High Protein Frozen Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bark with Strawberries
Ok if you’re looking for a fun snack to mix things up, this Greek yogurt cheesecake bark with strawberries is IT! Greek yogurt is the star of the show, providing the perfect creamy, frozen base with almost 25 grams of protein per cup for a filling and satisfying snack. This easy-to-make treat requires 5 ingredients and just 5 minutes of prep before letting the freezer do the rest of the work!
You know that feeling of satisfaction when you take a bite of something creamy, sweet, and delicious, and it practically melts in your mouth (like a delicious slice of cheesecake)? Buckle up, because this frozen Greek yogurt cheesecake bark with strawberries is a melt-in-your-mouth delight! And while it’s not a replacement for cheesecake by any means, it’s got all those cheesecake-esque flavors that make for a super satisfying snack
As an intuitive eating dietitian, what I really love most about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients you likely already have on hand and just 5 minutes of prep before popping in the freezer, you can create a delicious and nourishing snack that will delight your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. This Greek yogurt cheesecake bark is perfect for a hot summer’s day, or any time you need a little cheesecake-inspired pick-me-up. Plus, it’s meal prep friendly (huge fan!), so you can make a batch ahead of time and have an easy nourishing snack ready when you need it.
If this recipe’s got you hooked, you should also try my 5 Ingredient Mini Creamy Cheesecake Bites for another quick and satisfying snack—so good!
What You Need For Frozen Cheesecake Bark
Greek Yogurt I’m obsessed, it has the best creamy texture and major bonus, and provides a great protein boost (around 25g per cup). It’s also full of calcium and probiotics, which support bone health and gut health, making this bark both delicious and nutritious.
Cream Cheese provides a tangy flavor that gives it those cheesecake vibes. It also thickens up the base a bit and gives it a smoother, more bite-able texture once frozen.
Lemon Juice adds a refreshing citrus zing that brightens up the flavors. It also compliments the vanilla in the yogurt and further contributes to the cheesecake-like flavor.
Strawberries contribute to the natural sweetness and a burst of fruity flavor. Strawberries contain fiber (around 3g per cup) and antioxidants, adding a nourishing and colorful element to the bark.
How To Make Frozen Cheesecake Bark
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
To a medium bowl, add the yogurt, cream cheese, and lemon and whisk thoroughly until well combined and smooth. Alternatively you can use a food processor for this step!
Transfer the yogurt mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly using the back of a spoon or a spatula.
Top with strawberries and crumbled graham crackers
Freeze for 2 hours or until firm. Once firm, break or cut the bark into pieces or bars and store in an airtight container or sealable freezer bag in the freezer. (it’s a bit hard when you first take it out of the freezer, I like to let it sit about 5 minutes before eating. But don’t leave it too long or it will start to melt!)
Mistakes and Fixes
Yogurt mixture is too runny: I like to use Greek yogurt with at least 2-5% fat for a thicker consistency. You can also use a higher fat option like 9-11% which will be even thicker! Additionally, you can add a bit more cream cheese to thicken it up.
Bark is too hard to cut or break: Let the bark sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before cutting or breaking it into pieces. This will make it easier to handle without melting too quickly.
Strawberries are soggy after freezing: Pat the strawberries dry before placing them on the yogurt mixture. This reduces excess moisture that can lead to sogginess.
Bark melts too quickly when taken out of the freezer: Keep the bark in the freezer until just before serving and enjoy it within a few minutes to prevent melting. Store any leftovers back in the freezer immediately.
Mixture doesn’t spread evenly: Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet. If it’s too thick in some areas, smooth it out to ensure even freezing.
Nutritional Benefits (Nutrition by Addition)
Before I jump into the nutrition benefits of this frozen Greek yogurt cheesecake bark, I want to talk about the philosophy of nutrition by addition. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll know I’m a huge fan of this philosophy focusing on what you can add to your plate versus what to cut out.
Often I talk about it in regards to an ingredient. Like, adding Greek yogurt into a PB and banana smoothie or fried pickle dip recipe for an extra dose of filling protein. But it also applies to what you eat throughout the day, like adding a snack in between meals instead of “holding off” until dinner. Or adding some veggies to your plate for a bit of extra fiber and nutrients, rather than cutting out the pasta from your plate.
The key here is that the additions you are making don’t impact the satisfaction or enjoyment of your eating experience, and while I love this concept, not every meal or snack needs to be perfectly balanced or include nutrition by addition.
Now let’s talk about snacking—the importance of snacking is often overlooked, but adding snacks into your day can be a total game changer in terms of having more stable energy, reducing out of control cravings, and not feeling out of control around food in general (often triggered by low blood sugars).
I often hear from clients in my Make Food Feel Good Program that this one simple change has an immediate ripple effect on everything from mood, relationship with food, reducing binges and “overeating,” and decreased preoccupation with food.
Ok, so let’s dive into what nutritional goodness these ingredients hold!
Greek Yogurt: This creamy base offers a great source of protein, about 25 grams per cup! Protein helps provide a feeling of fullness and supports muscle building and repair. Greek yogurt is also a good source of calcium, which is crucial for bone health, and probiotics that support gut health.
Lemon Juice: Adds a refreshing citrus zing that brightens the flavors. It’s also a source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and aids in the absorption of iron, particularly from plant based sources.
Strawberries: These gorge little berries provide natural sweetness and a burst of fruity flavor. A 1-cup serving contains about 3 grams of fiber, supporting digestive health and blood sugar balance. Strawberries are also a source of antioxidants, which protect our cells from oxidative damage.
Recipe, Kitchen, & Time Saving Hacks
Line the Baking Sheet: Use parchment paper to line the baking sheet for easy removal of the frozen bark. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Batch Prep: Make a double batch of the bark and store extra pieces in the freezer. This way, you always have a convenient, nutritious snack ready to go.
Storage Tips: Store the frozen bark pieces in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness. It should last about 1 month.
Quick Cleanup: Use a silicone spatula for spreading the yogurt mixture. It’s easy to clean and helps to spread the mixture smoothly and evenly.
Did you Make This Recipe?
If you make this Frozen Cheesecake Bark it would make my day if you would leave a comment and/or star rating below—I love hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @lindsaypleskot.rd so I can see your versions! It makes me so happy to see these recipes come to life in your kitchens! Xo
High Protein Frozen Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bark with Strawberries
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Description
Ok if you’re looking for a fun snack to mix things up, this Greek yogurt cheesecake bark with strawberries is IT! Greek yogurt is the star of the show, providing the perfect creamy, frozen base with almost 25 grams of protein per cup for a filling and satisfying snack. This easy-to-make treat requires 5 ingredients and just 5 minutes of prep before letting the freezer do the rest of the work!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups vanilla Greek yogurt (I used 5%)
¼ cup cream cheese softened at room temperature
Juice of ½ lemon (about 1–1 ½ tablespoons)
4 graham crackers, crushed
6 fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
-
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
-
To a medium bowl, add the yogurt, cream cheese, and lemon and whisk thoroughly until well combined and smooth. Alternatively you can use a food processor for this step!
-
Transfer the yogurt mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly using the back of a spoon or a spatula.
-
Top with strawberries and crumbled graham crackers
-
Freeze for 2 hours or until firm. Once firm, break or cut the bark into pieces or bars and store in an airtight container or sealable freezer bag in the freezer. (it’s a bit hard when you first take it out of the freezer, I like to let it sit about 5 minutes before eating. But don’t leave it too long or it will start to melt!)