This yogurt and cherry red wine sauce recipe can take your desserts to a whole new level. It’s an excuse to keep cherries around and enjoy them any time, including this National Frozen Yogurt Day (February 6), National Cherry Dessert Day (May 26), and Red Wine Day (August 28).
Originally, the sauce was meant to be drizzled on strips of steak or slices of tender roasted duck; the sauce wasn’t meant to be sweet.
Someone clearly saw its greater potential and added sugar to serve the sauce with desserts. It turned out amazing. We found it especially divine with frozen Greek yogurt— a healthier sundae.
Is Our Yogurt and Cherry Red Wine Sauce Healthy?
Let’s begin with an ugly truth: this sauce is thickened with sugar, so it should be used in moderation.
1. Sugar and Calories
Per serving, the sauce contains 1 tbsp of sugar (13.5 grams), which is 25% of the daily recommended amount. In terms of calories, it’s roughly 112 calories added to whatever you’re serving it with.
At first, we gave vanilla ice cream a chance, but the two combined were super sweet— 3 tbsp of sugar per serving. After many failed attempts to adjust the ratio, we decided that store-bought ice cream should be served as-is.
Greek yogurt was our next candidate— healthy, tangy, less saturated fat, basically the healthiest dairy there is. As we each took a spoonful of yogurt and cherry wine sauce, we instantly knew the combination was a hit.
As Greek yogurt is sugar-free, each serving of the dessert yields only 1 tbsp of sugar and roughly 250 calories. These amounts constitute a healthy dessert.
Apart from the sugar yield, our cherry red wine sauce recipe also brings certain health benefits.
2. Benefits of Cherries
Cherries are frequently sought after, either to top desserts, make sauce, or eat as-is. Not only do they have a unique flavor profile, but their nutritional one also looks good.
For starters, berries are known to have a large antioxidant yield, and cherries are no exception. The skin and flesh are chock full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which boost our immune system.
The fruit is also proven to have a positive influence on the heart, thanks to these compounds and the high potassium content. Consumption of the fruit is linked to a reduction in risks of stroke and heart disease.
Moreover, cherries contain a vast amount of vitamins and minerals.
3. Benefits of Red Wine
Many sites claim that red wine is beneficial for our health. However, along with the proven benefits of red wine come its negative effects, which are rarely discussed.
Let’s have a look at them both. First, the good stuff.
Red wine, a product of grapes, is abundant in substances with antioxidative properties. These substances ward off inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.
Plus, moderate consumption of red wine is linked to reduced risks of type 2 diabetes in women, dementia, depression, insulin resistance, and cancer.
On the other hand, let’s not forget the negative impact of overdrinking:
- Weight gain
- Alcohol dependence
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
So, to get the best of red wine, moderate consumption is encouraged. For detailed guidelines, check out the USDA’s recommended alcohol consumption.
Regarding this cherry and red wine sauce recipe in particular, we’ve crunched the numbers and assure each portion follows the guidelines.
Substitute for Red Wine
In savory dishes, you can substitute red wine for white and still be able to get the correct flavor. These two wines don’t have much of a difference except for their distinctive hues.
For this sauce, though, it’s best not to use white wine as a replacement, because we want the beautiful hue. It’s still a possible substitute, but not really encouraged.
It’s also important not to confuse red wine vinegar with red wine. The vinegar possesses a bright tang, which will result in a completely different sauce that might taste bad.
For more healthy dessert to put into your collection, check out this article.
FAQs
1. How Long Does Red Wine Sauce Last?
Red wine sauce can last for a week if stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container and you’ll be having it just like new for a week.
2. Can You Freeze Red Wine Sauce?
If you wish to store this sauce for longer, freezing is a good option. You can place it in a microwave friendly container so it’s easier to thaw and reheat.
More Easy & Delicious Desserts to Try
- Avocado Ice Cream Recipe
- Overnight Oats with Yogurt Recipe
- Easy Rice Pudding with Cooked Rice Recipe
- Sweet Potato Souffle Recipe
Yogurt and Cherry Red Wine Sauce Recipe
This yogurt and cherry red wine sauce recipe is easy and makes a simple, yet elegant dessert. You'll be surprised to find how Greek yogurt tastes awesome as a sweet treat.
- cook TIME 30 mins
- prep TIME 5 mins
- total TIME 35 mins
- COURSE Dessert
- CUISINE Global
- SERVINGS servings
- CALORIES 260 kcal
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb cherries (sliced and pitted)
- 2 cups red wine
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 star anise (whole)
- 1/8 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 6 cups plain Greek yogurt (frozen)
- 2 tbsp mint leaves (3-4 baby leaves)
INSTRUCTIONS
Simmer 2 cups red wine and 1 cup sugar in a saucepan over low heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add 1 lb cherries, 1 star anise, and 1/8 tsp vanilla bean paste. Continue to simmer for 10 minutes until the cherries are softened.
Take the cherries out at this point, because we don’t want to overcook them. Continue to reduce the mixture for 20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve with 6 cups scoops of frozen yogurt as dessert. Garnish with mint leaves.
NUTRITION
Tuyet Pham
Head Chef, Culinary Consultant
Luna Regina
Writer, Author
Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD
Nutrition Reviewer
- Deborah PlumeriCherry and red wine make a perfect pairing in this delicious sauce.