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    Home » Type » Desserts » Ice Cream Popsicles and Frozen Treats

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Fro-Yo {Made Without an Ice Cream Maker}

    Published: Jul 7, 2011 · Modified: Apr 14, 2022 by Faith · This post may contain affiliate links · 63 Comments

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Fro-Yo

    Buying an ice cream maker wasn’t the best $75 I’ve ever spent. Don’t get me wrong, it works just fine, but I just don’t get enough use out of it. We love ice cream, but Mike and I don’t eat it very often. With just two of us in the house, there’s really no need to make a whole batch just to have it sit in the freezer for the better part of a year until either of us remember it’s there (which has actually happened more than once).

    Frozen yogurt, on the other hand, I could eat like it’s going out of style. Even though I could definitely use an ice cream maker, frozen yogurt is so easy to make it doesn’t even require one!

    To make my frozen yogurt, I mix up a Greek yogurt base and then freeze it. It’s after the freeze that the real magic happens: I whip it into a creamy, soft-serve consistency in my food processor. After that it’s ready for any mix-ins you like.

    The flavor I came up with that I’m sharing today is basically a healthy remake of Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby (with a little bit of Chunky Monkey thrown in for fun). But this high-protein, naturally-sweetened treat is a lot less chubby or chunky, making it a much healthier indulgence.

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Fro-Yo 2

    Print
    Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Fro-Yo
    Prep time:  10 mins
    Total time:  10 mins
    Yield: 2 to 4 servings
     
    Ingredients
    • 2 medium very ripe bananas, mashed
    • 1½ cups (345 g) Greek yogurt
    • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, honey, or other natural sweetener of your choice (see Note below)
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 4 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips
    • 4 tablespoons small pretzels, crushed a bit in your hand
    • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
    Instructions
    1. Mix together the banana, yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla; transfer the mixture to an ice cube tray and freeze.
    2. Remove from the freezer (you can dip the bottom of the ice cube tray in hot water so the frozen yogurt can slide right out).
    3. Transfer the frozen yogurt cubes to a food processor and pulse a few times to break it up, then process until smooth and creamy (you might need to do this step in 2 batches, depending on how big your food processor is). Scrape the sides of the bowl down as necessary.
    4. Transfer the frozen yogurt to a large bowl and fold in the chocolate chips, pretzels, and peanut butter.
    5. Eat it as-is, or freeze until it stiffens up just a bit to the point of being scoop-able, about 15 minutes depending on how cold your freezer is.
    Notes
    Sweetener: 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey gives it a subtle sweetness, just the way I like it; adjust the amount to suit your preference.
    3.5.3251

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




      Rate this recipe:  

    1. Sher says

      May 28, 2012 at 3:45 pm

      Seriously, when I saw this recipe I freaked out a little. Brilliant!

      PS: I love this so hard, I featured you on Momcaster: http://momcaster.com/2012/05/28/homemade-frozen-yogurt-no-ice-cream-maker/

      Reply
    2. Ethan says

      August 08, 2011 at 9:33 pm

      i am a yogurt monster and i do it froyo all the time. my favorite combos so far are PB and J made with PB or PB2 powder (dehydrated peanut butter) and fresh berries, or Cookies and Cream which i make as a mixture of yogurt, cottage cheese and oreos...

      Reply
    3. LeQuan says

      July 27, 2011 at 12:09 am

      haha! love the name of your fro-yo! that's just so awesome that you don't need an ice cream maker to make this. this looks delicious and like store bought stuff. great choice on the addition of the pretzels!

      Reply
    4. Kristina says

      July 20, 2011 at 4:53 pm

      I love this idea! I couldn't wait to give it a shot, but I messed it up somehow. I got yogurt all over the place and made a big mess. (I chronicled my shortcomings here. http://knucklesalad.com/apricot-frozen-yogurt)

      Reply
    5. natalie says

      July 15, 2011 at 8:44 am

      I just want to clarify that it is Plain Greek yogurt? is that right? also, can it be non-fat or do you recommend something else?
      thanks!

      Reply
      • admin says

        July 15, 2011 at 9:33 am

        Natalie, I used plain Greek yogurt -- Fage Total 2%. I haven’t tried it with fat free Greek yogurt, but I think it would work as long as the yogurt has the same very thick consistency.

