Baklava-Inspired Yoghurt Bowl
This Baklava-Inspired Yoghurt Bowl combines thick Greek yoghurt with toasted walnuts, raw honey, and cinnamon for a simple breakfast or dessert inspired by the flavours of traditional baklava. Creamy, crunchy, and naturally gluten-free, it comes together in a few minutes.
About This Baklava-Inspired Yoghurt Bowl
Greek yoghurt with honey and walnuts is one of those wonderfully simple combinations you’ll see in Greece, particularly at traditional dairy shops, cafés and breakfast spots. Thick yoghurt, good honey and walnuts — there really doesn’t need to be much more to it.
One of the most famous places for it is Stani, an old-school dairy near Omonia Square in Athens. It first opened in 1931 and is one of the last traditional milk bars left in the city. Its speciality is thick yoghurt made from fresh sheep’s milk, traditionally served with walnuts and a generous drizzle of honey from the Peloponnese. The Official Athens Guide says they serve more than 300 yoghurts a day.
I didn’t have this particular bowl at Stani, but I saw and enjoyed similar yoghurt combinations at Greek breakfast spots during my travels. That simplicity stayed with me: creamy yoghurt, honey and nuts, where the quality of each ingredient is really what makes it special.
My version takes those familiar flavours and gives them a little baklava inspiration. I use full-fat Greek yoghurt, toasted walnuts, Greek honey and cinnamon - the flavours we associate with baklava, but without the pastry.
Traditionally, sheep’s milk yoghurt has a richer, slightly tangier character, while cow’s milk Greek yoghurt is milder and much easier for most of us to find. Either can be used here, but choose a yoghurt that is thick, full-fat and beautifully creamy.
Watch How to Make It
Why Toast the Walnuts?
You can use raw walnuts, but lightly toasting them brings out their natural oils and gives them a deeper, nuttier flavour.
It also adds more crunch against the creamy yoghurt.
Let them cool before adding them to the bowl so they stay crisp and don’t warm the yoghurt.
Tips for the Best Baklava-Inspired Yoghurt Bowl and Ingredient Notes
Greek yoghurt: Use thick, full-fat Greek yoghurt for the richest texture and best contrast with the honey.
Walnuts: Roughly chop rather than finely crushing them so you still get plenty of texture. Lightly toasting them makes a noticeable difference.
Cinnamon: You only need a light dusting. It should complement the honey and walnuts rather than overpower the yoghurt.
Greek raw honey: Be generous with the honey and use raw Greek honey if you can find it. Greek thyme honey is also particularly beautiful here if you can find it. This is the honey of choice that is available in many countries.
Ways to Serve It
This Greek yoghurt bowl works just as well for breakfast as it does for dessert.
Breakfast:
Serve the full portion with plenty of yoghurt, walnuts and honey for a simple, protein-rich breakfast.
Snack:
Make a smaller bowl for an easy afternoon snack.
Dessert:
Serve in small individual bowls or glasses for a light dessert after dinner.
Higher-Protein Option:
Use a high-protein Greek yoghurt and mix through a little vanilla protein powder to each serving.
Entertaining:
Spoon into mini bowls or small glasses and finish each one with toasted walnuts, honey and cinnamon for an easy make-ahead dessert.
Baklava-Inspired Breakfast Yoghurt Bowl
Serves: 2 | Prep Time: 3 minutes | Cook Time: 2 minutes
INGREDIENTS
500 g full-fat Greek yoghurt
½ cup (60 g) walnuts, roughly chopped
4 tablespoons Greek honey (add extra if needed)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Toast the Walnuts
Place the walnuts in a dry frying pan over medium heat and toast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Allow to cool so they remain crunchy.
2. Add the Yoghurt
Divide the Greek yoghurt between two shallow serving bowls.
Use the back of a spoon to create a few swirls through the yoghurt.
3. Add the Walnuts and Honey
Slowly drizzle the honey over the yoghurt, allowing it to settle into the swirls. Then scatter the toasted walnuts generously over the yoghurt and honey.
4. Finish and Serve
Finish with a light dusting of cinnamon, adding a little more if desired.
Serve immediately.
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Margaret Pahos @CreateCookShare
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