Yogurt & Fresh Fruit Bake with Honeyed Caramel and Oat Crunch

A light yet indulgent Mediterranean-inspired dessert that celebrates fresh fruit, creamy yogurt, natural sweetness, and rustic textures. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a beautiful make-ahead treat.

🧺 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

Fruit Layer

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 2 large apples or pears, peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Creamy Yogurt Base

  • 2½ cups thick Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • ¾ cup mascarpone cheese or cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of ½ lemon (optional but very Mediterranean)

Mediterranean Oat Crunch

  • 1½ cups rolled oats
  • ½ cup chopped almonds or walnuts
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter if preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of sea salt

Honeyed Caramel Drizzle

  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup warm cream
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Pinch of sea salt

🫒 Instructions

1. Prepare the Fruit

  1. In a large bowl, combine strawberries and diced apples (or pears).
  2. Add lemon juice, honey, and cinnamon.
  3. Toss gently and let sit for 10 minutes to release natural juices.

2. Make the Creamy Yogurt Layer

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, mascarpone, honey, vanilla, and lemon zest.
  2. Beat until smooth and thick.
  3. Chill for 10–15 minutes for best texture.

3. Create the Mediterranean Oat Crunch

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
  2. Mix oats, nuts, olive oil, honey, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Spread on a baking tray and bake for 12–15 minutes, stirring once.
  4. Cool completely — it will crisp as it cools.

4. Honeyed Caramel Sauce

  1. Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and amber.
  2. Add butter carefully and stir.
  3. Slowly whisk in warm cream.
  4. Stir in honey and sea salt.
  5. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

5. Assemble the Dish

  1. Spread the yogurt mixture evenly into a baking or serving tray.
  2. Spoon fruit and juices generously over the yogurt.
  3. Drizzle warm honeyed caramel across the fruit.
  4. Finish with a thick layer of oat crunch on top.

🌞 Serving Suggestions

  • Serve chilled for a refreshing Mediterranean-style dessert
  • Pair with mint tea or espresso
  • Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a light drizzle of extra honey

🍯 Mediterranean Tips

  • Substitute figs, peaches, or grapes when in season
  • Use orange blossom honey for a traditional Mediterranean aroma
  • For a lighter version, use only Greek yogurt and skip mascarpone

✨ Why This Recipe Works

  • Fresh fruit reflects Mediterranean simplicity
  • Greek yogurt provides richness without heaviness
  • Honey & olive oil stay true to coastal Mediterranean kitchens
  • Oats and nuts add rustic texture and balance

If you want, I can also:

  • Make this no-bake
  • Turn it into a breakfast version
  • Adapt it for vegan or dairy-free
  • Write a restaurant-style menu description