This frozen yogurt for kids recipe feels like a fun summer treat, but comes together with simple ingredients and nourishing at the same time! As a dietitian mom of two toddlers, I’m always looking for snacks that feel fun while still offering nutrient-density (especially since their tummies can only hold so much volume).
Creamy Greek yogurt, fluffy whipped topping, fresh berries, and a little vanilla get transformed into the easiest homemade frozen yogurt situation that you can scoop right onto cones. My toddlers loved these frozen yogurt "ice cream" cones and they didn't even ask for more because it was that satisfying!
Perfect for hot afternoons, easy snack prep, summer parties, or honestly just when your toddler asks for a snack for the 17th time.
Why You and Your Kids Will Love This Frozen Yogurt
- fun recipe to make with your little ones (get them to help stir the mix-ins)
- tastes like a fun frozen treat without needing an ice cream machine
- easy enough to throw together in 10 minutes
- made with simple ingredients you probably already have
- contains protein and calcium from Greek yogurt
- toddler-friendly and easy to customize (can make no added sugar if desired!)
- perfect for warm weather snack prep
- can be served in cones, bowls, or little cups
This frozen yogurt for kids was inspired by my frozen greek yogurt ice cream sandwiches, but I wanted a scoopable version for cones or bowls instead.
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Ingredients You Need
Here's what you need to make this frozen yogurt for kids:
- plain Greek yogurt (full fat 5% preferred): creates that creamy frozen yogurt texture while adding protein, calcium, and healthy fats
- whipped topping: keeps the texture light, fluffy, and scoopable instead of freezing rock solid (can sub with extra yogurt or whipped cream cheese if desired for no added sugar)
- vanilla extract: adds that classic soft serve flavor
- maple syrup or honey (optional): for a little extra sweetness if needed
- berries or fruit of choice: add natural sweetness, fiber, and vitamin C
- waffle cones or mini sugar cones: because toddlers think everything is more exciting in a cone
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Your Frozen Yogurt Soft Serve
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, fold together the Greek yogurt, whipped topping (or extra yogurt), vanilla, and optional maple syrup until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 2: Lightly mash the berries if desired for more berry flavor throughout, then gently fold in the berries or fruit of choice.
- Step 3: Spread the mixture evenly into a square baking dish or loaf pan. Optional to place saran wrap over (no air bubbles) over the yogurt to help prevent icy texture. Freeze for about 2-4 hours, or until firm enough to scoop but not frozen completely solid. If freezing overnight, then you'll need to set out for about 30 minutes to soften up!
- Step 4: Scoop into cones, bowls, or mini cups and enjoy! Feel free to drizzle chocolate syrup, hemp hearts, sprinkles, whatever toppings you want!
Hint for the Best Frozen Yogurt
If you want the creamiest texture, I highly recommend using 5% whole milk Greek yogurt instead of nonfat yogurt. Higher fat yogurt freezes softer and gives you more of that true frozen yogurt vibe vs an icy frozen yogurt bark texture.
If serving this for younger toddlers, you can skip the cones and serve in a bowl with a spoon instead.
Substitutions
This frozen yogurt for kids is already gluten-free, egg-free, nut-free, and can easily be made dairy-free!
- dairy-free - use a thick dairy-free yogurt like coconut yogurt or almond milk Greek-style yogurt plus a dairy-free whipped topping (or just extra dairy-free yogurt), coconut yogurt will give the creamiest texture
- lower added sugar - skip the optional maple syrup or honey and use naturally sweet berries or vanilla yogurt instead
Variations
Feel free to change up the mix-ins to create a frozen yogurt flavor that your family enjoys best!
- chocolate peanut butter frozen yogurt - add 2-4 tablespoon cocoa powder and a drizzle of melted peanut butter
- strawberry cheesecake version - blend the strawberries into a puree and stir in crushed graham crackers on top
- tropical version - swap berries for mango and pineapple
- chocolate chip - stir in mini chocolate chips
- higher protein version - use all Greek yogurt and reduce the whipped topping slightly (texture will be firmer)
Go check out these frozen Greek yogurt ice cream sandwiches for another fun, easy summer snack that your kids will also love!
