Luscious No-Churn Lime Frozen Yogurt with Raspberry Mint Jelly: The Ultimate Easy Summer Dessert
Imagine the perfect summer day, bright sunshine, and the gentle hum of happiness. What completes this idyllic scene? A truly exceptional dessert that’s both refreshing and utterly delicious. This no-churn lime frozen yogurt with raspberry mint jelly is precisely that—a summer dessert dream brought to life in every creamy, tangy, and sweet bite. It’s an elegant, vibrant, and surprisingly straightforward treat that promises to delight your taste buds and impress your guests, all without the need for an ice cream machine.
Crafted with just a handful of simple ingredients—rich Greek yogurt, zesty fresh lime juice, a touch of sugar, and a delicate jelly infused with the bright flavors of raspberries and refreshing mint—this recipe proves that gourmet desserts don’t have to be complicated. The beauty of this frozen delight lies in its beautiful presentation, fantastic taste, and ease of preparation. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a sophisticated dinner party, or simply craving a cool and delightful treat on a warm afternoon, this lime frozen yogurt will quickly become your go-to recipe.
Why This No-Churn Lime Frozen Yogurt with Raspberry Jelly is a Summer Staple
This particular recipe holds a special place in my heart, evoking vivid memories of a blissful summer afternoon spent in my backyard. The kids were joyfully splashing in the swimming pool, their laughter echoing playfully through the vibrant garden. As I relaxed in the welcoming shade, a delightful craving for a cool treat stirred within me. And there, waiting patiently in the freezer, were these exquisite lime yogurt ice desserts, each topped with a shimmering layer of homemade raspberry mint jelly.
They looked incredibly inviting and cool, radiating an aura of effortless elegance, yet they were entirely homemade—and so incredibly simple to prepare! The first bite was an absolute revelation: the invigorating tang of fresh lime perfectly balanced by the luscious creaminess of the yogurt, complemented by the sweet, bright notes of raspberries and the subtle, refreshing hint of mint. It was a symphony of flavors and textures that instantly became an unforgettable moment. From that day forward, this homemade frozen yogurt recipe has become an indispensable part of our summer celebrations, a cherished dessert for backyard BBQs, sophisticated summer dinner parties, or any occasion when I want to serve something truly cool, delicious, and effortlessly impressive. It’s the ultimate easy summer dessert that always receives rave reviews.
The Magic of No-Churn: Simple Sophistication
One of the most appealing aspects of this dessert is its “no-churn” nature. For many home cooks, the idea of making homemade ice cream can be intimidating, often requiring specialized equipment like an ice cream maker. This recipe completely bypasses that hurdle, making it accessible to everyone. The secret lies in the quality of ingredients and the simple technique of freezing the yogurt mixture directly. The result is a surprisingly smooth, creamy texture that rivals churned ice cream, offering all the indulgence without the fuss. This makes it an ideal choice for busy hosts or anyone looking for a quick yet elegant frozen treat.
A Symphony of Flavors: Lime, Raspberry, and Mint
The flavor profile of this frozen yogurt is meticulously crafted for maximum refreshment. The key components work in perfect harmony:
- Zesty Lime: Fresh lime juice provides a bright, citrusy kick that cuts through the richness of the yogurt, awakening the palate. It’s the quintessential summer flavor, instantly transporting you to sun-drenched beaches.
- Creamy Greek Yogurt: Using full-fat Greek yogurt is crucial here. It provides the luxurious, thick base that gives the frozen dessert its satisfyingly creamy texture, preventing it from becoming icy. It also adds a slight tang that complements the lime beautifully.
- Sweet Raspberry Mint Jelly: This top layer is where the magic truly happens. Ripe raspberries are simmered with a touch of sugar to create a vibrant, fruity base. Infusing it with fresh mint leaves adds an unexpected layer of coolness and aromatic freshness that elevates the entire dessert. The jelly layer not only adds a burst of flavor but also creates a stunning visual contrast with the white yogurt base.
Together, these elements create a dessert that is light, invigorating, and deeply satisfying—the perfect antidote to a hot summer day.
Expert Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Summer Yogurt Dessert with Berries
While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few expert tips can elevate your lime frozen yogurt with raspberry mint jelly from great to absolutely unforgettable. Pay attention to these details for the best possible results:
- **Choose Full-Fat Greek Yogurt:** This is paramount for achieving that incredibly creamy, luxurious texture that makes this dessert so irresistible. Low-fat or non-fat yogurts will result in a more icy consistency, lacking the desired richness. The higher fat content in full-fat Greek yogurt prevents large ice crystals from forming, leading to a smoother mouthfeel.
