Greek Yogurt with Cherry Spoon Sweets Recipe
This delightful Greek Yogurt with Cherry Spoon Sweets recipe features creamy Greek yogurt topped with a luscious cherry syrup made from pitted cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. The syrup is simmered to perfection to create a sweet and slightly tart topping that pairs beautifully with the rich yogurt, making a refreshing and healthy dessert or snack. The cherries are thawed slowly to release their natural juices, contributing to the vibrant flavor and texture of the spoon sweets.
- Prep Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cherry Syrup and Topping
- 1½ cups frozen, pitted cherries
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. real vanilla extract (divided: ½ tsp. for syrup, ½ tsp. for yogurt topping)
- Juice from ½ lemon
- Water, as needed to make ½ cup liquid when combined with cherry juice
For Serving
- 32 oz. Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Thaw Cherries: Place 1½ cups frozen, pitted cherries into a strainer positioned over a mixing bowl. Refrigerate and allow the cherries to thaw overnight or for approximately 8 hours. During this time, they will release about 2-3 ounces of cherry juice.
- Measure and Adjust Liquid: Pour the collected cherry juice into a measuring cup. Add enough water to the juice to reach a total of ½ cup of liquid. If the juice alone equals ½ cup, no water is added.
- Prepare Syrup: Transfer the cherry juice and water mixture into a small saucepan. Add 1 cup of white granulated sugar, the juice from ½ lemon, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir gently to combine.
- Simmer Syrup: Place the saucepan over low heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Do not stir frequently; instead, swirl the pan occasionally. Remove from heat once the syrup reaches a runny but slightly thickened consistency, as it will continue to thicken upon cooling.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the syrup over the thawed cherries in a container and refrigerate. Allow the syrup to cool for about 30 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon Greek yogurt into individual serving cups. Top each with 4 to 5 cherries and a generous amount of the cherry syrup. Optionally, add the remaining ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the yogurt before serving for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Ensure cherries fully thaw to extract maximum juice for the syrup.
- The syrup thickens as it cools, so remove from heat when still slightly runny.
- You can adjust sweetness by reducing sugar if desired.
- For a smoother texture, mash some cherries gently before simmering.
- This dessert is best served chilled and consumed within 2-3 days for freshness.
