Don’t worry, you’re in the right place. Yes this is EricaSweetTooth, and yes I’m posting two seemingly “healthy” recipes in a row. But this recipe is SO SO delicious that it’s not even really in the same category as chocolate banana muffins. Have you seen the new line of Greek frozen yogurt that Ben&Jerry’s released earlier this summer? Well, I’ve been dreaming about trying them for months, but when I finally got around to it while in Vermont over summer break (it only seemed right, given the location), I was a little disappointed. The blueberry flavor wasn’t very pronounced and the yogurt tasted kind of sour rather than tart. So soon after returning from vacation and a lovely trip to the berry farm, I popped my ice cream maker in the freezer and started planning my own remake of B&J’s newest fad. I was so pleased with the result and am excited to share the recipe with you while blueberries are still very much in season!
I have a few tart frozen yogurt recipes up on the blog, but this one is a new favorite. Last week I had girlfriends over for dinner and shared this froyo for dessert, and it didn’t come as a surprise that there was only a spoonful or so of leftovers for Ryan to try. My friend Melissa said it tasted just like cheesecake, and I definitely agreed. The Greek yogurt lends a tart flavor that’s reminiscent of the cream cheese in a cheesecake, minus most of the fat and a lot of the calories. I loved the combination of the sweet blueberries with the tart yogurt and the crunch of the graham crackers mixed in was great for texture. If you have an excess of blueberries around like I do, you must make this froyo! Or at least whip up some of the blueberry sauce to top on everything you eat the next few weekds :)
If you don’t have an ice cream maker or KitchenAid attachment, I can’t really help you figure out how to concoct this recipe otherwise, but I will tell you that’ you’re definitely missing out! (Update: okay, turns out there’s a lot of ways to make ice cream without a fancy machine: check this out). It’s such a great investment and you’ll be so impressed with how easy homemade frozen yogurt is, and how much more flavorful and healthy your batches will be, even compared to the big-name brands. I love me some Ben and Jerry’s – especially if you hand over a pint of Coffee Heath Bar Crunch or Oatmeal Cookie – but leave it to me to make my own Blueberry Graham Frozen Yogurt, I like mine better!
Blueberry Graham Frozen Greek Yogurt
Yield: 2 pints
Ingredients:
32 oz 2% Low Fat Greek Plain Yogurt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp vodka (to keep the froyo from freezing too much in the freezer)
3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
4 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tbsp lemon juice
5 graham crackers, crushed
Directions:
Make sure your ice cream maker is in the freezer for at least 24 hours before use.
To strain the yogurt beforehand, line a strainer or colander with paper towels, and place the strainer in a medium-sized bowl. Scoop the yogurt into the paper towels, cover with another paper towel, and place in the refrigerator overnight. This will help make the yogurt even creamier
You'll want to make the blueberry swirl syrup a day early too so the mixture has time to cool. To make the blueberry swirl, combine the blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, until thick and syrupy (10 minutes). Refrigerate overnight, or until fully cooled
The next day, fold the sugar, lemon juice, and vodka into the strained yogurt. Transfer mixture to the ice cream maker and let it churn according to manufacturer's instructions, about 20-30 minutes.
When frozen yogurt is done, gently fold in the blueberry syrup and graham cracker crumbs. Top with extra graham cracker crumbs and enjoy!
YUM! That sounds so good and I would love a huge bowlful right now. :)
This sounds really yummy! I’ve been making a lot of frozen yoghurt recently. Mine’s not quite as healthy though…I’ve been mixing cocoa powder, sugar, chocolate chunks and marshmallows into mine. My excuse is that I live in Japan, and fruit is waaaaay too expensive here :(
For anyone like me who doesn’t have a ice cream maker, you can still make it no problem. Just put it in a tub in the freezer, and stir it every 20 minutes or so until it’s pretty frozen. The less you stir it, the more icy and less creamy it is, but it’s still delicious! Although, Erica, I might try your technique of mixing in a little alcohol. Perhaps that would solve part of the frozen-ness!
This look awesome. I’m a sucker for fro-yo, and didn’t realize how easy it is to make at home. You’re making me consider getting the ice cream attachment for my kitchen aid…
I may have to dig the ice cream maker out! This looks yummy!!
I have always and will always have a special bond with froyo…And so does my little girl. I remember how I crave for frozen yogurt when I was pregnant. I would walk several miles just to get to my favorite self service froyo shop, only to learn that a few blocks from where I work there is another froyo store ;) This looks really delicious! I’ll remember to freeze the ice cream maker…
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Would be super yummy with some Jell-O Cheesecake Instant Pudding mix with the ice cream base :-)
This sounds so good, Can you submit the vodka with any thing else non alkoholic?
Seems you and I had the exact same idea – I love my version of it, and yours looks just as good!
I am going to try it using strawberries:) Like blueberries but love strawberries or cherries. Thanks for the idea. I am loving greek yogurt like this but not just to eat:/ Yuck!!
I am so in love this one!
Hi, I was wondering if was something non-alcoholic to substitute for the vodka that would have the same effect? Thanks
Erica — February 6th, 2013 @ 9:09 pm
I’m sorry but I really don’t know of anything that would work quite the same. If you can think of something that doesn’t freeze in the freeze, that might work!
I’m loving all your ice cream recipes! I featured this one in my blogpost too :) http://infinitelittlepleasures.blogspot.com/2013/05/i-scream-you-scream-we-all-scream-for.html