Sweetheart Fruit Skewers Yogurt

The afternoon sun was streaming through my kitchen window when my niece asked if we could make something pretty for her class party. I'd been staring at a container of heart-shaped cookie cutters I'd impulse-bought months ago, and suddenly it clicked—fruit skewers. We spent the next hour giggling over watermelon hearts that didn't quite fit and debating whether pineapple counted as yellow or orange. Those skewers disappeared faster than anything else on the table.

Last Valentine's Day, I made these for a breakfast gathering and watched my normally fruit-averse friend reach for a third skewer. There's something about cutting fruit into hearts that makes people pause and smile, even if they pretend not to notice. The yogurt dip with honey and vanilla has become my go-to for any fruit plate now.

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries, hulled: These become natural heart shapes when you slice them vertically
• Seedless watermelon, sliced: The firm texture cuts beautifully and holds its shape on skewers
• Fresh pineapple, sliced: Adds a bright tartness that balances the sweeter fruits
• Seedless grapes: Perfect little spaces between the heart shapes and they don't need any prep
• Kiwi, peeled and sliced: The green color makes all the other fruit pop
• Apple, cored and sliced: Firm enough to hold a heart shape and adds nice crunch
• Plain Greek yogurt: The thick texture creates a luxurious dipping consistency
• Honey: A natural sweetener that complements fruit without overpowering it
• Vanilla extract: This one ingredient makes the yogurt dip taste professionally made
• Fresh mint leaves: A scatter of green on top makes the platter look finished

Instructions

Cut your hearts:

Press your heart-shaped cutter into the watermelon, pineapple, apple, and kiwi slices, working slowly so the shapes hold their edges.

Thread the skewers:

Slide fruit onto wooden skewers, alternating colors and shapes—try grape, strawberry, pineapple heart, kiwi heart, then repeat.

Whip up the dip:

Stir Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until completely smooth and glossy.

Arrange and serve:

Lay the skewers on your platter and set the yogurt dip beside it, sprinkling fresh mint over the top if you want it extra pretty.

Save to Pinterest

My daughter asked to help make these for her Valentine's class party, and I watched her carefully place each fruit piece like she was arranging flowers. When she came home with an empty container and said even the kids who hate fruit tried them, I knew this recipe was staying in rotation forever.

Fruit Substitutions That Work

Mango and cantaloupe cut into hearts beautifully and add new colors to the mix. Peaches are softer but worth it if they're in season—just thread them carefully so they don't slide around on the skewer.

Dip Variations

Sometimes I add cinnamon to the yogurt instead of vanilla for something warmer and spiced. A splash of citrus zest or a drizzle of maple syrup changes the whole character depending on your mood.

Making Ahead

You can cut all the fruit hearts up to a day ahead and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. The yogurt dip actually benefits from sitting overnight—the flavors meld together and become somehow more cohesive. Thread the skewers just before serving so everything stays fresh and vibrant.

• Keep cut apples and pears submerged in water with lemon juice until ready to use
• Pat fruit dry with paper towels before skewering to prevent sogginess
• If taking these somewhere, pack the dip separately and assemble on site

Save to Pinterest

These skewers have become my answer to every gathering, from baby showers to Fourth of July picnics. Something about food on sticks makes people happy.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the apple slices from browning?

Dip apple slices in lemon juice before cutting the heart shapes to prevent discoloration and keep them fresh looking on the skewers.

→ Can I use other fruits besides the ones listed?

Yes, fruits like mango, cantaloupe, or peaches can be substituted for variety and seasonal availability.

→ What is the best way to assemble the fruit on skewers?

Alternate shapes and colors, threading heart-cut fruits and grapes in a colorful pattern for an attractive presentation.

→ How should the yogurt dip be flavored?

Mix plain Greek yogurt with honey and a touch of vanilla extract for a smooth and sweet dip that complements the fresh fruit.

→ Are there tips to enhance the flavor of the yogurt dip?

Adding a pinch of cinnamon or citrus zest can provide an extra layer of flavor to the yogurt dip.