Save to Pinterest I discovered this dish on a quiet Tuesday evening when I was rearranging my kitchen and found a jar of dark berry jam pushed to the back of the fridge alongside some creamy Greek yogurt I'd bought on impulse. Something about the deep purple color against the white yogurt sparked an idea—what if I stopped thinking of them as separate ingredients and started thinking of them as a canvas? The result was this Galaxy Spiral, a dessert that looks almost too beautiful to eat but tastes even better than it looks.
I made this for my sister's book club once, setting out four bowls before anyone arrived, and watched their faces light up when they saw them. Someone asked if I'd bought it from a fancy dessert place, and I couldn't resist the smile that brought. The yogurt swirled perfectly that night, the jam catching the light like actual stars.
Ingredients
- Greek yogurt (400 g): Full-fat versions create a richer, silkier base, but low-fat works beautifully too—just be gentle when swirling so you don't break the smooth surface.
- Dark berry jam (100 g): The deeper the color, the more striking your galaxy looks; blackberry and blackcurrant jams have the best cosmic effect.
- Soft white goat cheese (80 g): Chilled goat cheese is easier to roll into neat little marble shapes, and its subtle tang balances the sweetness perfectly.
- White sesame seeds (2 tbsp): These are your edible stars; toasting them first brings out their nutty flavor and makes them taste less raw.
- Honey (1–2 tbsp, optional): A light drizzle adds sweetness if your jam is particularly tart, but taste as you go.
Instructions
- Create your cosmic base:
- Spoon the yogurt into four shallow bowls, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon. Resist the urge to make it perfectly level—slight imperfections actually help the jam settle naturally into swirls.
- Draw your spiral:
- Drizzle the jam slowly over the yogurt, letting it find its own path. If you're nervous about the pattern, use a small spoon or squeeze bottle to guide it in a loose spiral from the center outward, like you're painting constellations.
- Add your marble stones:
- Pinch off small pieces of chilled goat cheese and gently roll them between your fingers into marble-sized balls, then scatter them across the bowl. They should sit slightly nestled in the yogurt, peeking through the jam.
- Sprinkle the stars:
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for just a minute until fragrant, then sprinkle them over the whole dish. They add both visual sparkle and a delicate crunch.
- Final touch and serve:
- A drizzle of honey comes last, if you choose it. Bring the bowls to the table while the swirls are still pristine, let everyone admire them for a moment, then stir gently as you eat.
Save to Pinterest There's something special about feeding someone something that's as much art as it is dessert. It slows people down, makes them look closer, and somehow tastes sweeter when it's beautiful first.
Choosing Your Jam Wisely
The jam is what brings the whole galaxy to life, so choose one that feels right to you. Blackberry jam tends to be the most dramatic, with deep purple swirls that look almost black against the white yogurt. Blackcurrant is tarter and creates slightly tighter, more intense colors. Even a good blueberry jam works in a pinch, though it'll be a bit brighter and less mysterious. Taste your jam before you use it—if it's very sweet, cut back on any additional honey.
The Goat Cheese Question
Goat cheese might seem like an unusual choice for dessert, but its subtle tang prevents this from tasting too sweet and adds complexity. If you can't find it or don't have it on hand, mascarpone is creamy and indulgent, while ricotta is lighter and more crumbly. Each brings its own personality to the bowl. Keep whichever you choose cold so it holds its shape and rolls easily.
Serving and Timing
This dessert is best eaten right after assembly, while the textures are still distinct and the visual impact is at its peak. It can be made up to a few hours ahead—just hold off on the sesame seeds and honey until just before serving. If you're making it for guests, you can prep all the components and assemble them right at the table for extra drama. The yogurt base actually stays fresher if you don't add the jam until you're ready to eat anyway.
- Pair it with a chilled Moscato or sparkling water with fresh lemon for a complete moment.
- Make individual versions in wine glasses for an extra fancy presentation.
- Toast the sesame seeds just before serving for maximum flavor and crunch.
Save to Pinterest This dish reminds me why simple, beautiful food often brings people the most joy. It takes almost no time, asks very little of you, and somehow feels like a gift.
Recipe FAQs
- → What types of jam work best for this dish?
Dark berry jams like blackberry, blueberry, or blackcurrant bring rich, deep flavors that complement the creamy yogurt well.
- → Can I use a substitute for goat cheese?
Mascarpone or ricotta make excellent alternatives, providing a creamy texture with milder tang.
- → How can I create neat spiral patterns with the jam?
Using a squeeze bottle or piping bag allows controlled drizzles, helping form precise swirls over the yogurt.
- → What is the purpose of toasting sesame seeds?
Lightly toasting sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor and adds a subtle crunch to the dish.
- → Is it better to use full-fat or low-fat yogurt here?
Full-fat Greek yogurt delivers richer creaminess, but low-fat options can be used for a lighter version.