- **Insist on Fresh Lime Juice:** Bottled lime juice simply cannot compare to the vibrant, zesty, and complex flavor of freshly squeezed limes. The difference is truly remarkable and will significantly impact the overall taste profile of your frozen yogurt. Invest in a few fresh limes – it’s worth the effort!
- **Ensure Yogurt Layer is Fully Frozen:** To achieve those distinct, beautiful layers between the creamy lime yogurt and the vibrant raspberry mint jelly, it’s crucial that the yogurt base is thoroughly frozen and firm before you gently pour the jelly on top. If the yogurt is still soft, the jelly might sink or mix, compromising the elegant presentation. Plan your freezing time accordingly.
- **Fresh or Frozen Raspberries Work Wonders:** Don’t stress if fresh raspberries aren’t in season or readily available. Frozen raspberries work just as beautifully for the jelly. In fact, they can sometimes be more cost-effective and are picked at their peak ripeness, ensuring excellent flavor. No need to thaw them before cooking; just add them directly to the saucepan.
- **The Gelatin Setting Trick:** When preparing the raspberry mint jelly, make sure to let the gelatin mixture cool down to a lukewarm temperature before adding it to the strained raspberry juice. Adding hot gelatin to the juice might alter its setting properties. Also, ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved in the hot raspberry mixture to avoid lumps in your jelly.
- **Master the Softening Time for Serving:** For that perfect, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth bite, always remember to take the dessert out of the freezer approximately 10 minutes before you plan to serve it. This brief softening period allows the frozen yogurt to reach an ideal consistency, where it’s no longer rock-solid but beautifully scoopable and delightfully smooth.
- **Presentation Matters:** Consider serving these desserts in clear glasses or elegant dessert cups to showcase the beautiful two-layered effect. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig or a few whole raspberries on top just before serving for an extra touch of sophistication and color.
Did you recreate this delicious lime frozen yogurt dessert? We’d absolutely love to see your culinary masterpiece! Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I truly enjoy seeing what your creations look like and frequently share the most beautiful photos from our community. Did you fall in love with this refreshing recipe? Then please take a moment to leave a rating on the recipe card below! Your valuable feedback helps other home cooks, like yourself, discover wonderful recipes and supports me enormously in continuing to create and share delicious content.
Hungry for more culinary inspiration? Dive deeper into the world of delicious homemade recipes!
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📖 Recipe: No-Churn Lime Frozen Yogurt with Raspberry Mint Jelly
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
For the Creamy Lime Yogurt Ice
- 2 fresh limes, juiced (approx. ¼ cup)
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups Greek yogurt, full fat for optimal creaminess
For the Vibrant Raspberry Mint Jelly
- 1 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen (no need to thaw if frozen)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin powder
- 5 fresh mint leaves, finely cut into strips or roughly chopped for infusion
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
Preparation for the Creamy Lime Yogurt Ice
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In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lime juice, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously or stir well with a spoon until all the sugar crystals are completely dissolved. This ensures a smooth, non-gritty texture in your frozen yogurt.2 limes, â…“ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Fold in the full-fat Greek yogurt into the lime mixture. Gently mix everything together using a spatula or whisk until the mixture is completely smooth, lump-free, and boasts a wonderfully creamy consistency. Be careful not to overmix, which can reduce the yogurt’s thickness.2¼ cup Greek yogurt
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Carefully pour the creamy lime yogurt mixture into your chosen small glasses or individual dessert cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Place these cups in the freezer for a minimum of 3 hours, or until the yogurt layer is thoroughly firm and solidly frozen. This firm base is essential for the next step.
Crafting the Raspberry Mint Jelly
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In a small saucepan, combine the fresh or frozen raspberries, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of water.1 cup Raspberries, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 cup water
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Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes. This process allows the raspberries to break down and release their juices, creating a concentrated fruity flavor.
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While the raspberries are simmering, prepare your gelatin. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over two tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes, allowing the gelatin to “bloom” and absorb the water. This is a crucial step for ensuring the gelatin dissolves smoothly.1 teaspoon gelatin powder
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Once the raspberries have simmered, set a fine-mesh sieve over a clean, heat-proof bowl or pan. Carefully pour the raspberry mixture through the sieve, pressing firmly with the back of a spoon or a spatula to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the raspberry pulp and seeds, leaving you with a smooth, clear raspberry liquid.
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Gently heat the strained raspberry juice again, but only until it’s hot and steaming—do not bring it to a boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the hot juice and stir continuously until the gelatin is completely dissolved and no granules remain.
