7 Nutritious Yogurt-Based Desserts to Indulge in If You Are Watching Your Weight

Yogurt, curd, or dahi, is a staple in our cuisine. Its gut-friendly constituents make it a good choice for a dessert base. You can make light, healthy desserts with yogurt; with natural probiotics and protein, yogurt desserts are easy to digest.

Plain yogurt mixed with fresh fruit is a classic, quick dessert enjoyed any time of day. In summer, lassis made from blending yogurt with water and seasonal fruits like mango are a staple. Thicker yogurt preparations, like shrikhand, are an all-year favorite, involving straining the whey and beating the thicker curd with sugar. The best part is, they don’t require too much work and are easy to make.

1. Fruit Yoghurt

Chunky fruits suspended in a silky yogurt, what’s not to love? You can make your own easily with just fruits, yogurt, and a sweetener as per your preference.

Serving size: 2 people

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain yogurt
• 1 cup mixed fresh fruits (apple, chopped banana, blueberries), chopped
• 2 tbsp honey/sugar (optional)

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix the yogurt and fruits together.
• Sweeten with honey/sugar according to taste.
• Refrigerate for 30 mins and serve chilled.

2. Yogurt Pudding

Thick and velvety smooth, this pudding has the richness of milk with the tanginess of yogurt cutting through to make a complex flavor profile. The spoons will sink into its lush textures, coating your tongue, and making for a comforting dessert.

Serving size: 2-3 people

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp cornflour

Instructions:

• In a saucepan, mix the milk, yogurt, sugar and cornflour.
• Cook on low heat till thickened, stirring constantly.
• Pour into serving bowls and refrigerate for 2 hours.
• Serve chilled.

3. Badam Yoghurt

Buttery smooth almond paste is added into some yogurt, creating an indulgent yet nutritious dessert. The almond's sophisticated flavor shines through, complemented by the floral notes of rose. Each spoonful is like luxury in edible form.

Serving size: 2 people

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almonds
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• A few drops of rose water (optional)

Instructions:

• Soak almonds overnight, peel, and grind to a fine paste.
• Mix the almond paste into yogurt along with sugar and rose water.
• Refrigerate for 2 hours and serve chilled.

4. Chocolate Yoghurt Parfait

This layered dessert is an eclectic mix of different textures and flavors that is fun to eat. Yogurt paired with crunchy granola and sweet berries, with chocolate on top, makes it a delicious and indulgent treat.

Serving Size: Makes 2 parfaits

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup chocolate muesli or cereal
• 1/4 cup fresh berries
• Chocolate shavings for topping

Instructions:

• Layer ingredients in a glass. Start with 2 tbsp yogurt, then granola and seasonal berries.
• Repeat layers, ending with a berry layer on top.
• Garnish with chocolate shavings.

5. Shrikhand

Rich cocoa blends seamlessly into a creamy curd, imparting the trademark deep chocolatey flavor. Each spoonful is an indulgence, with the subtle flavor of the yogurt balancing the intense cocoa. A twist on the classic shrikhand, this is perfect for those who are chocoholics.

Serving size: 3-4 people

Ingredients:

• 2 cups hung curd/yogurt
• 1/2 cup condensed milk
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• A few drops of vanilla essence
• Chocolate chips for garnishing

Instructions:

• Drain the yogurt to remove excess water.
• In a bowl, beat the thick curd well with condensed milk until smooth.
• Add cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla. Beat well.
• Refrigerate for 2 hours.
• Serve chilled, garnished with chocolate chips.

6. Yogurt Jelly

You can now have those wobbly jellies you see in cartoons like Tom and Jerry with added benefits. Wobbly and light, these yogurt-rich jiggly squares have a delightful taste. Their tangy-sweet flavor is refreshing too.

Serving size: 3-4 people

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yogurt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp gelatin powder
• A few drops of food color (optional)

Instructions:

• Soak gelatin in 2 tbsp water for 5 mins.
• Heat the yogurt in a pan, add soaked gelatin, and stir till dissolved.
• Add the sugar and food color, mix well.
• Pour into molds and refrigerate for 4 hours.
• Unmold and serve chilled.

7. Chocolate Yogurt Pops

These frozen treats combine yogurt with chocolate for a cooling snack on hot days ,or when you are just craving a cold treat. Layered in pop molds or cups, the yogurt mixture freezes into icy pops perfect for sticking into your mouth.

Serving Size: Makes 4-6 pops

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup chocolate syrup or cocoa powder
• Pop molds or paper cups

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix together the yogurt and chocolate syrup until fully combined.
• Pour or scoop the mixture into pop molds or paper cups.
• Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for 4 hours, or until fully set.