Fresh Berry Bliss Yogurt Parfaits – A Breakfast Treat

These simple yogurt parfaits are the perfect way to start your day with something fresh, fruity and sweet but not overly rich. As the summer months bring an abundance of delicious seasonal berries to our local farmers markets, I love finding new ways to showcase their natural flavors in tasty yet healthy recipes. With hints of spice from the granola and natural tangy flavors of the blended blueberries, each layer offers a textural contrast of the thick, creamy yogurt alongside the crisp granola. This easy yogurt parfait recipe is sure to highlight the best of fresh seasonal ingredients. Try making them soon, as sweet summer blueberries are currently in season. The pleasing pretty layering of this juicy sauce, blended blueberries and layers of granola and yogurt makes for the perfect breakfast or quick snack that is satisfying, wholesome and won’t weigh you down. The colorful layers of fruit, nuts and dairy are also beautiful to look at and a fun way to start your day with a dose of nutrition.

What is a Yogurt Parfait?

A yogurt parfait is basically yogurt sundaes in a glass! It layers yogurt, crunchy toppings like granola or cereal, and sweet frozen fruit like berries for a visually fancy treat. The idea is, you get all the healthy nutrients of yogurt but get to have a bit of fun putting it together and topped with your favorite flavors.

As a mom, I’m always looking for simple yet nutritious breakfast or snack ideas my kids will enjoy. Healthy yogurt parfait recipe is one of our family favorites because it is so easy to assemble, kids help themselves, and they get their daily dose of calcium and protein from the yogurt. We like to use Greek yogurt for its extra filling and probiotic benefits, but regular yogurt works too. On Sundays, we enjoy making special parfaits with different flavors, toppings and even adding our own fresh fruit like strawberries for a fancy and fun treat we can serve and feel happy about!

Why You Should Try This Recipe?

Easy Yogurt Parfait Recipe was actually introduced to me in my early teens by my cousin who had been preparing it as a dessert she called “yogurt delight,” and had dinner guests over who were excited and coerced her to try and convince me to try the recipe too. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was extremely low effort – only requiring about 4 main ingredients – and only takes around 15 minutes to make. It’s also pretty hard to work it wrong!

1. It is extremely low effort, only requiring about 4 main ingredients – yogurt, fruit, granola/toppings. It also only takes around 15 minutes to make. It’s pretty difficult to work it wrong, as it’s a simple layering of ingredients.

2. The taste is reminiscent of cheesecake but lighter, colder and creamier with a nice balance of slightly tangy and sweet flavors. It hits the spot of a cold, creamy dessert without being too rich. Despite being an indulgence, it is quite filling due to the layers of textures.

3. Compared to other indulgent desserts, this recipe provides a healthier spin as it uses yogurt and fruit as the main ingredients which provide protein, probiotics and nutrition. It is quite low in added sugar content.

4. The recipe is perfect for hosting, as it requires no precise measurements or techniques. You can adjust the flavors or scale up/down the recipe easily depending on how many guests you have. It can also be served in one large dish or divided into individual cups to suit different needs.

5. The base recipe is extremely versatile, and you can really jazz it up in endless ways by using different flavored yogurts, fresh chopped fruits, honey, jam, jelly, nuts or other textured toppings for added interest and flavors.

Yogurt Parfait Ingredients

Made with creamy Greek yogurt, seasonal berries, nuts and a crunchy homemade granola topping, these parfaits provide layers of flavor and texture in each bite. The key ingredients include:

• Greek yogurt
• Honey 
• Fresh or frozen fruit 
• Homemade or store-bought granola (contains oats, honey, oil, cinnamon, salt)
• Vanilla biscuits or cookies

Homemade Granola

To make your own granola for topping the parfaits, preheat your oven to 250°F. Line a large baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of honey and 1/4 cup of oil. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved.

In a large mixing bowl, pour the warm honey mixture over 3 cups of oats. Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together until well coated. Spread the oat mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and gently press down. Bake for about 1 hour, stirring the mixture every 15–20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow the mixture to cool completely on the pan before breaking into chunks.

How to Make This Easy Yogurt Parfait Recipe?

Making yogurt parfaits has become one of my favorite easy and healthy treats to enjoy, especially during the busy summer months. I like to start by stirring a spoonful of honey into a container of thick Greek yogurt to naturally sweeten it. Then I add a scoop of the honey yogurt to the bottom of a nice mason jar or clear glass. On top of that goes some fresh or frozen fruit of choice – I often use defrosted strawberries tossed in their own juice for a burst of freshness.

