Greek Yogurt with Cherry Spoon Sweets Recipe
A delightful Greek Yogurt with Cherry Spoon Sweets recipe featuring sweet and tangy cherry syrup made by simmering cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla to create a perfect topping for creamy Greek yogurt. This refreshing dessert is simple to prepare with a natural fruit sweetness and is ideal for a light and flavorful treat.
- Prep Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cherry Syrup and Topping
- 1½ cups frozen, pitted cherries
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. real vanilla extract, divided
- Juice from ½ lemon
- Water (amount adjusted to reach ½ cup liquid with cherry juice)
Yogurt Base
- 32 oz. Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Thaw Cherries: Place 1½ cups frozen, pitted cherries into a strainer set over a mixing bowl. Thaw the cherries overnight in the refrigerator or for about 8 hours. The cherries will release their juice into the bowl, yielding approximately 2-3 ounces of juice. Transfer the thawed cherries into a separate container and set aside.
- Measure Juice and Water: Pour the collected cherry juice into a measuring cup. Add just enough water to the juice to reach a total of ½ cup of liquid. If the cherry juice already measures ½ cup, no additional water is needed.
- Prepare Syrup Base: Pour the combined cherry juice and water into a small saucepan. Add 1 cup white granulated sugar, the juice of ½ lemon, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir gently to combine before heating.
- Simmer Syrup: Place the saucepan over low heat uncovered and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. Avoid stirring constantly; instead, swirl the pan occasionally to prevent scorching. The syrup will appear runny when done but will thicken upon cooling. Remove from heat once the desired consistency is achieved.
- Combine Cherries and Syrup: Pour the warm syrup over the reserved thawed cherries. Allow the mixture to cool completely in the refrigerator, about 30 minutes, so the syrup thickens fully and the flavors meld.
- Assemble Dessert: Spoon Greek yogurt into serving cups or bowls. Top each with 4-5 cherries and a generous drizzle of cherry syrup. Serve chilled for a refreshing and satisfying dessert.
Notes
- Use frozen cherries for convenience and year-round availability.
- Do not stir syrup constantly to allow proper thickening; gentle swirling suffices.
- The syrup will thicken further as it cools, so remove from heat before it fully thickens on the stove.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the sugar quantity if desired.
- This dessert keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days.
