Learn how to make the best fruit-on-the-bottom yogurt with all kinds of fruit flavors—and with less sugar and for less money than buying it at the store. This is a yummy way to flavor yogurt for kids and babies.
Fruit on the Bottom Yogurt
I am a big fan of adding flavor to plain yogurt, but I don’t always love how the ones from the store taste or how sweet they are. So I’ve learned a handful of SUPER easy ways to add flavor to plain yogurt myself.
I love this method because it’s endlessly versatile, it works well for babies, toddlers, and big kids (and us adults too) and it’s an easy way to offer a lot of nutrition in a kid-friendly format.
And you can use whichever fruit option you have on hand at any given time. The options for the fruit on the bottom include:
- Fresh fruit
- Frozen fruit
- Pureed fruit
- Jam
- Canned fruit
- Applesauce
You can assemble the yogurt when you’re wanting to serve it, or you can prep it ahead of time and store each serving size in jars in the refrigerator. This is such an easy way to make yogurt cups at home, just the way your kids like the.
TIP: Learn about the best yogurt for babies and toddlers and find a yummy Vanilla Yogurt recipe, too.
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Ingredients You Need
To make this easy yogurt recipe, you’ll need:
- Plain whole milk yogurt: You can use regular or plain Greek yogurt according to what you like best.
- Fruit: Fresh diced fruit, applesauce, chia jam, whole fruit jam, thawed frozen fruit, or canned fruit are all options here.
- Maple syrup or honey: If your kids prefer their fruit yogurt sweeter, you can sweeten to taste as you like.
- Storage containers if you plan to make a few ahead of time
TIP: You can use nondairy yogurt if needed in this recipe to make this a dairy-free snack or breakfast option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the general process in making this recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full info.
- Prepare the fruit if needed. (You may need to dice it or thaw it, depending on the type you’re using.)
- Add your chosen fruit to a container or bowl.
- Top with yogurt.
- Store or stir to serve.
TIP: You can store or serve it right away. I usually let my kids stir it, but you can stir it up if you’d like.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can make this yogurt and store it in the fridge for 3-5 days. Some liquid might separate out from the yogurt, but that’s fine—just stir it back together before serving.
I like Chia Jam or an all-fruit jam from the store. See what’s available in your stores.
These are the glass storage containers from WeeSprout. They are a nice size for babies and one year olds and are so easy to clean. They’re great!
How to Store
You can make this up to 3-5 days ahead in an airtight container and then store in the fridge until you’re ready to use. Stir it before serving or let the kids stir it together on their own.
Best Tips for Success
- Use whole milk plain yogurt to start. That has the healthy fats that little kids need for brain development and is super creamy.
- You can use either regular yogurt or Greek-style.
- Dairy-free: Use your favorite non-dairy yogurt.
- Dice up the fresh or canned fruit and use kitchen scissors to cut up frozen fruit into small pieces so the overall consistency is fairly uniform.
- Use homemade Chia Jam or a store-bought jam option.
- Use homemade fruit purees or store-bought ones.
- Use homemade Applesauce or store-bought ones.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback with this toddler recipe, so please comment below and give the recipe some stars!
Easy Fruit-on-the-Bottom Yogurt
Ingredients
Add-Ins (choose one)
- 1-2 teaspoons jam or chia jam
- ¼ cup finely diced fresh fruit
- ¼ cup thawed frozen fruit
- ¼ cup canned fruit
- ¼ cup applesauce
Yogurt
- ½ cup plain whole milk yogurt (regular or Greek style)
- maple syrup (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Add the fruit of choice to a bowl or container.
- Top with yogurt, sweetened to taste as or if desired.
- Serve, or store and serve cold on a future day.
Equipment
Video
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Stir before serving.
- Dairy-free: Use your favorite nondairy milk to make this dairy-free.
- Fresh fruit ideas: diced strawberries, blueberries, mango, or ripe peaches. Diced or mashed banana also works, though serve that immediately as it will brown with storage.
- Frozen fruit ideas: blueberries, mango, pineapple, raspberries, or cherries.
- I like canned fruit packed in 100% fruit juice. I usually drain the juice before adding it to the container to avoid it becoming too runny.
- I like smooth, unsweetened applesauce, though any will do.
- You can also use any baby food puree you like!
Nutrition
This post was first published January 2021.
