By Karyl Laeving. Updated January 23, 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 128 votes.
Creamy, rich, and secretly healthy, these Greek Yogurt Chocolate Dessert Cups are the no-bake treat you make once and then crave weekly. They deliver deep chocolate flavor with a mousse-like texture using simple ingredients and zero oven time. Perfect for meal prep, family desserts, or a better-for-you chocolate fix.
Table of Contents
💡 About This Recipe
What It Is
Greek Yogurt Chocolate Dessert Cups are chilled, layered chocolate desserts made with thick Greek yogurt, cocoa or melted chocolate, and natural sweeteners. They taste indulgent but are packed with protein and balanced sweetness.
Why It Works
Greek yogurt provides structure, creaminess, and protein while cocoa or chocolate delivers richness. Chilling allows the cups to set naturally without gelatin, cornstarch, or baking.
When To Make It
Make these when you need a fast dessert, a protein-rich snack, or a make-ahead sweet that keeps beautifully in the fridge. They shine at parties, after-school snack time, and late-night chocolate cravings.
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Greek Yogurt Chocolate Dessert Cups
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, no-bake Greek Yogurt Chocolate Dessert Cups with a mousse-like texture. High protein, perfectly portioned, and ready after a quick chill. Choose cocoa for a lighter cup or melted dark chocolate for extra richness.
Ingredients
2 cups plain Greek yogurt, thick (480 g)
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (15 g) OR 3 oz dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled (85 g)
3 to 4 tbsp honey or maple syrup (45 to 60 ml), to taste
1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
Pinch of fine salt (optional, enhances chocolate)
Optional toppings: mini chocolate chips, fresh berries, shaved chocolate, crushed graham crackers, or nut butter drizzle
Instructions
1. Add Greek yogurt to a medium bowl and whisk 30 to 45 seconds until completely smooth and creamy.
2. Chocolate option A (cocoa): sift in cocoa powder, add a pinch of salt if using, then whisk until fully combined and dark.
3. Chocolate option B (melted chocolate): melt dark chocolate gently, cool 2 to 3 minutes so it is warm (not hot), then whisk into yogurt until silky and uniform.
4. Whisk in honey or maple syrup and vanilla. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
5. Divide into 4 to 6 small cups or jars (about 1/2 cup each). Smooth the tops with a spoon or small spatula.
6. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour to set. For the firmest texture, chill 3 to 4 hours or overnight.
7. Add toppings right before serving for the best crunch and clean layers. Serve cold.
Notes
Yogurt texture matters: use thick Greek yogurt. If your yogurt seems thin, line a strainer with cheesecloth and strain 30 to 60 minutes.
Melted chocolate tip: if the chocolate is too hot, it can seize or cause grainy streaks. Let it cool slightly before mixing.
Make-ahead: store covered in the fridge up to 4 days. Add toppings just before serving.
Freezing: freeze (without toppings) up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a semifrozen mousse texture.
Serving ideas: try a cookie crumble layer, a berry layer, or a peanut butter swirl.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
- No bake and no mixer required
- High protein and naturally filling
- Perfectly portioned dessert cups
- Customizable with endless toppings
- Tastes rich but feels light
🥄 Key Ingredients and Notes
Greek Yogurt
Use plain Greek yogurt that is thick and strained. Full-fat gives the creamiest texture, but 2 percent works beautifully. Avoid regular yogurt or the cups will be loose.
Greek yogurt is naturally high in protein and calcium and gives structure without cream. Healthline explains how Greek yogurt supports satiety and muscle repair which makes this dessert extra satisfying.
Cocoa Powder or Melted Chocolate
Unsweetened cocoa powder creates a deep chocolate flavor with fewer calories. Melted dark chocolate makes the cups richer and more dessert-like. Both options work and are included in the recipe notes.
For best flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder. King Arthur Baking has an excellent guide on choosing cocoa powder for desserts.
Honey or Maple Syrup
Natural sweeteners balance the tang of the yogurt. Adjust sweetness to taste. Maple syrup gives a smoother finish while honey adds floral warmth.
Vanilla Extract
A small amount enhances chocolate flavor and rounds out the tanginess.
Optional Toppings
Chocolate chips, berries, crushed cookies, nut butter drizzle, or shaved chocolate all add texture and visual appeal.
🧑🍳 How To Make Greek Yogurt Chocolate Dessert Cups
Step 1: Smooth the Yogurt
Add 2 cups Greek yogurt (480 g) to a mixing bowl. Whisk until completely smooth and creamy. This step is key for a mousse-like texture.
Step 2: Add Chocolate
For cocoa version:
Whisk in 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (15 g).
For melted chocolate version:
Melt 85 g dark chocolate (3 oz) gently and let cool slightly. Stir into yogurt until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Sweeten and Flavor
Add 3 to 4 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (45 to 60 ml) and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml). Taste and adjust sweetness.
Step 4: Portion
Spoon or pipe the mixture into 4 to 6 small dessert cups or jars. Smooth the tops.
Step 5: Chill
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, until set and chilled.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with desired toppings just before serving for best texture.
🌟 Pro Tips for Success
- Always whisk the yogurt first to remove lumps
- Let melted chocolate cool slightly to prevent seizing
- Use glass jars for clean layers and visual appeal
- Chill longer for a firmer, cheesecake-like texture
- Sweeten gradually and taste as you go
- Add toppings just before serving to avoid sogginess
🔄 Variations and Substitutions
High Protein Version
Stir in 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (about 30 g) and an extra tablespoon of milk if needed. This pairs perfectly with Greek Yogurt Protein Cups (20g High Protein Snack) for meal prep days.
Dairy Free
Use thick coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt. Choose unsweetened varieties and adjust sweetness.
Peanut Butter Chocolate
Swirl in 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter for a rich twist similar to No-Bake Peanut Butter Yogurt Cups (High Protein).
Berry Chocolate
Layer with fresh raspberries or strawberries for contrast. Fans of fruity desserts will love the vibe of Strawberry Protein Yogurt Bark (3 Ingredients!) alongside these cups.
🍽️ Serving and Storage
Serving
Serve chilled straight from the fridge. These cups are elegant enough for guests and easy enough for weeknights.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze without toppings for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Not recommended. These are meant to be enjoyed cold.
🎉 Conclusion
These Greek Yogurt Chocolate Dessert Cups prove that healthy desserts can still feel luxurious, creamy, and deeply chocolatey. Whether you are prepping snacks, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers every time.
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❓ FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Regular yogurt is too thin and will not set properly. If needed, strain it through cheesecloth for several hours first.
Are these dessert cups healthy?
Yes. They are high in protein, lower in sugar than traditional desserts, and made with whole ingredients. BBC Good Food highlights Greek yogurt desserts as smart swaps for cream-based sweets.
Can kids eat these?
Absolutely. They are naturally sweetened, caffeine-free, and customizable for picky eaters.
Do they taste tangy?
The chocolate and sweetener balance the yogurt tang beautifully. Full-fat yogurt reduces tang even more.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes. These are ideal for meal prep and taste even better after chilling overnight.
