Enjoy this creamy Yogurt Frosting with any cake or cupcake as a quick, lower-sugar topping option. It’s so yummy and has lots of flavor options. It’s also easy to make ahead and store.
I love making simple frostings to top kids birthday cake recipes, cupcakes, and treats for family holidays, and this yogurt-based one is one of my favorites. (It ranks right up there with my Cream Cheese Frosting!) It’s easy to make, simple to add flavor to, and spreads on so easily.
The key to this frosting is to start with thick Greek yogurt. This ensures that it won’t be too liquid when you go to spread it onto the cake and that it has a texture similar to classic frosting recipes. It’s not quite as stiff as a buttercream, but it’s just as delicious.
You can add as little or as much sweetener as you like, and there’s also an option to add a fruit flavor. Then you can use it to top all sorts of cakes, from my First Birthday Smash Cake and Sweet Potato Baby Cake to my Strawberry Sheet Cake and Chocolate Chip Banana Cake. And even Carrot Cake Bars!
Table of Contents
Your toddler won’t eat? Help is here!
Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this easy yogurt frosting recipe to use on either a sheet cake, a layer cake, or cupcakes.
- Greek yogurt: Using whole milk Greek yogurt is key to frosting that is creamy and thick. If you see any liquid at the top of your container, be sure to drain it off as you do not want to add that moisture to your frosting.
- Cream cheese: Adding cream cheese helps ensure that the frosting is thick enough to hold its shape as a frosting on a cake.
- Powdered sugar: You can add powdered sugar, optionally, as a way to sweeten the frosting and to make it a little stiffer. Alternatively, you can add a little bit of honey as the sweetener.
- Vanilla extract: I usually use pure vanilla extract, but artificial works too if that’s what you have on hand.
Ingredient Variations
To add fruit flavor to this yogurt frosting, I prefer to use freeze-dried fruit. We grind it into a powder in a blender, then simply beat it in. This works SO well to add intense flavor without adding moisture (which would be the case if using a fresh fruit puree.)
To make this recipe dairy-free or vegan, use vegan Greek-style yogurt and cream cheese.
Use vanilla Greek yogurt and omit the vanilla extract.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is a look at how to make this yogurt frosting recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full information, including the amounts and timing.
Step 1. If using the optional freeze-dried fruit, add to a blender.
Step 2. Blend the freeze-dried fruit into a fine powder and set aside.
Step 3. Add the ingredients to a bowl. Be sure that the cream cheese is softened for a while at room temperature so that it’s easy to blend smooth. (Otherwise, it may be lumpy.)
Step 4. Beat until creamy with an electric mixer. Taste and adjust the sweetness as desired. Add the dried fruit powder, if using, and beat until smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cakes with yogurt frosting are fine at room temperature while you are serving the cake and setting up for a birthday, especially as an easy first birthday party idea, though for any longer period of time it is best to store in the refrigerator.
You can whip Greek yogurt with an electric hand mixer, though you can also just stir vigorously with a wooden spoon.
Yes, you can use regular full-fat plain yogurt, but you’ll want to drain it over a colander lined with paper towel or cheese cloth to remove as much liquid as possible to ensure that the frosting is thick and creamy.
How to Store
To store this yogurt frosting (if you want to make it the day before, as an example), place into a zip-top storage bag, press flat, remove as much air as possible, and seal. This stays a little fresher than an airtight container, though that is an option, too.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly before using.
Cakes and Cupcakes to Use with Yogurt Frosting
Find my full list of First Birthday Cakes, or use one of my favorites below.
- Healthy Apple Cake
- First Birthday Smash Cake
- Easy Vanilla Cake
- Easy Applesauce Cake
- Healthy Chocolate Cake
- Favorite Birthday Cake Muffins
- Healthy Vanilla Cupcakes
- Favorite Banana Cupcakes
- Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes
- Easy Chocolate Cupcakes
Best Tips for Success
- To make this Greek yogurt frosting with all yogurt and no cream cheese, omit the cream cheese and use 2 cups yogurt. Line a colander with cheesecloth and set over a big bowl. Add the yogurt and let strain for at least 2 hours to remove some of the liquid. This will create a similar consistency.
- To grind the freeze-dried fruit, add to a blender and grind into a powder.
- Dairy-free: Use Greek-style nondairy yogurt and vegan cream cheese.
- Try with any of my Kids Birthday Cake recipes and find more Desserts for Kids.
- Decorate the top of a cake with yogurt frosting with berries, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles or other decorations.
- Mix the frosting well to avoid lumps.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
Favorite Yogurt Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (or 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup)
- 1 cup freeze-dried fruit (ground into a powder; optional for color and flavor)
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a large bowl. Beat until creamy with an electric mixer.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness as desired. (Know that using powdered sugar makes this frosting sweeter and slightly stiffer than honey or maple syrup.)
Hi Amy,
If you have the freeze dried strawberry already in powder form how much would you use?
Thank you! Excited to make this for my kids bdays!
About 1/2 cup (ish!). You can always add more if you want more flavor too. Enjoy!
Hi Amy – can I make this without an electric mixer? Will it work just whipping by hand? Looking forward to trying this for my daughter’s second birthday along with your Favourite One Year Old Cake!
Yes, just be sure that the cream cheese is very soft to ensure that it blends easily, I would use a wooden spoon. Enjoy!
Hi Amy – I love your recipes and I’m so glad you posted this to your stories as I’m throwing my son’s first birthday party next weekend. Do you have any recommendations on how to sweeten it while keeping it sugar free? Thanks a million! Ashley xx
Hi- You can omit the sweetener entirely, add just the freeze dried fruit powder, or use the frosting plain and top with some berries for additional flavor. Enjoy!