About all

Bananas and yogurt. Delicious Sugar-Free Banana Yogurt: A Nutritious Treat for All Ages

How to make creamy banana yogurt without added sugar. What are the health benefits of this easy snack. Why is it perfect for babies, toddlers, and adults alike. How to customize and store this versatile treat.

The Perfect Blend: Bananas and Yogurt Unite

Banana yogurt is a beloved staple in the baby food aisle, but did you know you can easily create a healthier, more delicious version at home? This simple recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the creamy goodness of yogurt, resulting in a nutritious treat that’s perfect for all ages.

Why choose homemade banana yogurt over store-bought varieties? The answer lies in its simplicity and nutritional value. By making it yourself, you can control the ingredients, eliminate added sugars, and customize the flavor to suit your family’s preferences.

Key Ingredients for Success

  • Ripe banana: Choose one with brown spots for optimal sweetness and flavor
  • Plain whole milk Greek yogurt: Provides creaminess and essential nutrients
  • Lemon or orange juice: Optional, but helps preserve color when storing

Optional add-ins can include cinnamon, nut butter, chia seeds, or a touch of maple syrup for added flavor and nutrition.

Nutritional Powerhouse: Why Banana Yogurt is a Smart Choice

Yogurt is an excellent food for people of all ages, especially babies and toddlers. But what makes it so special? Let’s explore the nutritional benefits:

  • Protein: Supports growth and development
  • Healthy fats: Essential for brain function and overall health
  • Calcium: Crucial for strong bones and teeth
  • Probiotics: Promote gut health and boost immunity

When combined with bananas, this snack becomes even more nutritious. Bananas add fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6 to the mix, creating a well-rounded treat that’s both satisfying and beneficial for your body.

Is banana yogurt a good choice for weight management?

Yes, banana yogurt can be an excellent option for those watching their weight. The protein and fiber content helps promote feelings of fullness, while the natural sweetness satisfies cravings without added sugars. By choosing plain Greek yogurt as the base, you’re also getting a protein-rich snack that can help support muscle maintenance and growth.

Quick and Easy: Whipping Up Banana Yogurt in Minutes

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious snack that rivals any store-bought version. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Peel a ripe banana
  2. Add it to a blender with the yogurt
  3. Blend until smooth, incorporating any optional add-ins
  4. Serve immediately or portion into storage containers

For those without a blender, don’t worry! You can achieve similar results by mashing the banana thoroughly with a fork and stirring it into the yogurt until well combined.

Can I make banana yogurt without a blender?

Absolutely! While a blender creates the smoothest texture, you can still make delicious banana yogurt by hand. Simply mash the banana as finely as possible with a fork, then stir it into the yogurt until well combined. The key is to mash the banana thoroughly to avoid large chunks in the final product.

Customization Station: Making Banana Yogurt Your Own

One of the joys of homemade banana yogurt is the ability to customize it to your liking. Whether you’re preparing it for a picky toddler or looking to add some variety to your own snack routine, there are countless ways to make this recipe your own.

Flavor Boosters and Nutritional Add-ins

  • Cinnamon: Adds warmth and may help regulate blood sugar
  • Nut butter: Increases protein and healthy fats
  • Chia seeds: Boost fiber and omega-3 fatty acids
  • Fresh berries: Add antioxidants and natural sweetness
  • Granola: Provides crunch and extra fiber

Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend. Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility!

How can I make this recipe suitable for different dietary needs?

This versatile recipe can be easily adapted for various dietary requirements. For a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond yogurt. If you’re looking to increase the protein content, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder. For those following a low-carb diet, use a smaller portion of banana and add some healthy fats like chopped nuts or seeds.

Storage Solutions: Keeping Your Banana Yogurt Fresh

While this tasty treat is best enjoyed fresh, it’s also possible to make a larger batch and store it for later. Here are some tips for keeping your banana yogurt at its best:

  • Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days
  • Add a squeeze of lemon or orange juice to prevent browning
  • Stir well before serving, as some separation may occur

For longer-term storage, consider freezing your banana yogurt in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw 2-4 cubes in the refrigerator and give them a good stir before serving.

