Get ready to discover a truly delightful and healthy sweet snack that’s incredibly easy to whip up: the Protein Cocoa Cherry Yogurt Bake.
This recipe is perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings without any guilt, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or a light weekend treat. It’s a fun and straightforward baking project that delivers on flavor and nutrition.
This delicious bake is designed for simplicity, using readily available ingredients to create a satisfying dessert or snack. Each serving provides about 18 grams of protein. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe approachable and rewarding, offering a wonderful balance of tart cherries, rich cocoa, and creamy yogurt.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Protein Cocoa Cherry Yogurt Bake
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Discover a delightful and healthy sweet snack with this Protein Cocoa Cherry Yogurt Bake. Incredibly easy to whip up, it’s perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without guilt, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or a light weekend treat. This recipe delivers on flavor and nutrition, offering a wonderful balance of tart cherries, rich cocoa, and creamy yogurt.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350 F (175 C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with a little cooking spray or butter. This step helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal of your baked yogurt.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients and Sweetener: In a large mixing bowl, add the Greek yogurt, protein powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and optional almond extract. Use a whisk or a spatula to mix these ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps of protein powder or cocoa powder visible. The mixture should be thick and uniform in color.
3. Gently Fold in the Cherries: Add the frozen pitted dark sweet cherries to the yogurt mixture. Gently fold them in with a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture. Avoid overmixing, as you want the cherries to remain mostly intact.
4. Pour into Baking Dish: Carefully pour the entire yogurt mixture into your prepared 8×8 inch baking dish. Use the spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish, ensuring the surface is relatively flat.
5. Sprinkle with Chocolate Chips: Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the yogurt mixture in the baking dish. This will create a lovely melted chocolate layer on top as it bakes.
6. Bake Until Set: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The bake is ready when the edges are set and lightly golden, and the center appears mostly firm with a slight jiggle. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, though it might have a little melted chocolate or cherry juice on it.
7. Cool Before Serving: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the bake to set further and makes it easier to cut and serve. You can enjoy it warm, or chill it completely in the refrigerator for an even firmer texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Protein: 18
Keywords: yogurt bake, protein snack, cherry dessert, healthy treat, easy recipe, cocoa bake, sweet snack, quick dessert, fruit dessert, high protein
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This protein cocoa cherry yogurt bake is a true winner for several reasons, making it a fantastic addition to any busy household’s recipe rotation. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, fitting perfectly into those moments when you need a delicious snack but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional desserts, as it’s packed with protein and uses natural sweetness from fruit. This recipe works wonderfully as a post-workout snack, a satisfying breakfast on the go, or a light dessert after dinner. Families will appreciate how easy it is to customize, and kids often enjoy the rich chocolate and fruit flavors. You can serve it warm right out of the oven, or chilled for a refreshing treat. It’s a versatile dish that truly shines when you need something wholesome, tasty, and fuss-free.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for this protein cocoa cherry yogurt bake is straightforward, as most items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to make a few easy substitutions if needed.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2% recommended for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup protein powder (chocolate or vanilla flavor works best)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but enhances cherry flavor)
- 1 cup frozen pitted dark sweet cherries
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (mini chips work well)
For the Greek yogurt, plain varieties are best as they allow you to control the sweetness. If you only have vanilla Greek yogurt, you might want to reduce the maple syrup slightly. When choosing protein powder, a good quality chocolate or vanilla whey protein powder will blend seamlessly and add a nice flavor boost. If you prefer a plant-based option, a smooth-blending pea protein or a blend would also work. For the sweetener, maple syrup or honey are excellent choices, but you could also use agave nectar. The frozen cherries are key here; make sure they are pitted. You can also use fresh cherries if they are in season, just be sure to pit them first. For the chocolate chips, any kind will do, but mini chips distribute more evenly throughout the bake.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
One of the best aspects of this protein cocoa cherry yogurt bake is how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
This timeline makes it an ideal recipe for a weeknight dessert or a quick weekend project. The minimal prep means you can have it in the oven in no time, and the baking period is short enough that you won’t be waiting around for long before enjoying your delicious creation.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating this protein cocoa cherry yogurt bake is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly baked, delicious treat.
