Baked Yogurt with Cinnamon Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a dessert that feels like a warm hug wrapped in a cloud of creamy goodness, then this Baked Yogurt with Cinnamon Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This delightful treat transforms simple Greek yogurt into a luxuriously smooth, gently spiced custard that’s both comforting and refreshing. Perfect for those moments when you want something sweet yet not overly indulgent, this recipe balances the tang of yogurt with the warmth of cinnamon and a touch of sweetness, culminating in a dessert that’s as wholesome as it is irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and a subtle warmth that defines this dish. From the creamy tang of Greek yogurt to the captivating aroma of cinnamon, every component works harmoniously to make this dessert shine.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Choose full-fat for the creamiest and richest custard texture.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: This brings just the right amount of sweetness and silkiness, creating a luscious custard.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds smoothness and lightens the yogurt without compromising richness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, fragrant spice that gives the dish its signature comforting flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and depth, balancing the cinnamon perfectly.
- Pinch of salt: Elevates all the flavors, ensuring a well-rounded taste experience.
- Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional): A final flourish that adds inviting aroma and visual appeal when serving.
How to Make Baked Yogurt with Cinnamon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Setup
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This moderate temperature allows the yogurt custard to bake gently, developing a delicate texture without curdling. Prepare your ramekins or small oven-safe cups to hold the mixture.
Step 2: Whisk the Yogurt Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until every ingredient is smoothly combined, creating a homogenous mixture that promises a silky final custard without lumps.
Step 3: Pour into Ramekins and Set Up a Water Bath
Carefully pour the yogurt mixture into your ramekins, filling each one evenly. Arrange the ramekins inside a baking dish, then pour hot water into the dish, filling it until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This water bath is crucial—it ensures gentle, even cooking and prevents the yogurt from cracking or overcooking at the edges.
Step 4: Bake Until Set
Place the water bath and ramekins into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The key indicator to look for is that the yogurt is set but still slightly jiggly in the center, striking the perfect custard balance between firmness and creaminess.
Step 5: Cool and Chill
Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate the baked yogurt for at least 2 hours before serving — this chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the texture to firm up delightfully.
How to Serve Baked Yogurt with Cinnamon Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of ground cinnamon over the top just before serving adds visual charm and brightens the warm spice aroma. For a touch of elegance and crunch, you could also scatter some toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios, or even a few fresh berries to introduce a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This baked yogurt dessert pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit such as sliced mango, berries, or pomegranate seeds which complement its creaminess while adding natural sweetness and acidity. A drizzle of honey or a side of warm chai can make for a cozy combination reminiscent of home-cooked Indian sweets.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more playful presentation, try layering the baked yogurt with granola or fruit compotes in a parfait glass. Another idea is to serve it alongside small bowls of spiced nuts or coconut flakes for guests to sprinkle on top. These creative touches turn a simple dessert into an impressive, interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked yogurt keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in airtight containers. Keeping the ramekins covered ensures they don’t absorb unwanted fridge odors and the texture stays fresh and creamy.
Freezing
This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze it, transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to one month. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly affect the texture, making it less silky once thawed, but still tasty when properly defrosted in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Reheating is generally not necessary or recommended for this chilled treat, but if you prefer it warm, gently warm the ramekin in a low oven (about 200°F / 90°C) for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can cause uneven texture and curdling. Serve warm with your favorite garnish for a comforting twist.
FAQs
Can I use flavored yogurt instead of plain Greek yogurt?
It’s best to stick with plain Greek yogurt for this recipe to control sweetness and maintain the ideal custard texture. Flavored yogurts may contain additives or extra sugar that can alter the final taste and consistency.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut or almond-based yogurt, and use plant-based milk instead of whole milk. Keep the sweetened condensed milk in mind—look for dairy-free versions or try adding maple syrup or agave as a sweetener alternative.
What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
If you’d prefer not to use sweetened condensed milk, you can substitute it with a combination of honey or maple syrup and reduce the whole milk slightly to keep the consistency right. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Why use a water bath for baking the yogurt?
The water bath creates gentle, even heat around the ramekins, which prevents the yogurt from cracking or curdling during baking, giving you that perfect smooth and tender custard texture.
How long can I keep this dessert refrigerated?
Keep the baked yogurt refrigerated and enjoy it within 3 days for the best texture and flavor. Beyond that, it’s still safe to eat if refrigerated properly but may start to lose some of its creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
I truly cannot recommend enough giving this Baked Yogurt with Cinnamon Recipe a try. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that feels indulgent without being heavy, offers comfort with a touch of spice, and suits both busy weeknights and special occasions. Whether you’re a yogurt lover or new to baked desserts, this one’s bound to win your heart — and your taste buds — over completely.
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Baked Yogurt with Cinnamon Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Yogurt with Cinnamon is a creamy, subtly sweet Indian-inspired dessert made by gently baking Greek yogurt blended with sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and aromatic cinnamon. This custard-like treat is set in a water bath for a delicate texture and chilled before serving, making it a perfect healthy indulgence with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Yogurt Mixture
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Garnish (Optional)
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) ensuring it reaches the right temperature for gentle baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Prepare Ramekins: Pour the yogurt mixture evenly into small ramekins or oven-safe cups, filling them almost to the top.
- Create Water Bath: Place the ramekins into a baking dish and carefully pour hot water into the dish so that it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins, which helps the yogurt bake gently and evenly.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake the yogurt for 25 to 30 minutes. The yogurt should be just set with a slight jiggle in the center to achieve a creamy custard texture.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavor and texture to fully develop.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top. Enjoy this dessert chilled for a refreshing and comforting treat.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of condensed milk or adding a drizzle of honey before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and use plant-based milk instead of whole milk.
- This dessert pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a few toasted nuts on top for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
