Greek Yogurt with Cherry Spoon Sweets: A Greek-Inspired Breakfast Delight
Greek yogurt with cherry spoon sweets is a simple yet delicious breakfast that combines creamy yogurt with sweet, tangy cherry syrup. I first discovered this treat during a trip to Greece and was instantly captivated by the perfect balance of flavors. It’s an easy recipe ideal for beginners, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort. Greek yogurt provides a healthy dose of protein, while the cherries add a natural sweetness. Whether you’re treating yourself or serving guests, this dish is sure to make your morning special.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ cups frozen, pitted cherries
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. real vanilla extract
- Juice from ½ lemon
- 32 oz. Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat for extra creaminess)
- Water (amount varies, see instructions)
Instructions
- Thaw the Cherries:
The first step in preparing this dish is to thaw the cherries. Place 1½ cups of frozen, pitted cherries into a strainer, setting the strainer over a mixing bowl. The bowl will catch any cherry juice that is released as the cherries thaw. To do this properly, place the strainer and bowl in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 8 hours. This will allow the cherries to thaw slowly while releasing their juice. You should end up with about 2-3 ounces of cherry juice. After thawing, transfer the cherries to a separate container and set them aside. - Prepare the Syrup:
Pour the cherry juice into a measuring cup. If you have less than ½ cup of cherry juice, simply add enough water to bring the total liquid to ½ cup. If you already have a full ½ cup of juice, there’s no need to add any water.
Pour the juice into a small saucepan, then add 1 cup of white granulated sugar, the juice from ½ a lemon, and 1 tsp. of vanilla extract.
Place the saucepan over low heat and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes. Don’t stir constantly, but feel free to give the pan a gentle swirl every now and then to ensure the sugar dissolves evenly. As the syrup simmers, it will thicken slightly, turning into a runny syrup. Once you’ve reached the desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool. As it cools, it will continue to thicken. - Assemble the Dish:
Once the syrup has cooled for about 30 minutes, it’s time to assemble your yogurt bowls. Spoon 4-5 cherries along with a generous amount of the syrup over each serving of Greek yogurt. The yogurt should be smooth and creamy, while the cherries and syrup add a burst of sweet and tangy flavor. If desired, you can garnish the dish with a few extra fresh cherries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts or granola for added texture. - Serve and Enjoy:
After assembling the dish, you can serve it immediately. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for later. The cherry syrup can also be kept in the fridge for up to a week, so you can prepare it ahead of time.
Notes
- Thawing the Cherries: If you forgot to thaw the cherries overnight, you can speed up the process by placing them in a bowl of warm water for about an hour. Just make sure to drain them well before using them in the recipe.
- Simmering the Syrup: When simmering the cherry syrup, it’s important to keep the heat low to prevent the sugar from burning. Stirring isn’t necessary, but if you notice the syrup sticking to the bottom of the pan, gently swirl it every so often to ensure even heating.
- Syrup Consistency: If the syrup is still too runny after simmering, you can let it cook for a few more minutes. Keep in mind that the syrup will thicken as it cools, so it doesn’t need to be super thick when you remove it from the heat.