perfect summer treat to have stored in the freezer.
They are sweet, tangy and melt in your mouth delicious!
A great treat to make with any fresh fruit!
Aside from the time it takes to freeze these treats they only take a few minutes of preparation and they can be enjoyed. The coolest thing about these clusters is that you can mix and match any fruit with any chocolate. You can try the original idea and go for strawberries and dark chocolate or maybe try raspberries and milk chocolate or even blueberries. The options are endless with these fruit clusters and I’m sure they are all just as delicious as the next. A healthy dessert option that your whole family will love!
They are such a handy tool to satisfy my sweet craving for a sweet-savory treat in the afternoon or after any meal when you just feel like a ‘lil something’! They also make standout gifts – box them up with each cluster in its own foil or paper candy cup or wrap with cellophane and tie off with decorative ribbon.
Anyways, I hope you enjoy this versatile, delish recipe as much as I do.
Chocolate-Strawberry Yogurt Protein Clusters
Ingredients
- 1 cup thick Greek-style yogurt, vanilla or plain
- 1 cup strawberries, fresh or frozen, chopped
- 1/2 cup almonds, walnuts or cashews, chopped
- 1/4 cup almond (or any nut or seed) butter
- 2 scoops protein or collagen peptides powder
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Add Greek yogurt, strawberries, almonds, nut butter and protein powder to a bowl. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.Use a spoon to scoop small dollops of around 1-2 tablespoons each of the mixture onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or use a silicon baking mat. You will get around 14 clusters depending on your preferred size.Place them into the freezer for one hour to harden.When freezer time is almost up, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil.
Chocolate Coating
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 30 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.Once melted, coat each cluster in chocolate using 2 forks to turn them over in the chocolate and fully coat. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired.Place the clusters back into the freezer for about one hour more so the chocolate can harden before serving. Store in freezer for up to 3 months.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