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with a little cooking spray or butter. This step helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal of your baked yogurt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients and Sweetener: In a large mixing bowl, add the Greek yogurt, protein powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and optional almond extract. Use a whisk or a spatula to mix these ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps of protein powder or cocoa powder visible. The mixture should be thick and uniform in color.
- Gently Fold in the Cherries: Add the frozen pitted dark sweet cherries to the yogurt mixture. Gently fold them in with a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture. Avoid overmixing, as you want the cherries to remain mostly intact.
- Pour into Baking Dish: Carefully pour the entire yogurt mixture into your prepared 8×8 inch baking dish. Use the spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish, ensuring the surface is relatively flat.
- Sprinkle with Chocolate Chips: Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the yogurt mixture in the baking dish. This will create a lovely melted chocolate layer on top as it bakes.
- Bake Until Set: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The bake is ready when the edges are set and lightly golden, and the center appears mostly firm with a slight jiggle. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, though it might have a little melted chocolate or cherry juice on it.
- Cool Before Serving: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the bake to set further and makes it easier to cut and serve. You can enjoy it warm, or chill it completely in the refrigerator for an even firmer texture.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This protein cocoa cherry yogurt bake is wonderfully versatile, allowing for simple variations and creative serving ideas that fit any occasion.
For a different fruit profile, consider swapping the cherries for other frozen berries like raspberries or mixed berries. Blueberries would also be delicious, offering a slightly different sweetness. If you’re a fan of citrus, a teaspoon of orange zest added to the yogurt mixture can brighten the flavors beautifully. For an extra crunch, sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top along with the chocolate chips before baking. A swirl of peanut butter or almond butter through the mixture before baking also adds a lovely nutty depth and even more protein.
When it comes to serving, this bake is fantastic on its own, either warm or chilled. For a more indulgent treat, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is always a hit. It also pairs wonderfully with a sprinkle of granola for added texture and a breakfast-like feel. For a party or buffet, cut it into small squares and arrange them on a platter. It’s a great make-ahead option that can be enjoyed throughout the week as a healthy snack or a light dessert. Kids often love it with a glass of milk, and you can even involve them in sprinkling the chocolate chips!
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even with a simple recipe like this protein cocoa cherry yogurt bake, a few common mistakes can occur. Knowing how to avoid them will ensure your bake turns out perfectly every time.
One frequent slip-up is overmixing the yogurt mixture, especially after adding the protein powder. While you want it smooth, excessive mixing can sometimes make the protein powder a bit gummy or cause the yogurt to thin out. Mix just until combined and smooth. Another common issue is not greasing the baking dish adequately. This can lead to the bake sticking to the bottom and sides, making it difficult to remove cleanly. A light coating of cooking spray or butter is usually sufficient.
Baking for too long is another mistake. Overbaking can result in a dry or rubbery texture, especially around the edges. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking; the center should still have a slight jiggle, indicating it’s moist. Conversely, undercooking will leave the center too soft and unset. If it’s still very liquidy after the recommended baking time, give it a few more minutes. Finally, not allowing it to cool before cutting can make it crumbly and difficult to portion neatly. Patience for those 10-15 minutes of cooling will be rewarded with cleaner slices.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Proper storage is key to enjoying your protein cocoa cherry yogurt bake for days, and it’s an excellent candidate for making ahead.
Once the bake has completely cooled to room temperature, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. For individual servings, you can cut the bake into squares and place them in separate containers or wrap them individually in plastic wrap before storing them in a larger container. This makes it incredibly convenient for grabbing a quick snack or breakfast throughout the week.
To enjoy it warm after refrigeration, you can gently reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or in a
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