        Reply
    6. DessertForTwo says

      July 15, 2011 at 8:29 am

      What a great idea!
      I scale down ice cream recipes to make ~ 1 pint of ice cream. I find that 2 people can go through a pint no problem.
      I love the pretzels in this! Can't wait to try it :)

      Reply
      • admin says

        July 15, 2011 at 9:35 am

        DessertForTwo, I agree, two people can go through a pint no problem...but for me, it can be a real hassle to haul out my ice cream maker just for a pint. Plus I love the tangy flavor and added nutrition from frozen yogurt. If you try it, let me know how you like it! :)

        Reply
    7. marla {family fresh cooking} says

      July 15, 2011 at 7:59 am

      Faith, where the heck have I been?! Your blog changes are AMAZING!!! Looks fresh & wonderful over here. I have never made frozen yogurt in my food processor before, great idea that I will be trying soon.

      Reply
    8. grace says

      July 15, 2011 at 4:35 am

      great name for a tasty treat, faith! i always thought it'd be awesome to work for ben and jerry's because a)they play with awesome flavors, b)they're easy on the earth, and c)they come up with terrific names. :)

      Reply
    9. Krista says

      July 12, 2011 at 10:51 am

      YUM! I love making frozen yogurt at home. These mix ins are to die for....

      Reply
    10. Veronica says

      July 12, 2011 at 1:20 am

      Thank you so much! I'm in love with this recipe and idea. I don't have an ice cream maker so I usually don't ever read recipes for ice cream and I love that you make it with your food processor. Now why haven't I tried that?! I will be soon, for sure.

      Reply
    11. Carolyn Jung says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:48 pm

      I love this idea for making your own fro-yo without an ice cream machine. And I appreciate your honesty about how little you actually use yours. You see, I, too, have toyed for a year about getting an ice cream maker. But so far, I have not bit the bullet. I keep wondering just how often I would use it. Plus, half the time, our freezer is so full of other stuff, I doubt I'd have room for the canister. I think you've convinced me to save my pennies for now and just make fro-yo like this instead. Yum!

      Reply
    12. Victoria says

      July 11, 2011 at 8:54 pm

      Great recipe!! I actually love my ice cream maker but don't use it all the time. This is a great technique, and I love all the yummy mix-ins you use. Also, I love your new layout :) Very nice!

      Reply
    13. Simply Life says

      July 11, 2011 at 6:34 pm

      wow! this looks SO good! wish I had a bowl right now!...and I love your "new look!"

      Reply
    14. Allison says

      July 11, 2011 at 5:49 pm

      Seriously those are my two favorite flavors. I can not pass up chubby hubby. This is a treat I WILL be making.

      Reply
    15. Geni says

      July 11, 2011 at 5:00 pm

      Chunky Monkey and Chubby Hubby are my very favorite flavors. I love knowing I can do this without an icecream maker! Pretty new site!

      Reply
    16. aipi says

      July 11, 2011 at 1:54 pm

      Luscious n scrumptious ~ what a treat!!
      US Masala

      Reply
    17. FOODESSA says

      July 11, 2011 at 6:45 am

      The reasons you gave in your post is exactly why Hubby and I decided that an extra piece of equipment should not take any more of our limited kitchen real estate.
      I've gotten so used to making these frozen treats otherwise. An ice-cream maker is not really necessary in our situation.

      Faith...I love pretzels and quite frankly have never yet had it in ice-cream...hmmm...now you've got me going!

      Thanks for sharing this particular indulgence...will try it for sure ;o)

      Ciao for now,
      Claudia

      Reply
    18. maznah- cooking varieties says

      July 11, 2011 at 12:20 am

      this is so yummy, its simply irresistable to try it out. many thanks for sharing

      Reply
    19. Monet says

      July 10, 2011 at 9:13 pm

      This is exactly what I need...we don't own an ice cream maker, but I'm always wanting to make my own. Thank you so much for sharing with me. I'm hungry now! I hope you had a wonderful weekend, and I\'m wishing you a week full of love and laughter!

      Reply
    20. Anna Johnston says

      July 10, 2011 at 8:27 pm

      Brilliant. Your a rock star. I adore frozen yogurt, much better than ice cream. Great ingredients, looks like I'm gonna have to turn the heat up and have a crack at this recipe me thinks. :)))

      Reply
    21. anh says

      July 10, 2011 at 8:22 pm

      That sounds so yummy!!

      Reply
    22. Hannah says

      July 10, 2011 at 2:43 pm

      Despite my fondness for my ice cream machine, this looks like a great excuse to give it a break! Both healthy and a touch decadent- Looks incredible!

      Reply
    23. Maria @ Scandifoodie says

      July 10, 2011 at 12:42 pm

      I love frozen yoghurt, this sounds so irresistible!

