No Bake Chocolate Greek Yogurt Cups

Imagine opening the fridge and being greeted by glossy, cocoa-kissed cups that smell faintly of vanilla and dark chocolate. The first spoonful is cool and pillowy—silky Greek yogurt folded with rich unsweetened cocoa, sweetened just enough by honey to let the chocolate sing without overpowering the tang. Small shards of dark chocolate chips add pleasurable pops; fresh berries or toasted nuts bring bright acidity and crunch. This dessert (or breakfast, snack, or post-workout treat) is at once comforting and lively—familiar chocolate comfort wrapped in the clean, protein-rich creaminess of yogurt.

This recipe is perfect for busy mornings when you want something grab-and-go but special, for low-effort dinner parties where you want a healthful finish, and for festive gatherings where you need make-ahead treats that still look composed. If you’re planning an afternoon of no-bake delights for kids or adults, you might also enjoy this helpful roundup of recipes: 48 easy no-bake recipes for kids.

At a Glance

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
Chill Time: at least 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chill)
Servings: 4 cups (about 4 servings)
Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginners

Nutrition Highlights

Nutrition estimates below are approximate and based on USDA FoodData Central values for plain nonfat Greek yogurt, unsweetened cocoa powder, honey, and vanilla extract. For general dietary guidance, refer to reputable sources such as the Mayo Clinic or the USDA.

Estimated nutrition per serving (recipe makes 4 servings; using plain nonfat Greek yogurt and no chocolate chips):

Calories: ~161 kcal
Protein: ~14.2 g
Carbohydrate: ~27.5 g
- Sugars (mostly from honey and yogurt): ~21–22 g
- Dietary Fiber: ~3.7 g
Fat: ~1.9 g
Sodium: minimal (depends on yogurt brand)
Notes: Using full-fat Greek yogurt will raise calories and fat; adding 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) increases the total calories by roughly 100 kcal per serving and adds saturated fat and sugars.

These figures are estimates intended to help planning; ingredient brands and specific types (whole vs. nonfat yogurt, honey vs. maple syrup, chocolate type) will change totals. For precise tracking, enter your exact ingredient brands into a nutrition calculator or app.

Why You’ll Love It

Speed and simplicity: No oven, no special equipment—this comes together in minutes and needs only chill time.
Nourishing indulgence: It hits chocolate cravings while delivering a solid protein boost from Greek yogurt.
Versatility: Dress it up for brunch with berries and granola, serve it in mini cups at parties, or keep it plain for a portable post-workout snack.
Crowd-pleasing texture: Smooth and creamy with a lively cocoa bite—plus optional mix-ins for contrast.
Make-ahead convenience: Prepare a batch the night before and enjoy ready-to-eat cups throughout the week.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients

2 cups plain Greek yogurt (about 490 g) — use nonfat, 2%, or whole depending on preference
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (about 40 g)
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (about 60 ml)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional — about 85 g)
Fresh fruit (berries, sliced banana) or chopped nuts for topping (optional)

Optional ingredients and substitutions

Sweetener: Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey for a vegan option; reduce amount slightly if you prefer less sweet.
Yogurt: Swap for full-fat Greek yogurt for creamier results, or use a thick plant-based yogurt for a vegan version (see variations later).
Cocoa: Use dutch-processed for a mellower chocolate flavor; remember it alters the acidity slightly.
Add-ins: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a chocolate-peanut twist.

Method

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy—use a spatula or electric whisk on low for 30–45 seconds.
If desired, fold in 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips for added richness and texture.
Spoon the mixture into 4 serving cups or ramekins, dividing evenly.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and texture firm up.
Before serving, top with fresh fruit or nuts if desired.

Practical tips

Avoid overmixing: Mix just until smooth to preserve some airy texture. Overbeating can make the yogurt too thin.
Check chill: If you prefer a firmer, almost mousse-like cup, chill 2–3 hours. For a quicker treat, 30–45 minutes will still be pleasant.
Sweetness test: Taste before chilling—if your yogurt is already tangy or sweet, adjust the honey by a tablespoon up or down.

Best Pairings

As-is: Enjoy a simple cup with a small spoon as dessert or snack.
With beverages: Pair with a bold coffee, espresso, or a cup of mint tea to balance the cocoa.
Brunch spread: Serve alongside fresh fruit platters, granola, and toasted nuts for texture contrast.
Kid-friendly twist: Stir in mini chocolate chips or a swirl of fruit compote for little appetites.
For entertaining: Present in mini glasses with a sprinkle of cocoa or a single raspberry on top for a chic finish.

Storage Instructions

Room temperature: Not recommended—do not leave yogurt cups out at room temperature more than 2 hours.
Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days. For best texture and flavor, consume within 48 hours.
Freezer: Freezing is not ideal; the texture will change (separation and ice crystals). If you must freeze, place in airtight containers for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator—expect a grainier texture.

Pro Tips & Tricks

Choose the right yogurt: Thick, strained Greek yogurt gives the best structure; labneh or skyr are good alternatives.
Cocoa sift: Sift the cocoa powder before mixing to prevent lumps and ensure an even chocolate flavor.
Temperature matters: Use yogurt straight from the fridge—warmer yogurt will become runnier and take longer to set.
Layering: For a parfait-style cup, alternate yogurt mixture with a layer of fruit compote or granola just before serving to keep granola crunchy.
Sweetness balance: If you want less added sugar, reduce honey to 3 tablespoons and add a ripe mashed banana or a splash of unsweetened applesauce for natural sweetness.

Creative Twists

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cups: Stir 2 tablespoons of smooth peanut butter into the yogurt mixture; top with chopped peanuts and a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. For more peanut-chocolate inspiration, check this recipe for easy no-bake peanut butter cookies and borrow mix-in ideas.
Vegan & Chocolate-Hazelnut: Use thick, unsweetened coconut or almond-based yogurt, swap honey for maple syrup, and fold in a tablespoon of hazelnut butter for a Nutella-like vibe.
Mocha-Spiced: Dissolve 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder into the honey before mixing and add a pinch of cinnamon and cardamom for a warm, aromatic cup.
Fruit-Forward: Swirl in a berry compote (reduced strawberries or raspberries) between layers for a tangy contrast that brightens the chocolate.

All Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I make these vegan?
A: Yes—use a creamy, thick plant-based yogurt (coconut or soy), replace honey with maple syrup or agave, and choose vegan chocolate chips.

Q: My cups are watery after chilling. What went wrong?
A: Using a thin yogurt or overmixing can cause separation. Use thick, well-strained Greek yogurt and mix gently. If separating occurs, stir briefly before serving or drain excess liquid.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Absolutely. Reduce honey to 3 tablespoons, or use a sugar-free sweetener to taste. Keep in mind texture and flavor will change slightly.

Q: How long will they keep?
A: Refrigerated in airtight containers: 3–4 days (best within 48 hours).

Q: Can I use flavored yogurt?
A: Yes; flavored yogurt will change sweetness and flavor. If it’s sweetened, cut back on honey to avoid over-sweetness.

Conclusion

Give these No Bake Chocolate Greek Yogurt Cups a try—simple to assemble, satisfying to eat, and flexible enough to suit breakfasts, desserts, or party bites. If you love the chocolate-and-peanut-butter combo, you’ll enjoy this take on peanut butter and Greek yogurt dessert cups with chocolate shell, and for a frozen treat variation, this recipe for frozen chocolate peanut butter yogurt cups offers extra inspiration. Share your photos and tweaks—I’d love to see how you make these cups your own.