Does freezing affect the probiotic content of yogurt?

While freezing may slightly reduce the number of live probiotic cultures in yogurt, it doesn’t eliminate them entirely. Many probiotics can survive the freezing process and become active again when thawed. To maximize the probiotic benefits, consume your banana yogurt within a few months of freezing and avoid repeated freezing and thawing cycles.

Beyond Snack Time: Creative Uses for Banana Yogurt

While banana yogurt makes an excellent standalone snack, its versatility extends far beyond the snack bowl. Here are some innovative ways to incorporate this nutritious treat into your daily routine:

  • Breakfast parfait: Layer with granola and fresh fruit
  • Smoothie base: Use as a creamy foundation for your morning smoothie
  • Frozen yogurt pops: Pour into popsicle molds for a healthy dessert
  • Pancake topper: Use as a naturally sweet alternative to syrup
  • Dip for fruit: Serve with apple slices or strawberries for a balanced snack

By thinking outside the box, you can turn this simple recipe into a versatile ingredient that adds nutrition and flavor to a variety of dishes.

Can banana yogurt be used in baking recipes?

Absolutely! Banana yogurt can be a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire. Use it as a substitute for oil or butter in muffin or cake recipes to add moisture and reduce fat content. It can also be incorporated into bread recipes for a subtle banana flavor and added nutritional boost. When using banana yogurt in baking, remember to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe as needed, as the yogurt will contribute moisture to the final product.

From Baby Food to Family Favorite: Banana Yogurt for All Ages

While this recipe is often associated with baby food, its appeal extends far beyond the highchair. Here’s why banana yogurt is a great choice for every member of the family:

  • Babies: Smooth texture and easily digestible nutrients
  • Toddlers: Fun, familiar flavors and customizable add-ins
  • School-age children: Nutritious after-school snack
  • Adults: Quick, healthy breakfast or post-workout refuel
  • Seniors: Soft texture and bone-supporting calcium

By making a single batch, you can cater to multiple family members’ needs, saving time and ensuring everyone enjoys a nutritious treat.

How can I encourage picky eaters to try banana yogurt?

Introducing new foods to picky eaters can be challenging, but banana yogurt’s familiar flavors make it an excellent starting point. Try these strategies to entice reluctant eaters:

  • Involve them in the preparation process
  • Offer fun toppings like colorful sprinkles or chocolate chips
  • Serve in interesting containers or create fun shapes
  • Pair with their favorite fruits or cereals
  • Lead by example and show enthusiasm for the snack

Remember, it may take multiple exposures before a child accepts a new food, so be patient and keep offering it in various forms.

The Environmental Impact: Why Homemade Banana Yogurt is a Sustainable Choice

In addition to its health benefits, making your own banana yogurt can have a positive impact on the environment. Here’s how this simple recipe contributes to sustainable living:

  • Reduces packaging waste from individual yogurt cups
  • Allows use of overripe bananas, reducing food waste
  • Eliminates preservatives and artificial ingredients
  • Supports local dairy farms when using locally sourced yogurt
  • Decreases transportation emissions associated with pre-made products

By making conscious choices in the kitchen, you’re not only nourishing your family but also contributing to a healthier planet.

How can I further reduce the environmental impact of my banana yogurt?

To make your banana yogurt even more eco-friendly, consider these additional steps:

  • Choose organic ingredients to support sustainable farming practices
  • Use reusable glass containers for storage instead of plastic
  • Compost banana peels and any food scraps
  • Make your own yogurt at home to reduce packaging further
  • Use a hand mixer or fork instead of an electric blender to save energy

Every small action adds up, and these simple changes can help minimize your environmental footprint while enjoying your delicious homemade treat.

Best Banana Yogurt (Sugar-Free, So Easy!)

Banana Yogurt is a staple of the baby food yogurt section, but it’s easy to make at home with less added sugars—and all of the flavors! This easy recipe requires just a few ingredients and 5 minutes so you can serve it up in no time.

Banana Yogurt

Yogurt is one of my favorite foods for babies and toddlers since it’s packed with nutrients including protein, healthy fats, calcium and probiotics. And since I know first hand that some littles one like it plain more than others, having a few easy ways to add flavor to it can be super helpful.

This Banana Yogurt has been a staple snack for my one year old…though I always have to make enough for my three year old too since she’s a fan as well!

This recipe makes enough for a few servings so you can store them in the fridge in a storage container and serve them a few days in a row, though you can also cut the recipe in half to make a smaller portion.

Ingredients You Need

To make this easy yogurt recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Ripe banana: Choose one with brown spots to ensure it has good flavor and sweetness.
  • Plain whole milk Greek yogurt
  • Lemon or orange juice: This is optional, but recommended if you plan to store this at all before serving.
  • Optional add-ins: Cinnamon, peanut or almond butter, and/or chia seeds

TIP: This is a great baby yogurt since it’s flavorful and easy to customize exactly how you and the kids like it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is super simple. I prefer to use a blender to make it very smooth, but you can also do it by hand. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full recipe.

  1. Peel the banana.
  2. Add it to the blender with the yogurt.
  3. Blend smooth, adding any optional add-ins.
  4. Serve or portion into storage containers.

TIP: To make this without a blender, mash the banana as smooth as you can with a fork. The smoother you can mash it, the better the final texture. Stir it into the yogurt until very smooth.

Can I make this Banana Yogurt ahead of time?

Yes, you can portion it into storage containers and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze in an ice cube tray and thaw 2-4 for a portion at a time in a bowl in the fridge. Stir after the mixture is thawed as it will likely separate a bit.

Will my yogurt turn brown?

The lemon or orange juice should help it from getting very brown, but it may brown a smidge. (In my experience, it doesn’t brown much even after 24 hours in the fridge in a storage container.)

It’s safe to eat, no matter the color, but if the color bothers you or your child, you can make a smaller batch and eat it right after serving when the color will be lighter.

This, in addition to our Strawberry Yogurt and Apple Yogurt, is one of our very favorite easy snacks to share.

Best Tips for Success

  • The blended mixture will be a bit brown, but the lemon or orange juice will help it from becoming too brown. (It’s safe to eat even if it browns though.)
  • Use bananas with brown spots for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
  • Choose whole milk yogurt to ensure it is creamy and flavorful, and also has the healthy fats that little kids need for proper development.
  • Serve in a small bowl, in a reusable pouch, or topped with granola or diced berries.
  • This yogurt is currently one of our go-to bedtime snacks, especially for my one year old.

Related Recipes


I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe, so please comment and rate it below if you make it!

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Author Amy Palanjian

Cuisine American

Course Breakfast

Calories 112kcal

Servings 2

  • ▢ 1 small very ripe banana (with brown spots; about 1 cup sliced)
  • ▢ 1 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon fresh lemon or orange juice
  • ▢ Optional Add-Ins: ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon peanut or almond butter, 1 teaspoon chia seeds, and/or 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup
  • Place the banana, yogurt, and lemon or orange juice into a blender. Add any optional add-ins. Blend smooth.

  • Serve or portion into storage containers and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze in an ice cube tray and thaw 2-4 for a portion at a time in a bowl in the fridge. Stir after the mixture is thawed as it will separate a bit.

  • The blended mixture will be a bit browner than regular plain yogurt, but the lemon or orange juice will help it from becoming too brown. (It’s safe to eat even if it browns though.)
  • Use bananas with brown spots for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
  • Choose whole milk yogurt to ensure it’s creamy and flavorful, and also has the fat that little kids need for proper development.
  • Serve in a small bowl, in a reusable pouch, or topped with granola or diced berries.

Calories: 112kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 37mg, Potassium: 355mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 42IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 113mg, Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

This post was first published May 2020.

