Pinkberry. Red Mango. BerryLine. Chances are you are geographically close to one of these tart frozen yogurt shops that keep gaining in popularity throughout the nation. Touting a lower fat and sugar content than ice cream, frozen yogurt is obviously a lighter choice than its traditional frozen dessert counterpart.

Now, I am a devout ice cream fan. Always have been. Probably always will be. That being said, I eat the sweet treat only on occasion given how rich it is. I indulge in fro-yo more frequently, but up until now I hadn’t found a variety that I absolutely loved. This easy recipe for tart vanilla frozen yogurt has changed that. I’m IN LOVE with the surprisingly creamy and slightly sweet concoction that I spooned out of my ice cream maker.

If you have yet to jump on the fro-yo bandwagon, I suggest following this recipe as your first jaunt; but be forewarned: you might not want to go back to ice cream.
Tart Vanilla Frozen Yogurt
adapted from Heidi Swanson’s Vanilla Frozen Yogurt Recipe, originally from David Lebovitz’s The Perfect Scoop
Name: | Tart Vanilla Frozen Yogurt |
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Cuisine: | Fusion |
Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
Cooking Time: | 0 minutes (No cooking required) |
Total Time: | 3 hours (Includes chilling and freezing time) |
Servings: | 6 servings |
Yield: | 1 quart (4 cups) of frozen yogurt |
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain 0% fat Greek yogurt, such as Fage
- 1 cup plain 2% fat Greek yogurt, such as Fage
- 1/2 cup evaporated cane juice (or granulated sugar)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare your Equipment
Before you start crafting this delicious frozen yogurt, make sure you have all the necessary equipment on hand. You’ll need a mixing bowl, a whisk, a spatula, and an ice cream maker.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. The Greek yogurt provides creaminess and a tangy flavor that’s perfect for frozen yogurt.
3. Whisk it Together
Use a whisk to thoroughly blend all the ingredients. Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Taste the mixture and adjust the sugar to your liking. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a bit more sugar.
4. Chill the Mixture
Once the mixture is well combined, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1-2 hours. Chilling the mixture not only enhances the flavor but also helps it freeze more efficiently in the ice cream maker.
5. Freeze the Yogurt
After the mixture has chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning. Typically, it takes about 20-25 minutes for the mixture to achieve a creamy, frozen yogurt consistency.
6. Serve or Store
Once your Tart Vanilla Frozen Yogurt is ready, you can serve it immediately for a soft-serve texture, or transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the freezer for a few hours for a firmer consistency.
7. Enjoy!
Scoop your homemade frozen yogurt into bowls or cones, and garnish it with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, or some crushed nuts for that extra crunch. Your taste buds are in for a treat!
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine yogurts, evaporated cane juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until the evaporated cane juice is completely dissolved.
- Freeze according to ice cream maker manufacturer’s instructions.
- Serve immediately as soft serve, or spoon into a freezer-safe container and place in freezer until “ripened” (hardened).
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 180 calories per serving
- Total Fat: 2g (Varies depending on the type of Greek yogurt used)
- Saturated Fat:1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg (Depends on the type of Greek yogurt)
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 30g (Natural sugars from yogurt and added sugar)
- Protein: 8g
Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Additionally, the nutrition values can change if you adjust the recipe, such as by using low-fat Greek yogurt or reducing the amount of sugar.
Always check the nutrition labels on the ingredients you use for the most accurate information, especially if you have dietary restrictions or specific health concerns.