Bananas and yogurt. Delicious Sugar-Free Banana Yogurt: A Nutritious and Easy Homemade Treat
How to make the best banana yogurt at home. What are the health benefits of this sugar-free snack. How to customize and store homemade banana yogurt. What are the key ingredients for perfect banana yogurt.
The Perfect Blend: Crafting Homemade Banana Yogurt
Banana yogurt is a beloved treat, often found in the baby food section of grocery stores. However, creating this delightful snack at home is not only simple but also allows for better control over ingredients, especially added sugars. With just a few components and minimal preparation time, you can whip up a batch of creamy, flavorful banana yogurt that both kids and adults will adore.
Essential Ingredients for Banana Yogurt
To create this wholesome snack, you’ll need:
- 1 small ripe banana (with brown spots for optimal sweetness)
- 1 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon or orange juice (optional, but recommended for storage)
Optional add-ins can include:
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon peanut or almond butter
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup (if additional sweetness is desired)
Quick and Easy Preparation
Creating banana yogurt is a breeze. Simply follow these steps:
- Peel the ripe banana and add it to a blender.
- Add the Greek yogurt and lemon or orange juice to the blender.
- Include any optional add-ins of your choice.
- Blend until smooth.
- Serve immediately or portion into storage containers.
For those without a blender, mash the banana thoroughly with a fork before mixing it into the yogurt. The smoother the mashed banana, the better the final texture will be.
Nutritional Powerhouse: The Benefits of Banana Yogurt
Banana yogurt isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with essential nutrients that benefit both children and adults. Greek yogurt provides protein, healthy fats, calcium, and probiotics, while bananas contribute natural sweetness, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
Why Choose Whole Milk Greek Yogurt?
Whole milk Greek yogurt is recommended for this recipe due to its creamy texture and rich flavor. Moreover, the healthy fats in whole milk yogurt are crucial for proper development in young children. These fats contribute to brain development, hormone production, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
The Power of Probiotics
Greek yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support gut health. A healthy gut microbiome is linked to improved digestion, stronger immune function, and even better mood regulation. By incorporating banana yogurt into your diet, you’re providing your body with these helpful microorganisms.
Customizing Your Banana Yogurt: Flavors and Add-ins
One of the joys of making banana yogurt at home is the ability to customize it to your liking. While the basic recipe is delightful on its own, adding extra ingredients can enhance both the flavor and nutritional profile of your snack.
Boost of Flavor and Nutrition
Consider these add-ins to elevate your banana yogurt:
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and may help regulate blood sugar levels
- Nut butter: Increases protein and healthy fat content
- Chia seeds: Provide omega-3 fatty acids and extra fiber
- Fresh berries: Introduce additional vitamins and antioxidants
- Granola: Offers a crunchy texture and extra fiber
Adjusting Sweetness Naturally
The ripe banana in this recipe provides natural sweetness, eliminating the need for added sugars. However, if you prefer a sweeter taste, consider these options:
- Use an extra ripe banana with more brown spots
- Add a small amount of honey or maple syrup
- Mix in some mashed dates for a fiber-rich sweetener
Storage Solutions: Keeping Your Banana Yogurt Fresh
While banana yogurt is best enjoyed fresh, it can be prepared in advance for convenience. Proper storage is key to maintaining its quality and preventing discoloration.
Refrigeration Tips
To store banana yogurt in the refrigerator:
- Portion the yogurt into airtight containers
- Store in the refrigerator 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
Freezing for Later
For longer-term storage, consider freezing your banana yogurt:
- Pour the yogurt into an ice cube tray
- Freeze until solid
- Transfer frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container
- Thaw 2-4 cubes at a time in the refrigerator
- Stir well after thawing to recombine any separated ingredients
Serving Suggestions: Creative Ways to Enjoy Banana Yogurt
Banana yogurt is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving ideas to keep things interesting:
For Children
- Serve in colorful small bowls with fun spoons
- Use reusable pouches for on-the-go snacking
- Create a yogurt parfait with layers of granola and fresh fruit
- Freeze into popsicle molds for a cool treat
For Adults
- Use as a topping for whole grain waffles or pancakes
- Incorporate into overnight oats for a protein-packed breakfast
- Blend with additional fruit for a quick smoothie base
- Serve as a dip for apple or pear slices
Troubleshooting: Common Banana Yogurt Concerns
While making banana yogurt is generally straightforward, you might encounter a few minor issues. Here’s how to address them:
Preventing Discoloration
Do you worry about your banana yogurt turning brown? Here’s what you need to know:
- Some browning is natural and doesn’t affect safety or taste
- Adding lemon or orange juice helps prevent excessive browning
- Consume within 3 days for the best color and flavor
- If color is a concern, prepare smaller batches more frequently
Achieving the Right Consistency
To ensure your banana yogurt has the perfect texture:
- Use very ripe bananas for easy blending
- Blend thoroughly to avoid lumps
- If too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out
- For a thicker consistency, strain the Greek yogurt before mixing
Beyond Bananas: Exploring Other Fruit Yogurt Variations
Once you’ve mastered banana yogurt, why not experiment with other fruits? The same basic principles apply, allowing you to create a variety of delicious and nutritious yogurt snacks.
Popular Fruit Yogurt Combinations
Try these fruit and yogurt pairings:
- Strawberry yogurt: Blend fresh or frozen strawberries with Greek yogurt
- Apple yogurt: Mix in unsweetened applesauce or finely grated apple
- Blueberry yogurt: Incorporate fresh or thawed frozen blueberries
- Mango yogurt: Blend ripe mango chunks for a tropical twist
- Peach yogurt: Use fresh peaches when in season or thawed frozen peaches
Creating Unique Flavor Profiles
Enhance your fruit yogurts with these additions:
- Vanilla extract for a classic flavor boost
- Cardamom or ginger for an exotic touch
- Cocoa powder for a chocolate-fruit combination
- Coconut flakes for added texture and tropical flair
- Mint leaves for a refreshing twist
By mastering the art of homemade fruit yogurt, you open up a world of healthy, delicious snack options. Whether you stick with the classic banana yogurt or branch out to other fruity combinations, you’ll be providing yourself and your family with nutritious, customizable treats that far surpass their store-bought counterparts.
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.
- Peel the banana.
- Add it to the blender with the yogurt.
- Blend smooth, adding any optional add-ins.
- 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…
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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.
- You can use brown or yellow bananas for this. The browner the banana the sweeter the yoghurt.
- The peanut butter and cinnamon is optional. You can leave them out or replace with other additions such as vanilla or cardamom.
- 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
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