Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Unlike traditional ice cream bars packed with sugar and additives, these healthier bars use natural sweeteners, Greek yogurt, fruit, and dark chocolate for a lighter alternative. They’re freezer-friendly, portion-controlled, and completely customizable with your favorite flavors and toppings. Best of all, they’re easy to make at home with just a few simple steps.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
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Honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
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Vanilla extract
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Fresh fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices)
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Dark chocolate, melted
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Coconut oil (to help the chocolate harden)
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Chopped nuts or granola (optional, for topping)
Directions
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In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with honey and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Pour the yogurt mixture into silicone ice cream bar molds or popsicle molds.
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Add sliced fruit into each mold and press gently into the yogurt.
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Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
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Once frozen, remove the bars from the molds.
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Dip or drizzle each bar with melted dark chocolate mixed with coconut oil.
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Sprinkle with nuts or granola if desired, then place on a lined tray and return to the freezer for 10–15 minutes until the chocolate sets.
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Enjoy straight from the freezer.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 ice cream bars.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Freezing time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Variations
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Use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan version.
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Blend the yogurt with fruit puree for a swirl effect.
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Coat the entire bar in chocolate instead of drizzling for a richer treat.
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Add peanut butter or almond butter into the yogurt mixture for extra creaminess.
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Use granola as the base layer before pouring in the yogurt for added crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Store the ice cream bars in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 weeks. Place parchment paper between the bars to prevent sticking. These bars are meant to be enjoyed frozen, so reheating is not necessary.
FAQs
Can I make these without molds?
Yes, you can pour the mixture into a lined baking dish, freeze, and then cut into bars once solid.
Can I skip the chocolate coating?
Absolutely, the chocolate is optional. The bars are delicious with just fruit and yogurt.
What type of chocolate works best?
Dark chocolate (70% or higher) is best for a healthier option, but you can use milk or white chocolate if you prefer.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, but thaw slightly before adding to the yogurt so it blends well.
How do I prevent freezer burn?
Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap before storing in a container.
Can I make them sugar-free?
Yes, skip the honey or use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
Can kids enjoy these bars?
Definitely! They’re a fun and healthier treat for kids compared to store-bought ice cream bars.
How long do they take to freeze solid?
At least 4 hours, but overnight freezing gives the best results.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes, mixing in protein powder with the yogurt makes them a great post-workout snack.
Do they melt quickly?
They hold up well for a few minutes at room temperature but should be eaten straight from the freezer for the best texture.
Conclusion
Healthy Ice Cream Bars are a simple, customizable, and refreshing dessert you can enjoy guilt-free. With creamy yogurt, fresh fruit, and optional chocolate or crunchy toppings, they’re both nutritious and indulgent. Perfect for summer days or anytime you’re craving a frozen treat, these bars will become a freezer staple for the whole family.
Healthy Ice Cream Bar
A refreshing frozen treat made with Greek yogurt, fruit, and dark chocolate for a lighter, healthier version of classic ice cream bars. Creamy, customizable, and perfect for summer snacking or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (includes freezing time)
- Yield: 6 ice cream bars
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 2 cups Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
- 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices)
- 1 cup dark chocolate, melted
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts or granola (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Mix Greek yogurt with honey and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
- Pour the yogurt mixture into silicone ice cream bar molds or popsicle molds.
- Add sliced fruit into each mold, pressing gently into the yogurt.
- Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours, until solid.
- Remove the bars from the molds once frozen.
- Mix melted dark chocolate with coconut oil and dip or drizzle over each bar.
- Sprinkle with nuts or granola if desired, then place on a lined tray and freeze for 10–15 minutes until chocolate sets.
- Serve and enjoy straight from the freezer.
Notes
Use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option.Blend yogurt with fruit puree for a swirl effect.Fully coat bars in chocolate for a richer treat.Add nut butter to the yogurt mixture for extra creaminess.Store with parchment between bars to avoid sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg