This Greek Yogurt Lemon Pudding is a light, refreshing dessert that feels indulgent while still being simple and nourishing. With a creamy texture, bright citrus flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness, it comes together in minutes using everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of dessert you can enjoy any day of the week without feeling weighed down.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly quick and easy, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute desserts. It uses only a handful of ingredients, yet the result is rich, smooth, and satisfying. The balance of tangy lemon and creamy yogurt creates a fresh flavor that works well year-round. It’s also versatile, allowing you to adjust sweetness and toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 quart (1 kilogram) plain low-fat Greek yogurt
14 ounces (396 g) sweetened condensed milk
1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon finely grated zest)

Directions

Wash the lemon thoroughly and pat it dry. Finely grate the lemon zest and set it aside. Cut the lemon and juice it, removing any seeds.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until completely smooth and well combined. Mixing the lemon with the condensed milk first helps prevent the yogurt from separating.

Add the Greek yogurt to the bowl. Whisk gently but thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and uniform in color.

Taste and adjust sweetness if desired by adding a small amount of extra yogurt or condensed milk.

Serve immediately for a soft, creamy texture, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the pudding to thicken and the flavors to meld.

Spoon into individual serving dishes and top with fresh fruit if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9
Prep time: 5 minutes
Chilling time (optional): 30 minutes
Total time: 5 to 35 minutes

Variations

For a lighter sweetness, use only 10 to 12 ounces of sweetened condensed milk instead of the full can.
For a richer texture, use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of low-fat.
Add a touch of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.
Top with seasonal fruits such as berries, kiwi, grapes, or citrus segments for variety.
For a thicker, mousse-like consistency, chill the pudding for several hours before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving if it has been chilled for a while. This dessert is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use nonfat Greek yogurt?

Yes, nonfat Greek yogurt works well, though the pudding will be slightly less creamy than with low-fat or full-fat yogurt.

Can I make this dessert less sweet?

Absolutely. Reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk and replace it with extra yogurt to balance the flavor.

Does the pudding need to be chilled?

No, it can be eaten right away, but chilling helps thicken the texture and improves the flavor.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, this pudding is ideal for making ahead and can be stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Will the lemon cause the yogurt to separate?

Mixing the lemon juice with the condensed milk before adding the yogurt prevents separation and keeps the texture smooth.

Can I freeze Greek yogurt lemon pudding?

Freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the texture and cause graininess once thawed.

What toppings work best with this pudding?

Fresh fruit such as berries, kiwi, grapes, or peeled orange segments pair beautifully with the lemon flavor.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes, the recipe can easily be halved if you want a smaller batch.

Is this dessert suitable for everyday eating?

Yes, it’s light enough for everyday enjoyment while still feeling like a treat.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for the best flavor and aroma.

Conclusion

Greek Yogurt Lemon Pudding is a simple yet elegant dessert that proves you don’t need complicated steps or long ingredient lists to create something delicious. With its creamy texture, refreshing citrus taste, and quick preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Whether served plain or topped with fresh fruit, it’s a dessert that feels both comforting and fresh.

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