This Frozen Yogurt Bars Recipe is the summer treat you’ll turn to again and again! Creamy, protein-packed, and studded with chocolatey peanut butter cups, these bars come together in a flash with just five main ingredients—and zero oven time. Whether you need a sweet snack, healthy dessert, or an energy-boosting bite, these frosty bars are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and keep you cool.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy & Wholesome: Thanks to thick yogurt and a splash of vanilla, each bite is lusciously smooth but still refreshing—and packed with satiating protein.
- Customizable Mix-Ins Galore: You can toss in chocolate chips, homemade peanut butter cups, nuts, or dried fruit—let your imagination (and cravings) take the lead!
- No-Bake Simplicity: With just a bowl and a loaf pan, these bars go from prep to freezer with zero fuss—perfect for busy days or spontaneous sweet cravings.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Frozen Yogurt Bars Recipe is ideal for meal prep; slice and store for a ready-to-eat treat anytime you wish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this Frozen Yogurt Bars Recipe is just how straightforward the ingredients are—each one has a job to do, whether that’s adding creamy richness, a boost of protein, or irresistible sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need (plus a few tips for getting the best results!).
- Thick Coconut Yogurt or Greek Yogurt: This is the creamy base for the bars; Greek gives you tang and protein, while coconut yogurt lends a dairy-free twist and subtle tropical flavor.
- Protein Powder: For extra staying power and a boost of nutrition! Use your favorite flavor—vanilla or unflavored both work beautifully.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Natural sweetness balances out the tart yogurt and helps keep the bars scoopable when frozen.
- Pinch Sea Salt: Don’t skip this—it sharpens all the flavors and makes the sweetness pop.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash brings warmth and dessert-like aroma to the frozen base.
- Mix-Ins (optional): Cacao nibs, chopped dates, or nuts for a little bite and extra fun (get creative—your bars, your rules!).
- Homemade Peanut Butter Cups: Chocolate and peanut butter lovers, this one’s for you: a DIY version amps up the decadence above and beyond store-bought candy.
- Chocolate Chips: For stirring in or sprinkling on top, so every bite has a pop of chocolate!
- Peanut Butter & Extra Protein Powder: You’ll use these to make the peanut butter cup filling rich and satisfying.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this Frozen Yogurt Bars Recipe your own! There are endless ways to personalize the flavors and textures, so you’ll never get bored—you can easily adapt the bars for any dietary need, season, or favorite ingredient lingering in your pantry.
- Dairy-Free Dream: Use coconut yogurt and a plant-based protein powder for luscious vegan bars that everyone can enjoy.
- Berry Swirl: Drop dollops of your favorite fruit jam or swirl in a handful of fresh berries before freezing for a pop of color and juicy tartness.
- Tropical Crunch: Add chopped dried pineapple, toasted coconut flakes, or macadamia nuts for a sunny, beachy vibe.
- Chocolate Lover’s: Double up on chocolate chips and add a dusting of cocoa powder to the yogurt base—this is for those days when you need chocolate front and center!
- Nutty Goodness: Mix through toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans for extra crunch and toasty flavor.
How to Make Frozen Yogurt Bars Recipe
Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Cups
Start by melting your chocolate chips until smooth. Spoon a little into the base of each cavity of a mini muffin pan or silicone mold, then freeze until set. Meanwhile, mix the peanut butter and (optional) protein powder; spoon a dollop into each mold, then cover with the rest of the melted chocolate. Pop back into the freezer for about an hour or until perfectly firm. If you don’t have mini molds, just use a regular muffin tin and chop the cups into bite-sized chunks once frozen!
Step 2: Prepare the Yogurt Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, protein powder, maple syrup or honey, sea salt, and vanilla extract. This creamy mixture is the heart of your Frozen Yogurt Bars Recipe—taste and adjust the sweetness now before adding your favorite mix-ins. If you want extra chocolatey goodness, you can throw in a handful of chocolate chips, too!
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. Pour the yogurt mixture evenly into the pan, then scatter the homemade peanut butter cups on top (or fold them into the yogurt base for hidden surprises in every slice). Smooth the top gently, then add any extra garnishes or mix-ins you love.