Banana Yogurt – Healthy Little Foodies

All Posts, by Date » Snacks and Desserts » Banana Yogurt

By: Amy

Jump to Recipe

This Banana Yogurt recipe is the perfect combination of creamy yogurt and sweet, ripe bananas, making for a satisfying and nutritious breakfast, snack or dessert.

Do you ever find yourself with overripe bananas and wonder what to do with them? Banana Bread, banana oatmeal cookies, baked bananas or banana fritters are great ways to use them. However, if you don’t feel like cooking or baking, blending them to make this delicious banana yogurt is an excellent choice.

Jump to:

  • Reasons to Love this Recipe
  • Video Tutorial
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make Banana Puree
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Other Yogurt Recipes…
  • Banana Yogurt

Reasons to Love this Recipe

  • Naturally Sweetened – The sweetness of the banana puree means that there is no need for any added sugars in this recipe, making it a healthier option than many store-bought flavoured yogurts.
  • Easy – With only two main ingredients (and two optional added ingredients) this recipe is quick and easy to make.
  • Versatile – Enjoy this banana yogurt on its own or use it as a base for other snacks such as parfaits or fruit dips.
  • Customisable: Add different spices (such as cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, vanilla or nutmeg), nut butters, seeds and adjust the ratio of banana to yogurt to suit individual tastes.
  • Great for All Ages: Perfect for baby-led weaning, spoon-feeding, toddlers, big kids and adults!

Video Tutorial

Ingredients

For the full recipe, with ingredient amounts, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Yogurt: Plain full-fat yogurt is best, either regular or Greek. For a dairy-free version, you can use any plant-based yogurt.
  • Bananas: Ripe bananas work best as they provide the most natural sweetness.
  • Peanut Butter (optional): Adds a nutty flavour, creamy texture and also provides a source of healthy fats and protein.
  • Cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, spiced flavour to the yogurt. Other options include cardamom, allspice, vanilla or nutmeg.

How to Make Banana Puree

Start by blending the bananas into a puree. I do this using a blender but you could use a hand blender or food processor. Alternatively, you could just mash the banana really well.

I love to add cinnamon to the banana mixture, my kids love it and so do I. I often add some natural peanut butter for added taste and an extra boost of protein. This is, of course, optional and you can miss it out or try other additions such as cardamom or vanilla.

I find the banana provides more than enough sweetness but if you want something sweeter then you could also add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Once you have your smooth, sweet and delicious banana mixture you simply mix it with the yoghurt. I treat this as a dessert and the banana to yoghurt ratio is reasonably high. You can easily play with the ratios if you want something less sweet.

I often pop it in the freezer for 15 mins before serving it, I feel it makes it thicker and creamier. This is of course completely optional.

Recipe FAQs

Should I use brown or yellow bananas to make banana yogurt?

I usually make this dessert when I have a glut of brown bananas to use up however you can also use yellow bananas. If you use brown bananas the yoghurt will be sweeter.

What yoghurt is the best to use?

I recommend using your favourite whole milk natural yoghurt. I’m a big fan of Greek yoghurt, I love how creamy it is and it works really well in this.

Can you store leftovers?

You can keep this banana yogurt in the fridge for up to 2 days. I would recommend adding around half a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to help prevent browning.

Is this suitable for babies?

Yogurt can be introduced once baby is ready to start solids, generally 6 months of age. Yogurt is often made from cow’s milk, which is a common food allergen in young children and so should be first introduced by serving a small quantity for the first few servings, and if there is no reaction, gradually increase the quantity.
Peanut butter is an optional ingredient in this recipe, which is also a common allergen that should be introduced separately, before combining it with this yogurt.

Other Yogurt Recipes…

Looking for more healthy kid recipes?Sign up for my
free recipe newsletter to
get new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more kid-friendly inspiration on
Pinterest and
Instagram.

