By Karyl Laeving. Updated January 21, 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 214 votes
Bright, creamy, and irresistibly fresh, these Healthy Lemon Yogurt Dessert Cups are the kind of dessert that feels indulgent but fuels your body. Thick Greek yogurt meets real lemon juice and fragrant zest for a no bake treat that is high protein, naturally sweetened, and perfect for make ahead moments.
Table of Contents
About This Recipe
What It Is
Healthy Lemon Yogurt Dessert Cups are chilled no bake yogurt desserts made with Greek yogurt, fresh lemon, and a touch of natural sweetener. They are spoonable, silky, and lightly tangy with a refreshing citrus finish.
Why It Works
Greek yogurt provides structure, creaminess, and protein without needing gelatin or baking. Fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness while zest delivers that unmistakable lemon aroma. Chilling helps the mixture thicken into a custard like texture that feels luxurious without heavy ingredients.
When To Make It
These cups are ideal for spring and summer, brunch spreads, meal prep snacks, or light desserts after dinner. They also shine during holidays when you want something fresh after heavier meals.
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Healthy Lemon Yogurt Dessert Cups
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 dessert cups
Description
These Healthy Lemon Yogurt Dessert Cups are creamy, bright, and naturally sweetened. Thick Greek yogurt is whisked with fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, then chilled into a light, high protein, no bake dessert you can prep in minutes.
Ingredients
Plain Greek yogurt (2% or full fat), 2 cups (480 g)
Fresh lemon juice, 3 Tbsp (45 ml)
Lemon zest, 1 to 2 tsp (about 1 large lemon)
Honey or maple syrup, 2 to 3 Tbsp (30 to 45 ml), to taste
Vanilla extract, 1 tsp (5 ml)
Optional toppings (add just before serving):
Fresh berries, 1 cup (150 g)
Crushed graham crackers, 1/2 cup (60 g)
Toasted coconut, 2 Tbsp (14 g)
Chia seeds, 1 Tbsp (12 g)
Instructions
1. Add Greek yogurt to a medium bowl and whisk until smooth and glossy.
2. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir until fully combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or tang (add 1 tsp more sweetener, or a pinch more zest, as desired).
4. Spoon or pipe the lemon yogurt mixture into 4 small dessert cups or jars (about 6 oz or 180 ml each).
5. Cover and chill for at least 20 to 30 minutes, or up to 4 days for meal prep.
6. Top with berries or other toppings right before serving and enjoy cold.
Notes
For the thickest texture, use full fat Greek yogurt or strain yogurt for 20 to 30 minutes before mixing.
Zest the lemon before juicing. Avoid the white pith since it can taste bitter.
Add toppings right before serving to keep them crunchy.
Make it dairy free by using an extra thick coconut yogurt and sweeten to taste.
Optional crust: Mix 1/2 cup (60 g) crushed graham crackers with 1 Tbsp (14 g) melted butter and press into the bottom of each cup before adding the yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dessert cup (about 120 g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Why You Will Love It
- High protein dessert with no baking required
- Naturally sweetened and easy to customize
- Ready in minutes with simple pantry ingredients
- Light, refreshing, and kid friendly
- Perfect for meal prep and entertaining
Key Ingredients and Notes
Greek Yogurt
Use plain Greek yogurt for the thickest, creamiest texture. Full fat gives the richest mouthfeel, while 2 percent keeps it lighter. Avoid regular yogurt unless strained, as it will be too thin.
Fresh Lemon Juice
Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled juice lacks brightness and can taste flat. The acidity balances the yogurt beautifully.
Lemon Zest
Zest is where the lemon flavor truly lives. Use a microplane and avoid the white pith, which can taste bitter.
Natural Sweetener
Honey or maple syrup both work well. Honey creates a floral sweetness, while maple syrup adds warmth. Adjust to taste depending on how tangy you like your desserts.
Vanilla Extract
A small amount rounds out the citrus and enhances the creamy flavor without overpowering the lemon.
For more on why Greek yogurt works so well in desserts, Healthline offers an excellent breakdown of its protein and texture benefits.
How To Make Healthy Lemon Yogurt Dessert Cups
- Whisk the yogurt
Add 2 cups or 480 grams of Greek yogurt to a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and glossy with no lumps. - Add lemon and flavorings
Stir in 3 tablespoons or 45 milliliters fresh lemon juice, 1 to 2 teaspoons lemon zest, 2 to 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. - Taste and adjust
Taste the mixture. Add more sweetener for balance or more zest for brightness. - Fill the cups
Spoon or pipe the yogurt into small dessert cups or jars. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon. - Chill
Refrigerate for at least 20 to 30 minutes until slightly set and chilled. - Add toppings and serve
Top just before serving with berries, crushed graham crackers, or toasted coconut.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use room temperature yogurt for easier mixing
- Zest the lemon before juicing for best results
- Chill before serving to allow flavors to meld
- Do not over sweeten. Lemon flavor should shine
- For extra thick texture, strain yogurt for 30 minutes first
- Pipe into cups for a bakery style presentation
Variations and Substitutions
Dairy Free
Use thick coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt. Choose unsweetened and add sweetener to taste.
Extra Protein
Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of vanilla protein powder. Add a splash of milk if needed to keep it smooth.
Berry Lemon Cups
Layer with strawberry chia jam or fresh blueberries for color and contrast. These pair beautifully with Strawberry Protein Yogurt Bark for a full summer dessert spread.
Cookie Crust Style
Add a base layer of crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter for a cheesecake inspired twist similar to No Bake Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Cups.
Low Sugar
Use monk fruit or stevia drops to reduce added sugars while keeping sweetness balanced.
Serving and Storage
Serving
Serve chilled in glass cups or small jars. Garnish with lemon zest curls, berries, or mint leaves for a fresh finish.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add toppings just before serving to keep texture perfect.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended as yogurt texture can become icy when thawed.
Reheating
Not needed. This dessert is best enjoyed cold.
Conclusion
These Healthy Lemon Yogurt Dessert Cups prove that simple ingredients can create something truly special. They are bright, creamy, nourishing, and endlessly versatile. If you love fresh citrus desserts, you will also enjoy Easy Strawberry Yogurt Cups for another light and satisfying option.
If you make this recipe, leave a rating, share your thoughts in the comments, and tag your photos so we can see your beautiful creations. Do not forget to subscribe to the Flavor and Recipes newsletter for more healthy dessert inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time
Yes. These cups are ideal for make ahead prep. The flavor actually improves after a few hours in the fridge.
Are these good for kids
Absolutely. Reduce the lemon zest slightly for a milder citrus flavor that kids love.
Can I use flavored yogurt
Plain yogurt is best. Flavored yogurts can overpower the lemon and add unnecessary sugar.
How do I make them thicker
Use full fat Greek yogurt or strain your yogurt through a cheesecloth for 20 to 30 minutes.
What toppings work best
Fresh berries, granola, crushed cookies, or a drizzle of honey all work beautifully.
