How to Make Creamy Chocolate Yogurt Ice Cream (No Churn!)

No special equipment needed! 

A healthy, rich, and creamy chocolate yogurt ice cream recipe that’s easy and fast. Made with simple ingredients.

Whether you’re looking for a dessert recipe for your toddler, older kiddos or yourself, this recipe will not disappoint. 

This recipe is very similar to my Insanely Easy and Healthy Cocoa Greek Yogurt Recipe. The yogurt will give this more of a tangy flavor compared to regular chocolate ice cream but I find this recipe to be just as good as regular dessert!

In this post, I’ll show you two ways to make a yummy chocolate yogurt ice cream. I’ll give you the best variations and helpful tips along the way. 

Packed with protein and yet oh so delicious. Have this as a snack or dessert. The flavor combinations are endless. See my list below of favorite toppings to try! 

Pin it for later -Chocolate Yogurt Ice Cream

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Equipment 

• Ice cream machine (optional) -You don’t need any special equipment 
• Blender or food processor (optional)
• Freezer-safe container

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups whole-milk Greek yogurt 
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2-4 tablespoons maple syrup (see notes for substitutions)

How to make chocolate yogurt ice cream

Instructions 

1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl or blend ingredients in a blender or food processor. 
2. Pour yogurt mixture into either an ice cream maker or large freezer safe, airtight container. 
3. For the ice cream machine, churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 
4. For the container method, place the container in the freezer filled with the chocolate yogurt. 
5. Every 30 minutes, take it out to stir. After 2-3 hours you should have creamy chocolate yogurt ice cream. 
6. You can freeze the chocolate frozen yogurt leftovers, but you’ll want to take the yogurt out of the freezer 20 minutes before serving. Otherwise it will be frozen solid. 

Notes

Can substitute cocoa for unsweetened baking chocolate. Just melt the chocolate in the microwave in 10-15 second intervals, stirring in between. Quickly mix melted chocolate into yogurt. 

Sweetener 

As a mom trying to limit added sugar, I tend to lean towards less sweetener or getting the sweetness from fruit.

I find that 1 tablespoon of maple syrup is plenty for me. If you have a sweeter palette, then you might prefer closer to 2 tablespoons. 

A high fiber alternative for sweetener is blending 2-3 dates into the yogurt. I’m all for more fiber in my own ( and my kid’s) diet.

I routinely sweeten my baking with date paste I’ve made instead of sugar or honey/maple syrup. 

You can also substitute with any granulated sweetener of choice or raw sugar. This chocolate yogurt recipe is really versatile and will work well with many different types of sweeteners.

It really just comes down to personal preference. 

Storage

Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. This will freeze solid if you leave it in the freezer and you won’t be able to scoop it out like ice cream. In this case, take the yogurt out of the freezer 20 minutes before serving.

Cocoa 

If your cocoa is lumpy, you can sift it first before adding it to the yogurt. I usually just add it (lumps and all) and mix it up really well.

If you let it sit a couple of minutes you can go back and stir it really well again and get most of the lumps out. You can sub cacao powder or Dutch-processed cocoa powder as well.

You can run the yogurt and cocoa powder through a blender if you want it really smooth.

If you’re using baking chocolate, be sure to buy the unsweetened chocolate. Or if you have sweetened baking chocolate, you can use it, but wouldn’t need the extra sweetener or maple syrup. 

Vanilla

A high quality vanilla makes a huge difference. But whatever you got on hand is perfectly fine too!

Yogurt

I use whole milk, unsweetened and plain Greek yogurt. You can certainly use a flavored yogurt instead of plain yogurt, but I would try it without the extra sweetener.

It will most likely be plenty sweet with the sugar that’s already added. You could also use regular yogurt instead of full-fat Greek yogurt.

It won’t be as thick and creamy, but will still do the trick for your sweet tooth. I like the high protein and thickness of the Greek yogurt, but use whatever you prefer!

Flavor combinations for chocolate yogurt ice cream

• Raspberries and cacao nibs 
• Cherries
• Strawberries and a handful of walnuts
• Crushed peanuts and hemp seeds

Other toppings

• Peanut butter drizzle
• Diced ripe banana
• dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder
• Scoop of chocolate protein powder for added grams of protein
• Mixed fresh berries
• Cut up ripe bananas

This easy recipe is for my fellow chocolate lovers! A healthy alternative for your chocolate craving. This homemade chocolate yogurt ice cream has the added bonus of gut-healthy probiotics. 

As a mom looking for recipes made with wholesome ingredients, I hope you try this recipe and let me know what you think! It has quickly become a favorite dessert of mine. These make the best frozen treats for hot summer days.