5 from 1 vote

Author: Amy

Banana Yogurt

A deliciously sweet and creamy dessert sweetened only with fruit.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

  • ▢ 2 bananas SEE NOTE 1
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional) *SEE NOTE 2
  • ▢ ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional) *SEE NOTE 2
  • ▢ 375ml (1½ cups) natural Greek yoghurt *SEE NOTE 3
  • Add the banana, peanut butter and cinnamon to a blender and blend until smooth

  • Add the banana puree to a mixing bowl and fold in the yoghurt until mixed through. 

  1. You can use brown or yellow bananas for this. The browner the banana the sweeter the yoghurt. 
  2. The peanut butter and cinnamon is optional. You can leave them out or replace with other additions such as vanilla or cardamom.
  3. You can use any natural yoghurt you wish. I love natural greek yoghurt for this. 

Nutritional information is a ROUGH guide only, calculated using an online nutrition calculator. 

Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 52mg | Potassium: 369mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Vitamin C: 5. 1mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Course:Dessert

Cuisine:Western

Did you make this recipe?Tag me on Instagram
at @healthylittlefoodies or leave me a
comment & rating below.

Meet Amy

Amy Whiteford runs the blog Healthy Little Foodies. She is a mum to two, has a BSc (Hons) Food Science, PGDE Primary Education and a Certificate in Childhood Nutrition. She uses her experience and knowledge to create healthy and delicious recipes for kids. Explore the site for creative ideas, tips, and inspiration! Read more

How to raise a Healthy Little Foodie

Receive family friendly recipes, delivered weekly to your inbox, for FREE! And receive this FREE ebook – “How to Raise a Healthy Little Foodie”

Reader Interactions

Dishes with yogurt and bananas, 137 step-by-step recipes with photos on the Food website

Dishes with yogurt and bananas, 137 step-by-step recipes with photos on the Food website

GOLDEN THOUSAND

  • Recipes
  • MAGAZINE « FOOD №92 (154)
  • Food school
  • Ideas
  • Authors
  • Base

My recipe book

Include ingredients 90 004

Bananas Yoghurt

Delete ingredients 9Recipes category, cuisine or menu. And in additional filters, you can search by the desired (or unnecessary) ingredient: just start writing its name and the site will select the appropriate one.

Apple Oatmeal Cocoa

137 recipes found

Sort:

Bananas with cottage cheese and yogurt

Author: Alena Mironova

4 portions

30 minutes

Split bananas with yogurt

Author: Sasha Danilova

1 serving

5 minutes

special projects

Banana Yogurt Cocktail

Author: Anita Ggdf

2 servings

5 minutes

Banana Yogurt Bread

Author: Olga Khudina

4 servings

30 minutes

Banana casserole with yogurt

Author: Tatyana Petrukhina

4 servings

40 minutes 900 04

Bananas with chocolate and yogurt

Author: Olga Khudina

4 portions

30 minutes

Yoghurt banana smoothie with blueberries

Author: Olga Khudina Ambassador

How to pickle mackerel quickly and easily

What desserts are prepared at the School of Food

Meringue, ganache, caramel and other basic elements of confectionery art on the course of Alexander Kozhanov

special projects

Yogurt cake with kiwi and banana

Author: Lana Svetlana

8 servings

Baked bananas with cottage cheese and yogurt

Author: Stas Dodonov

4 servings

40 minutes

9 0002 Yogurt drink with muesli and banana

Author: Katya Anisimova

1 portion

10 minutes

Strawberry-banana yogurt ice cream

Author: Olga Khudina

4 servings

30 minutes

Yoghurt Raspberry Popsicle with Banana

Author: Olga Khumina

10 servings

30 minutes

Yogurt smoothie with kiwi, banana and blueberry

Author: Anastasia Bondareva

4 Portations

25 minutes

Berry-banana smoothie with lemon yogurt

Author: Olga Khudina with yogurt and bananas, 25 step-by-step recipes with photos on the Food website

Breakfasts with yogurt and bananas, 25 step-by-step recipes with photos on the Food website

GOLDEN THOUSAND

  • Recipes
  • FOOD MAGAZINE No.