Save I discovered this dish on a late evening when I was rummaging through my fridge, staring at a half-empty jar of blackberry jam and wondering what to do with it. My partner mentioned how much they loved the visual drama of swirled desserts, and something clicked—why not turn something simple into something that felt like looking up at the night sky? Within minutes, I had layers of yogurt and jam in a bowl, and suddenly we were both laughing at how something so easy could feel so elegant.
I made this for my sister's dinner party last summer, and she actually gasped when I set it down—not because the flavors were extraordinary, but because it looked like something from a fancy dessert menu. What she didn't know was that I'd assembled it while she was in the other room. She's still asking me to make it, and I haven't told her how ridiculously simple it is.
Ingredients
- Plain Greek yogurt (400 g, full-fat or low-fat): Full-fat versions are creamier and feel more luxurious, but low-fat works perfectly if that's what you have on hand.
- Soft white goat cheese (80 g, chilled): Keep it cold so it holds its shape when you form little balls; room temperature cheese just melts into the yogurt and loses that visual pop.
- Dark berry jam (100 g, blackberry, blueberry, or blackcurrant): Choose a jam you actually like eating by itself—it's doing most of the flavor work here, so don't settle for something mediocre.
- White sesame seeds (2 tbsp): They're the stars of your galaxy, literally and figuratively, adding a subtle nuttiness and gentle crunch.
- Honey (1–2 tbsp, optional): Drizzle it on top just before serving if you want an extra whisper of sweetness, or skip it entirely if your jam is already quite sweet.
Instructions
- Divide and smooth:
- Spoon the yogurt evenly into four shallow bowls, using the back of your spoon to create a gentle, level surface—this is your canvas.
- Spiral the jam:
- Drizzle or spoon the jam in a slow, deliberate spiral from the center outward, letting gravity and the jam's thickness do most of the work; if you're nervous, a squeeze bottle gives you more control.
- Form your cheese stars:
- Roll pieces of chilled goat cheese between your fingers into small marble-sized balls, then distribute them across the surface like constellations; a melon baller makes this easier if you have one, but fingers work just fine.
- Crown with seeds:
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds generously over everything, filling in the gaps and adding texture and visual intrigue.
- Finish and serve:
- Add a final drizzle of honey if the mood strikes, then serve immediately so people can admire your work before the layers start to blend together.
Save There was a moment at that dinner party when everyone paused mid-conversation just to look at their bowls, and it hit me that food is about more than just flavor—it's about creating a small, beautiful moment that makes people feel cared for. This dessert does that without asking for much in return.
Why This Works as a Dessert
Most desserts require an oven, a timer, and a small prayer that nothing burns. This one requires only your hands and a spoon, which means you can make it while your guests are arriving, or even invite someone into the kitchen to help you assemble it. There's something refreshing about a dessert that doesn't demand precision or advanced technique, yet still delivers on elegance and flavor. The tartness of the yogurt and goat cheese also means it doesn't feel heavy after a full meal—it's a dessert that leaves you satisfied rather than stuffed.
Playing with the Flavors
The beauty of this dish is that it's a framework, not a fixed formula. I've made it with red currant jam instead of blackberry, and it was equally stunning; I've switched goat cheese for a sharp mascarpone when that's what I had, and it shifted the flavor profile but stayed delicious. Honey can be swapped for a drizzle of balsamic reduction if you want something more sophisticated, or left out entirely if you prefer to let the jam be the sole voice of sweetness. Even the sesame seeds can become poppy seeds, toasted hazelnuts, or crushed pistachios if that's what suits you.
Make It Your Own
This dessert is deeply personal because you get to choose the jam flavor that speaks to you, and that choice sets the entire mood. A tart blackcurrant jam tells a different story than a sweet strawberry jam, and both are correct. Don't overthink it—if you love the ingredients individually, you'll love them together.
- If you're serving this to someone with a dairy sensitivity, cultured coconut yogurt and cashew cheese create a surprisingly convincing dairy-free version.
- Toasting the sesame seeds in a dry pan for a minute before sprinkling adds depth and makes them taste less like an afterthought.
- Chill your bowls in the freezer for five minutes before serving if you want the dessert to stay cold longer and feel extra refreshing.
Save This is the kind of dessert that reminds you that cooking doesn't always require complexity or stress—sometimes the most memorable moments come from simple things arranged with care. Make it tonight.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of yogurt works best?
Full-fat or low-fat plain Greek yogurt provides a creamy, tangy base with a thick texture that holds the swirl well.
- → Can I substitute the goat cheese?
Yes, mascarpone or ricotta make excellent alternatives that maintain a soft, mild flavor and similar texture.
- → How should the jam be applied?
Drizzle or spoon the dark berry jam in a spiral pattern over the yogurt to create striking visual contrast.
- → What is the role of sesame seeds?
They add a subtle crunch and a nutty flavor while resembling stars, enhancing both texture and presentation.
- → Is honey necessary?
Honey is optional, but a light drizzle can balance tanginess and add a gentle sweetness to the dish.
- → How to serve for best effect?
Serve immediately to preserve the striking swirl and star-like cheese pieces before gently stirring to enjoy.