I finally appreciated the existence of dummies (foam cakes and cupcakes that you decorate to mimic real cakes and cupcakes, for display only) when I had to create 50 desserts in a day for the photoshoot for my upcoming book. The vast majority of desserts I did have to make from scratch at 3 in the morning, hours before the photographer arrived, but I feel completely OK about cheating just a little with a couple of the cakes and frosting Styrofoam blocks given the insanity of the schedule that week. Find a great resource and lesson in how to decorate a cupcake dummy HERE at Domestic Charm. You’ll also find a link at Domestic Charm to a tutorial to make your own dummies at Viv’s Whimsy that made me slap my forehead for not thinking about using Styrofoam balls earlier.
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How to Make Thick Yoghurt Smoothie Bowls in the Ninja Slushie Maker
A quick, creamy breakfast with fresh fruit added on top
Smoothie bowls are one of those beautiful breakfasts that feel healthy and a little indulgent at the same time. Thick, cold, creamy, and pretty enough that you almost don’t want to eat them… almost.
The Ninja Slushie Maker takes all the effort out of it.
Instead of dealing with frozen fruit bricks or blenders that complain loudly, you simply mix your yoghurt base, chill it, and let the Ninja turn it into the perfect thick smoothie-bowl texture — no ice required.
If you are like me and come addicted to these smoothie bowls then you will want to invest in these double walled bowls, this is my favorite brand and these have been great.
Then you top it with your fresh fruit afterwards so the bowl stays thick, cold, and spoon-worthy.
It’s easy, quick, and a lovely way to start the day.
Why Yoghurt Works So Well in the Ninja Slushie Maker
Yoghurt freezes into a silky, firm slush — similar to soft-serve but healthier and lighter. Because the machine creates the icy texture itself (instead of relying on ice cubes), the mixture never becomes watery or gritty.
Just smooth, cold, creamy perfection you can decorate to your heart’s content.
The Basic Yoghurt Slush Base
Once you learn this base recipe, you can create endless flavour combinations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain or Greek yoghurt, chilled
- ½–1 cup milk of your choice (just enough to loosen the mixture)
- 1–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Method
- Stir all ingredients together until smooth.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge until very cold.
- Pour the chilled mixture into the Ninja Slushie Maker.
- Blend on the slush setting until thick, creamy, and icy.
- Spoon into a bowl and add your fruit and toppings.
This base has enough body to hold granola, berries, and nut butter without sinking.
Topping Ideas (Add These After Blending)
Fresh Fruit
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Banana slices
- Mango
- Kiwi
- Peaches
Crunchy Toppers
- Granola
- Toasted coconut
- Chopped nuts
- Cacao nibs
Extras
- Honey drizzle
- Peanut butter
- Chia seeds
- Freeze-dried fruit crumbs
Easy Flavour Variations
Berries & Cream Smoothie Bowl
Use vanilla yoghurt as your base. Top with raspberries, strawberries, and a sprinkle of granola.
Tropical Coconut Bowl
Add a splash of coconut milk to the base. Top with mango, pineapple, kiwi, and toasted coconut flakes.
Chocolate Yoghurt Bowl
Mix 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder into the base. Top with banana slices and a peanut-butter drizzle.
Meal-Prep Tip
Prepare the yoghurt base the night before and store it in small jars.
In the morning, just pour one jar directly into the Ninja Slushie Maker and you’ve got a thick, cold, ready-to-top breakfast in minutes.
Photographic substitutes? No wonder my baked goods never look like the pictures!
They taste much better than styrofoam, for sure, but (now) I won’t beat myself up if they don’t look like Hollywood 🙂
Oh wow. I didn’t even know those existed!
I literally thought that the post title meant that someone decorated cupcakes to look like crash test dummies or something.