Orange Yogurt Cloud Dessert (Light & Fluffy)
Overview
A no-bake, airy dessert made with yogurt and fresh orange. It’s soft like a cloud, gently tangy, lightly sweet, and perfect served chilled.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30–60 minutes
Serves: 4
Skill level: Easy
Ingredients
Main ingredients
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1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat recommended)
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½ cup cold heavy cream
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2–3 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
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Zest of 1 large orange
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¼ cup fresh orange juice
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Optional (for extra structure)
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1 teaspoon powdered gelatin + 1 tablespoon cold water
(only needed if you want a firmer, mousse-like set)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the yogurt base
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
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Greek yogurt
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Honey (or sugar)
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Orange zest
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Orange juice
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Vanilla extract
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Salt
Whisk until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
2. (Optional) Activate gelatin
If using gelatin:
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Sprinkle gelatin over 1 tablespoon cold water.
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Let bloom for 5 minutes.
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Microwave for 5–10 seconds until just melted.
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Whisk immediately into the yogurt mixture.
This helps the dessert hold its shape longer.
3. Whip the cream
In a separate chilled bowl:
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Whip the cold heavy cream to soft peaks
(fluffy, but still gently falling off the whisk).
⚠️ Do not overwhip—it should look like soft clouds, not butter.
4. Fold gently
Add the whipped cream to the yogurt mixture in 2–3 additions.
Use a spatula and fold gently:
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Cut down through the center
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Lift and turn the mixture
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Rotate the bowl
Stop as soon as it’s combined and airy.
5. Chill and serve
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Spoon into serving glasses or bowls
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Chill for 30–60 minutes
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Serve cold
Optional Toppings
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Fresh orange segments
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Crushed cookies or graham crackers
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Dark chocolate shavings
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Toasted coconut
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Mint leaves
Q & A Section
Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
A: Yes, but strain it first. Regular yogurt has more liquid, which can make the dessert runny. Strain through a cheesecloth or coffee filter for 30–60 minutes.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes.
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Use coconut yogurt or almond yogurt
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Replace cream with chilled coconut cream
The flavor will be slightly tropical but still delicious.
Q: Is this a mousse or a parfait?
A: It’s a hybrid. Without gelatin, it’s mousse-like and spoonable. With gelatin, it becomes more structured, closer to a classic mousse.
Q: How sweet should it be?
A: Lightly sweet. This dessert shines with brightness, not sugar. Start with 2 tablespoons sweetener and adjust.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes.
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Best within 24 hours
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Keep covered and refrigerated
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Texture is best the same day
Q: Why did mine turn runny?
Possible reasons:
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Cream was under-whipped
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Yogurt had too much liquid
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Overmixed when folding
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No gelatin and very warm kitchen
Fix: Chill longer or add gelatin next time.
Q: Can I turn this into a cake filling?
A: Yes—but use gelatin. Without it, it’s too soft to hold layers.
Q: Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange?
A: You can, but fresh zest + juice gives a much brighter, cleaner flavor. If using extract, add just ¼ teaspoon.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Not recommended. Freezing changes the texture and makes it icy once thawed.