Trying the Viral 2-Ingredient Yogurt Cheesecake
Trying the VIRAL 2-Ingredient Yogurt Cheesecake is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 2. 190 calories per serving. Recipe by Marley Babe on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 12 hrs | Total: 12 hrs 25 min
Cost: $3.05 total, $1.53 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt (plain, full‑fat for creamier texture)
- 8 pieces Biscoff Cookies (crushed into fine crumbs)
- 1 large Fresh Strawberries (washed, hulled and diced small)
- 1 medium Ripe Banana (peeled and mashed)
- 8 pieces Vanilla Wafers (crushed into crumbs)
Instructions
Prepare the fruit
Wash the strawberries, hull them and dice into very small pieces; peel the banana and mash it with a fork.
Time: PT5M
Crush the cookie base
Place Biscoff cookies (for strawberry) or vanilla wafers (for banana) in a zip‑top bag and crush with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form.
Time: PT3M
Mix yogurt with fruit
In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with the diced strawberries for the strawberry version, and with the mashed banana for the banana version. Stir until evenly incorporated.
Time: PT4M
Assemble the cheesecake
Spoon a thin layer of crushed cookies into the bottom of each small container, press gently with the back of a spoon to form a base. Fill each container with the yogurt‑fruit mixture, smoothing the top with the spatula.
Time: PT3M
Cover and chill
Place lids on the containers and refrigerate overnight (at least 12 hours) to allow the texture to set.
Time: PT12H
Temperature: 4°C
Serve
Remove from the fridge, optionally garnish with a fresh strawberry slice or banana slice, and enjoy straight from the container.
Time: PT0M
Temperature: 4°C
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 190
- Protein
- 10g
- Carbohydrates
- 27g
- Fat
- 4g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Greek Yogurt: Regular plain yogurt, Skyr
- Instead of Biscoff Cookies: Speculoos cookies, Digestive biscuits
- Instead of Fresh Strawberries: Raspberries, Blueberries
- Instead of Ripe Banana: Plantain, Mashed mango
- Instead of Vanilla Wafers: Graham crackers, Shortbread cookies
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Small Containers (4‑oz jars)
- Refrigerator
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Crush the cookie base to the right consistency
- Press the cookie base firmly into the container
- Refrigerate overnight for proper setting
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use full‑fat Greek yogurt for a richer, creamier cheesecake.
- For extra crunch, toast the crushed cookie crumbs lightly in a dry pan before assembling.
Troubleshooting
The cookie base becomes soggy after chilling
Increase the amount of crushed cookies or add a thin layer of melted butter to the crumbs before pressing.
Yogurt mixture is watery
Strain the Greek yogurt through a cheesecloth for 15 minutes before mixing to remove excess whey.
Fruit flavor is weak
Add a teaspoon of fruit puree or a drizzle of honey to boost sweetness and flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store sealed containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will become grainy.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cheesecake the day before and keep sealed in the fridge.
- You can swap any fruit or cookie type to create new flavor combos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of two‑ingredient yogurt cheesecake in Japanese cuisine?
The two‑ingredient yogurt cheesecake became a viral trend in Japan as a minimalist, cost‑effective dessert that mimics the texture of traditional cheesecake using only Greek yogurt and a cookie base, reflecting Japan’s love for simple, convenient sweets.
How does the two‑ingredient yogurt cheesecake differ from traditional Japanese cheesecake?
Traditional Japanese cheesecake (soufflé cheesecake) is baked with cream cheese, eggs, and sugar, giving it a light, fluffy texture. The two‑ingredient version is no‑bake, uses Greek yogurt for tanginess, and relies on a cookie crust for structure, making it quicker and lower‑calorie.
What are the traditional regional variations of yogurt‑based desserts in Japan?
In Japan, yogurt desserts vary from yōguruto (yogurt parfait) layered with fruit and granola to yōgurukēki (yogurt cake) that incorporates rice flour. The viral two‑ingredient cheesecake is a modern twist that blends Western cheesecake concepts with Japanese convenience culture.
What occasions or celebrations is the two‑ingredient yogurt cheesecake traditionally associated with in Japan?
While not tied to a specific holiday, the easy‑make, portable nature of the two‑ingredient yogurt cheesecake makes it popular for school lunches, office snacks, and informal gatherings such as picnics or after‑school treats.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with a strawberry or banana yogurt cheesecake?
Pair the cheesecake with a cup of matcha green tea or a light Japanese fruit jelly (mizuame) for contrast. It also complements savory dishes like onigiri or tempura in a multi‑course meal by providing a refreshing finish.
What makes the two‑ingredient yogurt cheesecake special or unique in Japanese dessert trends?
Its simplicity—just yogurt and a cookie base—captures the Japanese aesthetic of minimalism while delivering a creamy texture. The viral nature shows how social media can turn a quick, low‑cost snack into a nationwide craze.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the two‑ingredient yogurt cheesecake?
Common errors include using low‑fat yogurt that makes the filling watery, over‑crushing the cookie base so it loses crunch, and not chilling long enough, which prevents the cheesecake from setting properly.
Why does this recipe use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?
Greek yogurt is strained, giving it a thicker, creamier consistency that mimics the richness of traditional cheesecake without adding extra thickeners, while regular yogurt would be too runny and affect the set.
Can I make the two‑ingredient yogurt cheesecake ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, assemble the cheesecake a day ahead and keep it sealed in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two days; avoid freezing as the texture becomes grainy.
What does the YouTube channel Marley Babe specialize in?
The YouTube channel Marley Babe focuses on quick, budget‑friendly recipes and food hacks, often testing viral trends and adapting them for home cooks with simple, two‑ingredient or minimal‑prep dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Marley Babe's approach to Japanese-inspired desserts differ from other cooking channels?
Marley Babe emphasizes ultra‑simple, low‑cost versions of trendy Japanese sweets, using readily available Western ingredients and minimal steps, whereas many other channels stick to authentic, more elaborate Japanese techniques.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