Step 4: Freeze and Slice
Transfer the pan to the freezer and let it chill for 2–3 hours or until the bars are completely solid. When ready to serve, let the pan sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly—this makes slicing a breeze! Cut into bars or squares, then store in an airtight container in the freezer until you’re ready for a frosty snack.
Pro Tips for Making Frozen Yogurt Bars Recipe
- Protein Powder Picks: Only use a protein powder you genuinely love the taste of—since it flavors every bite, this will make or break your bars!
- Chocolate Temperatures Matter: Melt chocolate gently (using a microwave in 20-second intervals or a double-boiler) to prevent it from seizing for silky-smooth peanut butter cups.
- Slice When Slightly Soft: Always let the bars sit out for 5–10 minutes before slicing—this prevents crumbling and gives you perfect, creamy edges.
- Mix-Ins Placement: For pretty presentation, sprinkle mix-ins on top after pouring the yogurt mixture into the pan—this way, every bar looks as gorgeous as it tastes!
How to Serve Frozen Yogurt Bars Recipe
Garnishes
The fun doesn’t stop when you slice up this Frozen Yogurt Bars Recipe! For an Instagram-worthy finish, scatter extra chopped nuts, a handful of cacao nibs, or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the bars right before serving. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also make the sweetness and chocolate really shine.
Side Dishes
While these bars shine solo, they also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salads (think: juicy strawberries or mango), a handful of roasted nuts for crunch, or even a fruity iced tea for a dreamy afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters for parties, stack them tall on a serving plate for a wow-worthy dessert platter, or wrap individual squares in parchment and tie with twine for the cutest lunchbox surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cut, quickly transfer your Frozen Yogurt Bars Recipe to an airtight container and store in the freezer. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking and keep flavors fresh and bright for up to two weeks.
Freezing
This recipe lives for the freezer! For less freezer burn and the smoothest texture, keep the container tightly sealed, and avoid opening too often. The bars keep best for up to a month, though they’re usually devoured long before then.
Reheating
No reheating needed—just let the bars thaw at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before enjoying for the best balance of creamy, dreamy freeze and easy-to-bite texture.
FAQs
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Can I make this Frozen Yogurt Bars Recipe without protein powder?
Absolutely! The protein powder adds a nutrition boost, but you can simply leave it out if you prefer or don’t have any on hand—your bars will still be creamy, delicious, and satisfying.
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What type of yogurt is best?
Both thick Greek yogurt and coconut yogurt work beautifully in this recipe. For a classic tang and protein, go Greek. For a dairy-free, subtler taste, choose coconut yogurt—just make sure whichever you use is thick and creamy for the best bar texture.
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How do I prevent the bars from getting too hard to eat?
Let the bars thaw for about 5–10 minutes on the counter before slicing or serving—this makes all the difference in getting a creamy, not rock-solid, bite. Adding a bit of honey or maple syrup to the yogurt also helps keep them scoopable from the freezer.
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Can I add other mix-ins to this Frozen Yogurt Bars Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped fresh fruit, dried fruit, extra nuts, or a swirl of nut butter all work wonders. Feel free to experiment and create your own signature bar each time!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a treat that’s simple, nourishing, and totally customizable, you have to try this Frozen Yogurt Bars Recipe. Whether you go classic or load it up with every mix-in imaginable, these bars promise cool, creamy bliss with every bite. Enjoy—and don’t forget to share a few with your favorite people!
Print
Frozen Yogurt Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Total Time: 2-3 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Freezing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and creamy frozen yogurt bars with a hint of sweetness and a touch of crunch, perfect for a refreshing treat on a hot day. Customize with your favorite mix-ins like chopped dates, cacao nibs, or nuts!
Ingredients
Yogurt Bars:
- 2 cups thick coconut yogurt or greek yogurt
- 5 tbsp protein powder
- 3–4 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Mix-ins of your choice (optional)
Peanut Butter Cups:
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tbsp protein powder (optional)
Instructions
- Peanut Butter Cups: Melt chocolate until smooth. Add to molds or mini muffin pans, freeze. Combine peanut butter and protein, layer over chocolate, freeze again.
- Bars: Mix all yogurt bar ingredients. Pour into lined pan, add peanut butter cups or chocolate chips. Freeze until solid, cut into bars, store in the freezer.
Notes
- Use a protein powder you enjoy for best results.
- If skipping peanut butter cups, simply mix in chocolate chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