      Reply
    24. Barbara says

      July 10, 2011 at 6:09 am

      Always fun to start with Greek yogurt and add. Frozen or not. I don't use my ice cream freezer a lot, but I am sure glad I have it!

      Reply
    25. Jay says

      July 10, 2011 at 5:34 am

      awesome...the recipe sounds lipsmacking..;P
      Tasty Appetite

      Reply
    26. tasteofbeirut says

      July 09, 2011 at 8:34 pm

      Banana and yogurt sounds great! Makes it creamier and the addition of pretzel bits is very cool.

      Reply
    27. Stevie says

      July 09, 2011 at 12:23 pm

      I really like frozen yogurt, esp made from Greek yogurt. It is more sour in an exciting, non-ice cream way. Your fillings to make if chubless look great. I have the idea that you could make the yogurt base and add anything, which would make it a super recipe for a child's birthday party. All the guests could assemble their own versions.

      Reply
    28. Heavenly Housewife says

      July 09, 2011 at 12:18 pm

      This looks great. I've been testing the waters with frozen yogurt and haven't been too successful. I'm curious, after you froze it, was it still nice? Did it freeze into a block of rock hard ice like mine did?
      *kisses* HH

      Reply
      • admin says

        July 10, 2011 at 8:15 am

        Heavenly Housewife, I froze it completely, then I processed it until smooth and creamy in a food processor...after that I only froze it for about 20 minutes, maybe even a little less (just so it was scoop-able). It stayed nice and creamy that way. I'm not sure what would happen if you left it in the freezer for longer, but it would probably freeze solid and you'd have to re-process it in the food processor, which I don't think would be as good (since the mix-ins have already been stirred in and would get pulverized in the food processor). I recommend processing only the amount that you're sure to use right away so it's nice and creamy and so you don't end up having to process it again once the mix-ins are added. Hope this helps, daaahling! :)

        Reply
    29. Ameena says

      July 09, 2011 at 9:36 am

      Is frozen yogurt really that easy? What a great summer idea!! And I love the unique name.

      Reply
    30. Ambreen says

      July 09, 2011 at 8:32 am

      Wow, this looks fantastic! Great idea! Love the new layout of your site :)

      Reply
    31. Michele | Cooking At Home says

      July 09, 2011 at 7:14 am

      Lovely.A definite will-try!

      Reply
    32. nancy at good food matters says

      July 09, 2011 at 6:12 am

      Faith, your post's title is the most attention-grabbing, perfect-for-summer one I've come across---I don't own an ice cream maker; I'd rather go "chubless" so this is the right recipe for me--Thanks!!

      Reply
    33. MaryMoh says

      July 09, 2011 at 1:03 am

      That looks easy and healthy too. I would love to try some day. Thanks very much for sharing.

      Reply
    34. Priscilla - She's Cookin' says

      July 09, 2011 at 1:02 am

      My ice cream machine doesn't get used enough either! But when I do I prefer to make sorbets or fro-yo - less fat, just like your delicious Chunky but Chubless! Great recipe :) Faith, your new layout looks fantastic!

      Reply
    35. sheila @ Elements says

      July 08, 2011 at 11:53 pm

      Oh yum!!!! Love that it's made with bananas & Greek yogurt which is so incredibly healthy instead of cream. And the added pretzels, chocolate chips, and peanut butter is just perfect! I totally have to make this! :)

      Reply
    36. Betty @ scrambled hen fruit says

      July 08, 2011 at 11:33 pm

      Hubby bought me an ice cream maker (a hint maybe?) but I haven't used it because we've both been trying to stay away from high calorie treats. This froyo sounds like something we could both enjoy without feeling too guilty. And I don't even have to get the ice cream maker out of the pantry! :)

      Reply
    37. Angie's Recipes says

      July 08, 2011 at 11:02 pm

      hehe...my ice cream maker stays somewhere in the kitchen and I hardly use it...not even in summer time.
      Your ice cream looks so good!

      Reply
    38. Anu says

      July 08, 2011 at 9:45 pm

      Wow this sounds and looks wonderful! I can't wait to make this! One question though: do you think I can use fat free greek yogurt? thanks so much!

      Reply
      • admin says

        July 09, 2011 at 6:56 am

        Anu, I haven't tried it with fat free yogurt, but I think it would work as long as the yogurt has the same very thick consistency. If you try it, let me know how it turns out! :)

        Reply
    39. Tanvi@SinfullySpicy says

      July 08, 2011 at 7:57 pm

      YAY YAY...so glad I found a second person who thinks alike about ice cream maker.I never bought one- I hardly make ice cream at home..its better to spend 5 bucks on a store bought than to take the headache to getting ingredients and churning & stuff! Love that cute measuring cup & the ice cream looks delish! Have a fun weekend my friend!

