What Can I Bake With Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many recipes, including baking. It adds moisture, richness, and tang to baked goods, making them both healthier and more flavorful.

Benefits of baking with Greek yogurt

Baking with Greek yogurt provides several benefits. Firstly, it adds moisture to baked goods, which helps to keep them moist for longer. Secondly, it adds a tangy flavor to the final product, which enhances the taste. Finally, it also adds protein and calcium to the baked goods, making them a healthier option.

Baking with Greek yogurt – tips and tricks

When baking with Greek yogurt, it is important to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, it is best to use plain Greek yogurt as opposed to flavored, as flavored yogurt may contain added sugars.

Secondly, it is important to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe as Greek yogurt is thicker than regular yogurt. Finally, it is best to use Greek yogurt in recipes that call for sour cream or buttermilk, as it can be used as a substitute for these ingredients.

Recipes for baked goods with Greek yogurt

1. Greek Yogurt Banana Bread

This recipe is a healthier version of traditional banana bread and is made with Greek yogurt instead of oil or butter. The result is a moist and delicious bread that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Greek Yogurt Blueberry Muffins

These muffins are made with fresh blueberries and Greek yogurt, making them a healthier alternative to traditional muffins. They are perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the blueberries.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each muffin cup 3/4 full.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Greek Yogurt Lemon Cake

This cake is light, fluffy, and bursting with lemon flavor. It is perfect for special occasions or as a light dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp lemon zest
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
5. Mix in the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tbsp of lemon juice to make a glaze.
10. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and serve.

4. Greek Yogurt Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips. They are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt

3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
5. Mix in the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in the chocolate chips.
8. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Greek Yogurt Cheesecake

This creamy and decadent cheesecake is made with Greek yogurt, giving it a slightly tangy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 3 tbsp of granulated sugar.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
5. Mix in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract.
6. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
7. Mix in the Greek yogurt.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
10. Let the cheesecake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

FAQs

Conclusion

Greek yogurt is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of baked goods, from muffins to cheesecake. It adds a tangy flavor and moisture to the finished product.

By incorporating Greek yogurt into your baking, you can create healthier and more flavorful desserts that your family and friends will love.