Save The first time I made this, I was standing in my kitchen at midnight, unable to sleep, when I decided to play with the yogurt and jam in front of me just to see what would happen. I swirled the dark berry jam into white yogurt, added those tiny white sesame seeds like stars scattered across the night sky, and suddenly I wasn't just making a snack—I was creating something that felt like edible art. My partner walked in, saw it, and said nothing, just stood there looking. That silence told me everything.
I brought this to a dinner party once, worried it was too simple, too strange. But watching four different people each take a bite and then pause—really pause—to look at their bowl before eating more felt like I'd shared something secretly wonderful with them. One guest asked how long it took to make, and when I said ten minutes, she laughed in disbelief. That's when I knew it was special.
Ingredients
- Greek yogurt (400g, full-fat or low-fat): This is your canvas—creamy, tangy, and substantial enough to hold all those beautiful toppings without collapsing.
- Soft white goat cheese (80g, chilled): The chill matters more than you'd think; it keeps these little orbs firm enough to roll and gives you that pop of brightness when you bite into them.
- Dark berry jam (100g): Blackberry, blueberry, or blackcurrant all work, but choose one that feels jewel-like when you hold it up to the light—that's how you know it's good.
- White sesame seeds (2 tbsp): They're more than decoration; they add a whisper of nuttiness and that tiny crunch that catches you off guard in the best way.
- Honey (1–2 tbsp, optional): Only add this if your jam isn't already sweet enough or if you want to gild the lily, which, between us, sometimes makes it even better.
Instructions
- Smooth your foundation:
- Divide the yogurt among four shallow bowls and spread it gently with the back of a spoon until the surface is almost level. You want it calm and inviting, like still water waiting for something to happen to it.
- Create your spiral:
- Pour or spoon the jam slowly over the yogurt in one continuous motion, moving your spoon in a spiral from the center outward or whatever pattern speaks to you. There's no wrong way here—each swirl is its own small act of creation.
- Form your star clusters:
- Take the cold goat cheese and roll it gently between your fingers into marble-sized balls, or use a small melon baller for perfect spheres. Drop them across the surface like you're placing tiny constellations.
- Scatter the cosmic dust:
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds over everything with a light hand, letting some land on the yogurt, some on the jam, some on the cheese. This is where the magic amplifies.
- Final touch and serve:
- Drizzle with honey if you're using it, then bring it to the table while it's still beautiful. The real pleasure comes from looking at it for a moment before you stir it all together and eat.
Save A friend told me recently that she makes this now whenever she wants to feel like she's done something fancy without the stress of actual cooking. I think that's the real magic of it—it sits at that perfect intersection of simplicity and elegance, where anyone can feel a little bit like an artist.
Choosing Your Dairy
The quality of your yogurt matters more than you'd expect from something so simple. Full-fat Greek yogurt gives you a richer, almost custard-like base, while low-fat stays brighter and more refreshing. I usually go full-fat because I love how it holds those jam swirls without looking sparse, but on hot summer days, the lighter version wins.
The Jam Question
Dark berry jams work best because they have this deep, jewel-tone appearance that makes the whole thing feel more intentional. A good blackcurrant jam tastes almost wine-like against the creamy yogurt, while blackberry stays bright and recognizable. Blueberry jam is softer visually, but if that's what you love, use it—this dish lives or dies on what brings you joy.
Small Details That Matter
The presentation moment is half the experience here, so take your time with it. If you're making this for guests, assemble everything just before serving so the sesame seeds don't lose their crunch and the goat cheese balls stay defined. Using a squeeze bottle for the jam gives you more control if precision matters to you, but honestly, the imperfect spirals often look more beautiful.
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for about two minutes, stirring constantly, and they'll transform into something almost buttery.
- If your goat cheese is warm or at room temperature, dip your fingers in ice water between rolls to keep everything cold and shapeable.
- Serve this the moment it's assembled, because the magic is partly visual, and it deserves to be seen before it becomes just a mixed-together bowl.
Save This dessert taught me that sometimes the most memorable meals aren't the ones that take hours—they're the ones that feel like a small, deliberate act of beauty. Make this when you want to feel a little bit like you're in on something special.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of yogurt works best?
Plain Greek yogurt, either full-fat or low-fat, offers a creamy base that balances the dark berry jam's sweetness.
- → Can I substitute the goat cheese?
Yes, mascarpone or ricotta can be used as milder alternatives with similar texture and creaminess.
- → How should the sesame seeds be prepared?
Using white sesame seeds adds a subtle crunch; toasting them lightly enhances their nutty flavor.
- → Is honey necessary?
Honey is optional and can be drizzled to add natural sweetness if desired.
- → How to create the jam swirl effect?
Drizzle or spoon the dark berry jam in a spiral pattern over the yogurt for an appealing cosmic look; a squeeze bottle helps with precision.