This post is sponsored by FAGE; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
We had our first 70 degree day the other week and now I’m daydreaming of all things summer. Beach days, sunshine, sandals, bonfires, and of course my favorite, ice cream!
As soon as the temperature starts climbing I want all the frozen things and ice cream is no exception! I wanted to share with you one of my favorite healthier sweet treats that lets you live it up and enjoy spring and summer to their full potential, including eating all those yummy foods that sometimes we put off limits due to less than stellar nutrition or ingredients (ahem, like artificial flavors and colors).
My kids were OBSESSED with these strawberry ice cream sandwich bars that we used to buy from the store and this mama indulged in them every now and then too. While I enjoyed them, a quick look at the ingredients and nutritional content makes me cringe (as does watching my kids go crazy from the massive dose of artificial colors and high fructose sugar). I decided then and there to find a new healthier, lighter and more wholesome alternative and that’s when I created this recipe for strawberry Greek yogurt ice cream sandwiches made with FAGE Total Greek yogurt.
Strawberry frozen Greek yogurt ice cream bars are so incredibly easy and everyone in my family loves them. These frozen yogurt ice cream bars squeeze a whole bunch of nutritional goodness in between two soft and chewy graham crackers: creamy protein-rich frozen yogurt, fresh fruit and the perfect amount of sweetness!
They are made with simple, wholesome ingredients: FAGE Total 2% Plain Greek Yogurt (you can use any fat content, but I prefer the 2% for an ultra creamy ice cream), fresh fruit, low-fat (or non-fat) whipped cream, graham crackers, vanilla and a smidge of honey (optional). The real-food ingredients allows me to feel good about serving them to my littles AND enjoy them myself without any feelings of guilt or overindulging, as they’re a great healthy sweet treat that are perfect for cooling off on those warm spring & summer days!
Using FAGE Total Plain Greek Yogurt is a great super rich, creamy and thick base for the frozen yogurt and I love that it has no added sugar (contains only naturally occurring milk sugar). FAGE Total Plain Greek yogurt is one of my MVP’s when it comes to healthier cooking (I have a whole post with great unique ways to use Greek yogurt). It’s a great substitute in terms of creating lower fat and sugar content treats and meals, and you don’t have to worry about questionable ingredients as it is made with only with milk and live active yogurt cultures.
While I make ours with strawberries most of the time, you could easily substitute any fruit of your choice (blueberries, pineapple, peaches, etc.) or even add some sprinkles for a confetti inspired ice cream bar. The addition of whipped cream helps to create a thick ice cream consistency while adding a little extra sweetness. For those wanting a sweeter frozen yogurt, add honey to taste.
When compared to store-bought bars, these bars knock it out of the park in terms of nutrition:
- Less calories
- Higher protein
- Less sugar
- Wholesome ingredients
- Less fat
Strawberry Greek Yogurt Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup FAGE Total 2% Plain Greek Yogurt
- 1 1/2 cup Whipped Cream light
- 1 cup strawberries diced into small pieces
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2-1 Tbsp honey optional, to taste
- 8 graham crackers
Instructions
- Line a casserole or baking dish with parchment paper.
- In medium bowl, add yogurt, strawberries, vanilla extract and honey (optional). Mix well.
- Fold in whipped cream until mixed well.
- Place half the graham crackers on the bottom of lined dish. Spread yogurt mixture evenly over graham crackers and top with remaining graham crackers.
- Freeze for 4 to 6 hours. Remove from freezer and cut into squares.
- Let sit for a few minutes in room temperature to slightly soften before serving.
Notes
As you can see, these bars are a winner with kids and adults! We’ll be enjoying these all season long through pool parties, backyard BBQ’s and with the neighborhood!
What’s your favorite summer treat?
For more great ways to use FAGE Total Plain Greek Yogurt, check out all these great recipes!
These are amazing. I think it would be a wonderful addition to my daughter’s upcoming birthday party. Gonna try it.
Oh. My. Summer. Yumminess! This literally looks like the perfect taste of beginning summer!
These look delicious! And perfect for summer!
Oh my gosh a perfect summer treat! These look absolutely AMAZING
This looks so good! Can’t wait for summer to make ice-cream sandwiches
Yum! I am totally making these!
I absolutely LOVE making my own frozen yogurt using greek yogurt. My kids love me extra hard the days I make them! lol I never thought to make a sandwich like these though. They look absolutely delicious!
My kids hate having to wait hours for it to freeze so the way I do it is by blending Greek yogurt with frozen fruit in my handy dandy ninja for instant frozen yogurt. The more frozen fruit you use, the thicker and colder it’ll be. Just a small suggestion if you don’t want to wait a few hours for the mixture to freeze. 😉
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
Two of my three boys have a major sweet tooth, and while I do let them eat sweets in moderation; it s a constant battle to prevent overindulgence! I am always on the lookout for a healthy dessert option, and these graham cracker and frozen yogurt sandwiches are the perfect answer!