If you love chocolate ice cream but want more protein, this homemade chocolate frozen yogurt is the perfect option. It has an ultra creamy soft serve texture and rich chocolate flavor, with a protein packed base thanks to the Greek yogurt. Whether you’re using an ice cream maker or the Ninja CREAMi, this chocolate frozen yogurt recipe comes together quickly and makes the ultimate satisfying treat.
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Why This Chocolate Frozen Yogurt Recipe is the Best
- Simple Ingredients: You only need five ingredients to create this rich and satisfying dessert, and they’re all pantry staples.
- Versatile: You can use different milk options to customize the creaminess and richness to your liking.
- High Protein, Low Calories: Greek yogurt gives this recipe a boost of protein while staying low in calories, making it more satiating than regular frozen desserts.
Ingredients Breakdown
Plain Greek Yogurt
This provides the base for the frozen yogurt. It’s thick, creamy, and packed with protein. Full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt works best for the creamiest result. I use Fage brand.
Milk, Heavy Cream, or Half & Half
Feel free to use any milk you prefer – dairy free milk alternatives to whole or skim milk can be used. I love using 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream for a balanced, creamy texture. Heavy cream makes it richer, while regular or dairy free milk keeps it lighter.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder gives this recipe its rich chocolate flavor. Use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for best results—I love using Dutch-processed cocoa, but any cocoa powder or cacao powder will work.
Cane Sugar or Allulose
Sweeten with pure cane sugar, or use allulose for a sugar free and keto friendly option. You can also try maple syrup or honey, though I recommend reducing the amount to 1/3 cup if using a liquid sweetener.
Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor and brings balance to the frozen yogurt.
How to Make Chocolate Frozen Yogurt
1. Blend the Ingredients
Add the Greek yogurt, milk or cream, cocoa powder, sweetener, and vanilla extract to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and no clumps remain. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
2. Freeze the Base
If using a Ninja CREAMi, pour the mixture into the CREAMi pint container and freeze for 12-24 hours until solid.
3. Process in an Ice Cream Maker or Ninja CREAMi
If using a traditional ice cream maker, churn according to your machine’s instructions until soft-serve consistency. If using the Ninja CREAMi, process using the “Lite Ice Cream” or “Ice Cream” function. Re-spin if needed.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Scoop and serve immediately, or freeze for 15-20 minutes if you prefer a firmer texture.
Tips for Success
- Use Full-Fat Yogurt: For the creamiest frozen yogurt, opt for full-fat Greek yogurt.
- Freeze Flat for the Ninja CREAMi: If using the CREAMi, make sure the mixture is frozen flat and evenly.
- Don’t Skip the Blend Step: Blending before freezing ensures the cocoa powder and sweetener fully dissolves, which is key for a smooth texture.
Chocolate Frozen Yogurt Flavor Variations
- Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt: Add a drop of peppermint extract and fold in sugar-free chocolate chips after processing.
- Dark Chocolate Frozen Yogurt: Use dark cocoa powder and a touch of espresso powder for a deep, intense flavor.
- Frozen Yogurt Chocolate Bars: Pour the blended base into popsicle molds and freeze for grab-and-go chocolate yogurt bars.
FAQs
I do recommend using an ice cream maker (I used the Ninja Creami) for best results. However, you can try freezing the blended mixture in a shallow dish and stir every 30 minutes for a few hours until the texture is scoopable for a version without an ice cream maker.
Yes. You can use pure cane sugar, allulose for a low-carb option, or maple syrup or honey. If using maple syrup or honey, reduce the amount to 1/3 cup.
Yes! Use a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt (like coconut or almond-based) and your favorite non-dairy milk or cream.
Try This Chocolate Frozen Yogurt Recipe!
This homemade chocolate frozen yogurt is a go-to treat when I want something rich, cool, and satisfying. It’s also a great base for experimenting—try adding chunks of gluten free brownies, a swirl of peanut butter, or chocolate chips to make it your own.
If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below, rate it, and tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!
XO,
Sarah
Chocolate Frozen Yogurt
Want to save this recipe?
I’ll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later! -Sarah
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 cup milk of choice heavy cream, or half and half
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup granulated cane sugar or allulose sweetener
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or flavor of choice
Instructions
- Blend ingredients: Add Greek yogurt, milk or cream, cocoa powder, sweetener, and vanilla extract to a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
- Freeze if using Ninja CREAMi: Pour the mixture into the Ninja CREAMi pint container and freeze for 12-24 hours until solid.
- Process in machine: If using a traditional ice cream maker, churn according to your machine’s instructions. If using the Ninja CREAMi, process on the “Lite Ice Cream” or “Ice Cream” setting. Re-spin if needed.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for a soft-serve texture, or freeze for 15–20 minutes for a firmer scoop.
So creamy and you can’t even taste the yogurt!
Do I have to use a cremi?
I recommend it but you can also use other ice cream makers!
So easy to make I already had all the ingredients!
thank you for this recipe, i can’t wait to make it!
this is such a silly question but if i want to make vanilla ice cream, do you recommend omitting the cocoa powder? also, can i sweeten this with condense milk? if so, what do you recommend for the measurements?
You’re welcome Cheryl! I haven’t tested this particular recipe for a vanilla version yet, and also have not tried using condensed milk. Let me know if you experiment, I’d love to hear your results!
would cochineal coconut yoghurt work too so it’s vegan?
I think that would work!
OMG this has to be the best frozen yogourt I have ever had in my life!!!!! Only 5 ingredients and so so simple if you have the Ninja. I used 1/2 lactose free milk and 1/2 lactose free whipping cream. Next time I am going to use all sweetener (Swerve) for ultimate guiltfree pleasure!!!
Thank you so much Trisha!! I’m so happy to hear you had success! 🙂