Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries – hulled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – enhances the natural sweetness of the berries
- ½ cup Madhava Agave syrup – a natural sweetener that adds just the right amount of sweetness
- 2 cups plain or vanilla Greek yogurt – provides a creamy texture and a boost of protein
Instructions
Step 1: Puree the Berries
In a food processor or blender, pulse the strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries until they are almost completely pureed. You can leave a few small berry pieces for added texture if you prefer.
Tip: If you don’t have a high-powered blender, let the berries sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before blending. This will make the process easier and smoother.
Step 2: Add Sweetener and Vanilla
Once the berries are blended, add the agave syrup and vanilla extract. Pulse again until fully incorporated. This step ensures that the sweetness is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Tip: Taste the mixture at this stage. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more agave syrup or honey.
Step 3: Combine with Yogurt
Transfer the berry mixture to a freezer-safe bowl and stir in the Greek yogurt until well combined. Make sure the yogurt is evenly distributed so that every bite has a balanced flavor.
Tip: If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend the yogurt and berry mixture together in the blender instead of stirring it by hand.
Step 4: Initial Freezing
Cover the mixture and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes. This helps it firm up slightly before churning, which improves the final texture.
Tip: If you don’t have an ice cream machine, you can still make this recipe! Instead of churning, simply freeze the mixture for a few hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Step 5: Churn the Mixture
Pour the mixture into an ice cream machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This process usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on your machine.
Tip: If you like a soft-serve texture, you can enjoy it right after churning. For a firmer consistency, transfer it back to the freezer for another hour or two.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the frozen yogurt reaches your desired consistency, scoop it into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of granola for added crunch.
Notes
Common Troubleshooting Issues
- Too Hard After Freezing? If the frozen yogurt becomes too firm after a few hours in the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
- Too Soft? If the mixture doesn’t firm up enough in the freezer, ensure your freezer temperature is set correctly. You can also let it freeze for an extra hour.
- Not Sweet Enough? If you find the frozen yogurt too tart, add more agave syrup or mix in a mashed banana for natural sweetness.
Helpful Kitchen Tips
- Pre-Freeze Your Ice Cream Bowl: If using an ice cream machine, make sure the bowl is fully frozen before churning. This helps achieve the best texture.
- Use Ripe Berries: The sweeter the berries, the better the flavor. If your berries are slightly tart, increase the amount of sweetener accordingly.
- Make it Creamier: If you prefer a richer texture, try adding a tablespoon of coconut cream or a splash of heavy cream to the mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes