Enjoy the taste of fresh summer!
I love discovering food days that give us another reason to celebrate seasonal produce, and this week it’s all about summer fruit! Did you know that tomorrow (Thursday 16th July) is National Cherry Day! If ever you needed an excuse to buy cherries, use this chance to celebrate this delicious summer fruit.
Cherries have been grown in the UK for hundreds of years, and July is the perfect time to enjoy them when they are at their sweetest and juiciest. Whether you buy them from a local farm shop, a market or your usual supermarket, fresh cherries are a real summer treat.
I usually eat cherries just as they are, but they are also lovely in recipes. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with chocolate, which inspired these simple Cherry & Cocoa Yogurt Pots.
Made with creamy coconut yogurt, fresh cherries and a little unsweetened cocoa powder, these pots are perfect for breakfast, a snack or a light dessert. They are easy to prepare, full of flavour and a lovely way to celebrate National Cherry Day.
Cherries
Fresh British cherries are wonderful when they’re in season, but you can use frozen cherries too. Simply defrost them and drain away (or drink) any excess juice before using.
Look for cherries that are plump, firm and glossy for the best flavour.
Use a thick, unsweetened coconut yogurt or another plant-based yogurt you enjoy. Greek-style vegan yogurts work particularly well as they hold their shape nicely in the pots.
Unsweetened cocoa powder gives a great chocolate flavour without adding extra sugar.
If your cherries aren’t quite as sweet as you’d like, add a drizzle of maple syrup or your preferred liquid sweetener.
Finish with a sprinkle of granola, chopped almonds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds or cacao nibs for extra texture.
The Cherry & Cocoa Yogurt Pots Recipe
- 100g-200g Plain plant based unsweetened yogurt (I use coconut)
- 1-2 teaspoons cocoa powder
- *optional liquid sweetener of choice
- 1 punnet fresh cherries (or frozen if needed)
- *optional extras granola, chopped nuts, seeds, grated chocolate
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Separate the yogurt into 2 bowls, then add the cocoa powder to one and mix well. Do a taste test and add a drizzle of liquid sweetener if needed. Min in.
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De-stone the cherries (there is a gadget for that)!
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In a glass or bowl, layer cherries alternately with the chocoalte or plain yogurt. if using extras, you can add these in between layers too. e.g. cherries, chocolate yogurt, granola, cherries, plain yogurt, cherries, granola etc.
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Finsih the top with a whole cherry (on a stalk if you can)! Dust with cocoa powder.
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Serve immediately or chill until required.
What do I need?
Hopefully you already have everything you need for this recipe, but in case you’re new to baking and cooking, or just want a refresh, here are a few items you might like. These links will take you straight to Amazon where you can then search as usual for anything you need. If you follow these links, Amazon might pay us a small commission, which goes towards paying the website hosting fees. We’d be very grateful if you do, thank you! Have a look at these: chopping boards, kitchen knives, mixing bowls, measuring spoons, serving glasses and find our favourite items in our NEW Life Diet Health Amazon shop. Much appreciated!
Serving
Serve your Cherry & Cocoa Yogurt Pots chilled for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack or as a light summer dessert.
They’re lovely on their own, but you could also add a little granola for extra crunch or serve with a handful of fresh berries for even more seasonal fruit.
Storing
The prepared yogurt pots can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. They’re perfect for preparing the night before if you’re looking for an easy breakfast or grab-and-go snack.
If you’re making them in advance, leave any nuts or granola until just before serving so they stay nice and crunchy.
Sharing
I hope you will enjoy making these Healthy Cherry & Cocoa Yogurt Pots as much as I do. They’re proof that seasonal ingredients don’t need complicated recipes to shine. If you are after a differnt cherry recipe, check out these cherry studded blondies.
As always, I love hearing about any recipes of mine you try, any ideas you adapt or suggestions you have for future recipes. Please share and tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or X.
Leave me a comment below… I love to chat!
I hope to speak with you soon
Laurena x
I actually tried coconut yoghurt for the first time this week (I assume I’m very late to the party lol). I used it in overnight oats. Loving cherry season, I just eat them as is- Netto sell them loose😋
OMGosh you have Netto!!! WHAT! How did I not know that! Nobody here can remember it!!! Is their logo still black & yellow? Oh, and OMGosh you are so very far behind on the yogurt lol!!!
Haha, the only Netto I remember over there was in Tottenham- so you had at least one in provincial East Anglia too, then😋