Equipment
You don’t even need an ice cream maker for this recipe, which is one of the reasons I love it! Just a mixing bowl, spatula or spoon for spreading, measuring cups, and a square pan or loaf pan for freezing.
Storing Your Frozen Yogurt for Kids
Store covered in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. For the best texture, enjoy within the first 1-2 weeks when it’s creamiest. If frozen longer, let it sit at room temp for about 30 minutes before scooping since homemade frozen yogurt firms up more than traditional ice cream.
If you want easier grab-and-go portions, you can also scoop into silicone popsicle molds before freezing.
Tiff's Dietitian Tip
As a dietitian + mom who struggled with my own relationship with food growing up, one thing I really try to model is keeping sweets neutral. That means I’m absolutely not opposed to real ice cream (we love the real thing over here too), but I also like helping my kids see that fun frozen treats can come in lots of forms!
Sometimes that’s actual ice cream, sometimes it’s something like this with yogurt + fruit that also adds other nutrition benefits. Because while all foods can fit, eating ice cream every single day probably wouldn’t leave most of our bodies feeling their absolute best.
FAQ
Yes! Frozen yogurt can absolutely be a fun toddler-friendly snack, especially when made with simple ingredients like Greek yogurt and fruit. For younger toddlers, serving in a bowl may be easier than using cones.
Yes, but the texture will be much firmer and less soft-serve-like.
Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead summer snack. Just freeze until firm, then let it sit at room temp for 20-30 minutes before scooping if it’s been frozen overnight.
I recommend 5% whole milk Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture. Nonfat yogurt tends to freeze much icier, while higher-fat yogurt gives more of that soft frozen yogurt consistency.
Greek yogurt naturally adds protein, which can help make this more filling than a typical frozen dessert! Exact protein will vary depending on the yogurt you use.
Definitely. Skip the optional maple syrup/honey and rely on the natural sweetness from the fruit plus the whipped topping.
This usually happens when using low-fat yogurt, adding too much liquid from fruit, or freezing too long. Whole milk Greek yogurt + drained fruit gives the best texture.
Try crushed graham crackers, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, freeze-dried strawberries, hemp hearts, granola, peanut butter drizzle, or crushed cereal for fun texture.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this frozen yogurt for kids:
Easy Frozen Yogurt for Kids
Equipment
- square or loaf dish
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt preferably 5%, thick dairy-free yogurt if needed
- 1 cups whipped topping thawed, dairy-free if needed or extra yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 1-2 cups mixed berries or fruit of choice chopped or lightly mashed
- 1-2 tablespoon maple syrup or honey optional for sweetness
- cones for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the Greek yogurt, whipped topping (or extra yogurt), vanilla extract, and optional maple syrup or honey (if using) until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the berries or fruit of choice, lightly mashing first if you want more flavor throughout.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a square baking dish or loaf pan. Optional to place saran wrap over (no air bubbles) over the yogurt to help prevent icy texture. Freeze for about 2-4 hours, or until firm enough to scoop but not frozen completely solid. If freezing overnight, then you'll need to set out for about 30 minutes to soften up!
- Scoop into cones, bowls, or mini cups and enjoy! Feel free to drizzle chocolate syrup, hemp hearts, sprinkles, whatever toppings you want!
Notes
- Full-fat Greek yogurt creates the creamiest texture. If using dairy-free, try to find a Greek-style yogurt or full-fat version.
- For super easy version, just mix chopped fruit + whipped topping + vanilla extract in a tub of yogurt and freeze the tub!
- Because this version uses more yogurt, it freezes a little firmer than a traditional soft serve. Make sure to let it thaw some before scooping or freeze JUST until slightly firmer!
- For a smoother texture, blend the berries into a puree instead of folding them in. Or you can blend everything together then pour in the pan!
- Sub whipped topping with more plain yogurt and don't add sweetener to avoid added sugar for littles under 2yo.
- Serve in bowls for younger toddlers instead of cones.
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