Next, I alternate layers of the fruit and whatever granola mixture I’ve prepared. I combine different fruits when possible for an interesting texture and flavors. Once the glasses are filled to the top, I add a final layer of the crushed biscuits. For these, I place vanilla biscuits or cookies into a sealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form, then transfer to a bowl. The crushed biscuits add such a beautiful flavor and crunchy surprise with each bite. Lastly, I refrigerate the parfaits for at least 4–5 hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.

Nutrition Facts

Here is the detailed nutrient facts information for this easy yogurt parfait recipe:

Possible Substitutes and Variations

1. To sweeten, you can drizzle honey or shake in some sweetened shredded coconut on top.

2. For flavored variations, use flavored yogurt or reduce the amount of added sugar/honey and add a teaspoon of extracts like coconut.

3. To make it dairy free, simply use a dairy free yogurt alternative.

4. You can substitute the granola flavor preference with options like cinnamon or blueberry combo.

5. Add extra fillers like finely shredded granola, chia seeds or chopped nuts.

6. Opt for chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts or peanut, almonds.

7. Top with mixes like chia seeds, peanut butter drizzle, maple syrup or dried cranberries.

8. Replace the crushed biscuits layer with chunks of cake, or turn it into a trifle.

9. Another variation is to add a layer of jelly.

10. For an indulgent touch, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips on top.

Can They Be Made in Advance?

While yogurt parfait recipe can absolutely be made in advance, we recommend serving the parfaits shortly after assembling for the absolute best results. The crunchy granola especially ends up getting stale or soggy from the moisture of fruit sitting overnight. Thicker toppings like compote, yogurt or fresh berries can also soften.

However, the fruit compote part can be made a few days in advance if needed. Just be sure to thin it out a bit with extra fruit juice or water so it doesn’t end up too thick as it sits. This allows time for the natural pectins to thicken up the compote.

If making in advance for a brunch, I’d suggest doing just 4 layers rather than 8 – for example, a layer each of yogurt, fruit compote, fresh blueberries, then finish with granola on the top. This prevents things from getting too soaked through overnight.

How to Store Yogurt Parfaits?

To make things easier, you can prepare the fresh fruits like berries the day before to keep refrigerated and wait to assemble the whole parfaits the next day just a couple of hours before serving. Once assembled, be sure to cover and store in the fridge.

Here’s a breakdown of some options for how to best store your homemade yogurt parfait:

Plastic cups and lids: Plastic cups with lids work great to store the individual parfaits and come at an affordable price. Look for options with a dome lid that pops the granola above the cup – an 8-ounce size is generally plenty big.

Plastic cups without lids: If using cup lids, you can use plastic wrap or plastic wrap with a rubber band to tightly cover each cup. Alternately, put the whole cup inside a Ziploc baggie with a small container of granola to add on top. This prevents the crunch from getting soggy.

Tupperware: A good option for storing and transporting parfaits to school or for your kiddos are Tupperware containers with strong lids that screw on to prevent any potential backpack fiascos.

Small mason jars: Great for storing individual portioned parfaits that are then also very easy to hold and directly grab and go with a screw-on and off lid.

Bowl: For serving during breakfast, layer the ingredients creatively in a bowl for an equally delicious but slightly different look at enjoying the layers and tastes!

Helpful Tips for the Best Fruit Parfait Recipe

1. You might be wondering, what are the best fruits for parfait? Some favorite fruits that work particularly delicious are strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. Choose fruits that are in season and therefore fresh, cost-effective and readily available. You can also use frozen fruit in a fruit compote to stick in the fresh fruit layers if you can’t find good quality options.
2. Best yogurt for parfait? You can use vanilla, flavored or plain yogurt. What type and flavor is really up to your preferences. Either regular or thicker Greek yogurt works well. Opt for low fat over non- or full-fat options for a healthier treat.
3. Both store-bought and homemade granola works great as a topping.
4. You can easily use whatever specific parfait dishes you have on hand, like small glass cups, mason jars, which both work perfectly.
5. For better layering, don’t forget to crumble up the larger clumps of granola into smaller pieces for more even layers. Other crunchy toppings like mini animal crackers, lower sugar cereal or broken up graham crackers also work nicely.
6. If planning to store for more than 4 hours, put any crunchy toppings like granola in a separate container and simply add to the rest of the ingredients when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, yogurt parfait recipe is a versatile and healthy breakfast or snack option. Layering creamy yogurt with fresh fruit and crunchy toppings provides layers of flavor and texture in every bite. With various ingredient combinations and storage methods available, everyone can enjoy customizable yogurt parfaits tailored to their tastes. Whether made ahead or assembled fresh, these parfaits are a simple yet satisfying treat any time of day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a yogurt parfait made of?