      Reply
    40. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

      July 08, 2011 at 7:34 pm

      Hehe the name is so cute Faith! And yes I don't get enough use out of my ice cream bowl, even in Summer!

      Reply
    41. Raina says

      July 08, 2011 at 5:59 pm

      You always come up with the best healthy recipes! This sounds wonderful and something I would love. I also love that it does not require an ice cream maker since I don't have one. I really like the flavors you added and cannot wait to try it:)

      Reply
    42. Jessica says

      July 08, 2011 at 5:17 pm

      Yay to your recipe! I definitely would LOVE to make this! Chunky monkey is my hubby's favorite and we don't have an ice cream maker, so this is the perfect recipe for the weekend. Yours looks so delicious!

      Reply
    43. Evelyne@cheapethniceatz says

      July 08, 2011 at 4:46 pm

      Its all about taste. I live alone and make my own ice cream. I make 1 liter at a time but serve it to my friends, I go through a lot. But I have yet to try a frozen yogurt, great idea and nice flavor!

      Reply
    44. Lindsey@Lindselicious says

      July 08, 2011 at 3:15 pm

      Brilliant! I am making this- this weekend.

      Reply
    45. Erica says

      July 08, 2011 at 1:57 pm

      First off, love the new look! So bright and pretty. Second- I am a frozen yogurt fanatic. And the fact that you used greek yogurt as a base is so cool. How delicious- perfect summer treat

      Reply
    46. Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook says

      July 08, 2011 at 12:39 pm

      LOL, love chubless :) Looks so good! Pretty bowl, you shop anthropologie, one of my favorite places. And you are good, Faith, I'd definitely have gone with the one cup size :)
      Have a great weekend!

      Reply
    47. Heidi @ Food Doodles says

      July 08, 2011 at 10:14 am

      That looks great. I love frozen yogurt too.. I had no idea it was so easy to make without an ice cream maker(even though I have one too) I don't know if I just didn't notice before(sorry if I'm late to say this!), but I love your new site design!

      Reply
    48. Mimi says

      July 08, 2011 at 10:04 am

      Easy and delicious, a perfect summer treat.
      Mimi

      Reply
    49. Nourhan @ Miss Anthropist's Kitchen says

      July 08, 2011 at 10:00 am

      Congrats on your new site layout (why am I always so late?!), I love it! That ice cream looks SO good, I love how you made it without an ice cream maker :)

      Reply
    50. shooting star says

      July 08, 2011 at 9:34 am

      thats a yummy pic..wanna eat up the screen!!

      Reply
    51. Michelle says

      July 08, 2011 at 9:10 am

      oooooo!
      Sounds perfect!

      Reply
    52. Susan says

      July 08, 2011 at 8:58 am

      I haven't used my ice cream maker yet this season either since it's just the two of us at home. This does sound quite delicious!

      Reply
    53. Sonia says

      July 08, 2011 at 8:25 am

      Wow this looks super! Thanks so much for making a recipe that does not use an ice cream maker! I have been eyeing a lot of greek yogurt fro-yos online lately but they all required equipment I don't have.
      I can't wait to try this! Love the pretzel chocolate combo :)

      Reply
    54. Lisa says

      July 08, 2011 at 6:51 am

      This is a great idea---I have an ice cream maker, but it's a pain. I'd much rather just freeze the yogurt and then process it!

      Reply
    55. Joanne says

      July 08, 2011 at 6:36 am

      Can I tell you, I actually woke up this morning thinking about trying to make frozen yogurt out of Greek yogurt...and now here you are with this downright dreamy recipe! It's like you can read my mind.

      Reply
    56. Rosa says

      July 08, 2011 at 1:08 am

      Delightful ice cream! Yes, no need for an ice cream maker.

      Cheers,

      Rosa

      Reply
    57. hellooolife says

      July 08, 2011 at 12:55 am

      omg, i love your recipe!!! Do you think it'd still taste good with fruit instead of chocolate/pb/pretzels? or would you add other sweetners?

      Reply
      • admin says

        July 09, 2011 at 7:01 am

        Hellooolife, I think it would be really delicious with fruit and maybe honey as the sweetener...if you try it, let me know how it goes! :)

        Reply
    58. BeadedTail says

      July 07, 2011 at 11:52 pm

      With the ingredients you used, I bet this is delicious! Sounds easy enough for me to make it too! Thanks for this recipe Faith!

      Reply

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