Ingredient notes on the yogurt base
When it comes to the yogurt in a yogurt bowl, you can start from any base. But here’s what we prefer when it comes to flavor: Here are all our tips and tricks for how to turn “yogurt bowl” into something more than just yogurt plus granola! Another fun use we’ve found for yogurt bowls is that they’re perfect for low-stress entertaining! Making a DIY yogurt bowl breakfast bar for guests is so simple and a perfect way to make breakfast covered.
Plain Greek yogurt: We like starting with plain Greek yogurt and adding our own sweetener—it just tastes better than buying vanilla or other flavors, in our opinion! We find full-fat Greek yogurt has the best flavor. The brands of yogurt we like the best are Chobani, Stonyfield, and Fage, but feel free to use your favorite brand. Maple syrup and vanilla extract: Adding your own flavoring to Greek yogurt makes the best tasting base. It’s a similar concept to our popular yogurt fruit dip and healthy chocolate pudding. We find that syrup marked “Grade A: Dark Color Robust Taste” has the most vibrant flavor.
Seasonal variations
Want to make a fun yogurt bowl variation? Try these ideas:
Fresh fruit: Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, sliced strawberries, apples, bananas, pineapple, sliced peaches, chopped mango Dried fruit: Dried cherries, cranberries, raisins, golden raisins Nuts: Almonds, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, cashews Seeds: Pepitas (pumpkin seeds), chia seeds Granola: Purchased or homemade granola Coconut: Large flakes of toasted coconut Sweeteners: Maple syrup, honey, agave syrup Sauces and compotes: Strawberry sauce, strawberry compote, blueberry sauce, blueberry compote, peach compote, raspberry sauce, rhubarb compote
Pumpkin yogurt bowl: To 1 cup Greek yogurt add ¼ cup canned pumpkin, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon each vanilla extract and cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice). Top with pepitas or pecans. Apple crisp yogurt bowl: Top the yogurt with sliced apples or homemade applesauce, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and homemade granola. Strawberry rhubarb bowl: Top the yogurt with rhubarb compote, fresh strawberries, chopped pistachios, and a drizzle of honey. Peaches and cream yogurt bowl: Add ripe sliced peaches or peach compote, chopped pecans or homemade granola, and fresh mint sprigs.
Frequently asked questions
Make a big batch of yogurt, then line up bowls of toppings for guests to make it their own, like an ice cream sundae bar. For dairy-free diets, add a batch of oatmeal. It’s hard to find a great non-dairy yogurt. For dairy-free and vegan diets, we like making a batch of our classic oatmeal recipe. See also our top 20 oatmeal recipes.
Try a Breakfast Quinoa Bowl Go for delicious Banana Oatmeal Pancakes (no flour!) Try an Easy Smoothie Bowl instead (similar concept!) Make simple Cottage Cheese Toast, Smoked Salmon Toast, or Avocado Toast
5 from 1 review Pumpkin yogurt bowl: To 1 cup Greek yogurt add ¼ cup canned pumpkin, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon each vanilla extract and cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice). Top with pepitas or pecans. Apple crisp yogurt bowl: Top the yogurt with sliced apples or homemade applesauce, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and homemade granola. Strawberry rhubarb bowl: Top the yogurt with rhubarb compote, fresh strawberries, chopped pistachios, and a drizzle of honey. Peaches and cream yogurt bowl: Add ripe sliced peaches or peach compote, chopped pecans or homemade granola, and fresh mint sprigs.