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Stir in the finely cut fresh mint leaves into the raspberry jelly mixture. Allow the mixture to cool down to a lukewarm temperature. It’s important not to pour hot jelly onto the frozen yogurt, as it will melt the base.5 fresh mint leaves
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Retrieve the solidly frozen yogurt cups from the freezer. Gently and slowly pour a layer of the lukewarm raspberry mint jelly on top of each frozen yogurt cup. The key is to pour it slowly to maintain distinct layers. Once all cups are topped, return them to the freezer for at least another 30 minutes, or until the jelly layer has fully set and is firm to the touch.
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Before serving, remove the dessert cups from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This crucial step allows the frozen yogurt to soften slightly, achieving that ideal creamy, luscious texture that’s a joy to eat.
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Enjoy your beautifully layered and incredibly refreshing Lime Yogurt Ice with Raspberry Mint Jelly! Garnish with extra mint leaves or fresh raspberries if desired for an extra touch of elegance.
Notes & Variations
- Berry Bliss: While raspberries are fantastic, feel free to substitute them with other fresh or frozen berries like strawberries, blueberries, or even a mixed berry blend for the jelly layer. Each will offer a slightly different but equally delightful flavor profile.
- Citrus Swap: If lime isn’t your preference or you want to try something new, swap the lime juice for fresh lemon juice for a classic tart flavor, or orange juice for a sweeter, sunnier note in your frozen yogurt base.
- Tropical Twist: For an exotic touch, consider using coconut Greek yogurt instead of plain Greek yogurt. This will add a subtle tropical flavor that pairs wonderfully with lime and berries, creating a truly unique frozen yogurt dessert experience. You could also experiment with a hint of mango puree in the jelly!
- Herbal Infusions: Beyond mint, consider infusing your jelly with other complementary herbs like a touch of basil for a sophisticated twist, or a hint of lavender for a floral aroma.
2. Storage Instructions for Future Enjoyment:
- Freezer Storage: To keep your homemade frozen yogurt dessert fresh and delicious for longer, store individual cups or the entire batch in an airtight container in the freezer. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystal formation, or use containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Serving from Frozen: Remember the 10-minute rule! Always allow the frozen yogurt to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. This brief period helps it soften just enough to achieve the perfect creamy, scoopable texture, ensuring every bite is pure bliss.
3. Making Ahead for Convenience:
- This dessert is an excellent make-ahead option! You can prepare both the lime yogurt ice and the raspberry mint jelly components a day or two in advance. Store the yogurt ice in its serving cups in the freezer and the cooled jelly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble the layers and freeze the final dessert a few hours before your event. This allows you to enjoy your guests without last-minute fuss.
Nutrition
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Explore More Frozen Delights: 3 Irresistible Frozen Desserts
If you’ve fallen in love with the refreshing simplicity of this no-churn lime yogurt ice, you’re in for a treat! We have an array of delightful frozen desserts that are perfect for any season or occasion. Here are three more frozen wonders to inspire your next culinary adventure:
- Beer Sorbet: A Unique Citrus ChillDiscover a surprisingly refreshing and sophisticated twist with this unique beer sorbet, perfectly balanced with bright orange notes. An adventurous frozen treat for adults!
- Grand Dessert for Christmas: Festive IndulgenceElevate your holiday feast with a spectacular grand dessert designed for Christmas. A multi-layered delight that promises a truly festive and memorable sweet ending.
- Pepernoten Ice Cream made from Scratch: A Dutch TreatExperience the unique flavors of Dutch pepernoten (spice cookies) transformed into a decadent homemade ice cream. A comforting and surprisingly easy recipe.
Final Thoughts on This Refreshing No-Churn Frozen Yogurt
This no-churn lime frozen yogurt with raspberry mint jelly is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It brings together the bright, zesty notes of lime, the creamy richness of Greek yogurt, and the sweet, refreshing burst of raspberry and mint in a harmonious blend that’s simply irresistible. Its elegant appearance belies its incredible ease of preparation, making it a perfect choice for both novice and experienced home cooks alike.
Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for your next summer gathering, a simple yet satisfying treat to cool down on a hot day, or a delicious way to enjoy fresh seasonal berries, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Remember the tips for using quality ingredients and proper freezing, and you’ll be rewarded with a dessert that’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and wonderfully refreshing. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare to create a summer memory that tastes as good as it looks. Don’t forget to share your creations and ratings – we can’t wait to see your delightful yogurt ice!