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Greek Yogurt Strawberry Cheesecake Pudding - A Creamy, Light Dessert You’ll Crave

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups plain whole-milk Greek yogurt (thicker versions work best)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste; start with 1/3 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (plus a squeeze of juice, optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional, for a stronger berry note)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Graham crackers, crushed (about 1/2 cup for topping)
  • Optional add-ins: 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract for a bakery-style twist

Method
 

  1. Soften the cream cheese. Set it out for 30–45 minutes, or gently microwave in 10-second bursts until pliable but not melted. Soft cream cheese prevents lumps.
  2. Beat the cream cheese. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy, 1–2 minutes. Scrape the bowl so everything blends evenly.
  3. Sweeten and flavor. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Beat until glossy and smooth. If using almond extract or a little lemon juice, add it now.
  4. Fold in Greek yogurt. Switch to a spatula and fold in the yogurt in two additions. Stir until just combined and creamy. Avoid overmixing to keep it thick.
  5. Prep the strawberries. Finely chop the strawberries. If they’re very juicy, blot with a paper towel to limit excess liquid that can thin the pudding.
  6. Stir in berries and jam. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries. For a bolder strawberry flavor and a pretty swirl, warm the jam for a few seconds and marble it through the pudding.
  7. Taste and adjust. Check sweetness and tang. Add a touch more powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey if needed. For more tang, a few drops of lemon juice works well.
  8. Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours. Chilling firms the texture and melds flavors. Overnight is even better.
  9. Serve with a crumble. Spoon into bowls or jars and top with crushed graham crackers right before serving so they stay crunchy. Add extra strawberries if you like.