A basic yogurt parfait is made up of layers of yogurt or cream, fresh fruit like berries, and a crunchy topping such as granola. It’s assembled by alternating spoonfuls of these main ingredients in a clear glass or cup.

2. Are homemade yogurt parfaits healthy?

Yes, homemade yogurt parfaits can be a nutritious choice. Greek yogurt provides protein, while fruit adds fiber, vitamins and minerals. As long as you control added sugars and use wholesome toppings, one parfait contains over 10% of your daily calcium needs with minimal calories and saturated fat.

3. How do you thicken yogurt parfait?

To thicken the consistency of the yogurt layers, Greek yogurt works best as it is very thick and creamy. You can also strain regular yogurt overnight in the fridge to remove excess liquid/whey and thicken it. Another option is mixing yogurt with gelatin or cornstarch.

4. What can I use instead of granola in a parfait?

Some good alternatives to granola for texture include crushed graham crackers, pistachios, shredded coconut, broken up banana bread or pumpkin seeds. Nuts like sliced almonds or shelled sunflower seeds also add crunch without being too sweet. Crumbled ginger cookies work well in tropical parfaits too.

5. What does this yogurt parfait taste like?

Yogurt parfaits have a layered combination of cool, creamy yogurt with the sweetness of fresh fruit. The yogurt provides a mild tang, while the fruit such as berries add bright flavors. Crunchy granola or nut clusters provide texture contrasts. Overall, it has a light, refreshing taste that hits both savory and sweet spots.

6. What if I don’t have parfait dishes?

No problem – you can make parfaits in any clear glass or plastic container that allows you to layer the ingredients. Mason jars, yogurt parfait cups, or bowls all work well. Even using a large trifle or baking dish allows you to showcase the layering.

7. What other ingredients can I include?

Some tasty additions you could experiment with include:

• Granola clusters, oats, or muesli
• Nuts like almonds, pecans or walnuts
• Dried fruit like cranberries or coconut
• Seeds like chia, hemp or pumpkin
• Crumble of graham crackers, cookies or cake
• Fresh herbs like mint
• Honey, nut butters or jam swirled in

The options are endless depending on your favorite flavors. Have fun getting creative!

8. What type of yogurt is best for making yogurt parfaits?

Greek yogurt works best since it is thicker and creamier for layering, but regular or low-fat yogurt can also be used. Full-fat yogurt will provide more satiating fat and vitamins, but has more calories. For the most portable option that won’t leak, opt for thick Greek yogurt.

9. What is the best granola to use for yogurt parfaits?

Look for granola with whole oats and nuts or seeds, rather than one high in sugar. Homemade granola is ideal, but a low-sugar store-bought option also works. The chunks should be crispy but not too large to get soggy, layering with yogurt.

10. How to Make Parfait with Greek Yogurt?

Making a yogurt parfait with Greek yogurt could not be simpler. Start by lining a glass with 2–3 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt, using the back of a spoon to smooth it into an even layer. Then, layer on slices of fresh fruit, like berries. Sprinkle granola over the fruit. Continue alternating yogurt, fruit and granola layers until the glass is full. Finish with a granola topping. The thick Greek yogurt creates beautiful, distinct layers that don’t run together. Refrigerate 30 minutes before devouring this portable breakfast or snack with layers of creamy yogurt, fresh fruit and crunchy granola in every spoonful. For detailed recipe, read this section “How to Make Yogurt Parfaits?”

11. Will the granola in yogurt parfaits get soggy?

Granola on top may get a bit soft, but assembling right before eating helps prevent this. Storing granola separately, then adding just before serving, keeps it crunchiest. Choosing not too large granola pieces also helps it retain texture layered with yogurt.

12. Should I use fresh or frozen berries for yogurt parfaits?

Either works, but frozen berries are ideal year-round when fresh berries aren’t in season. They retain nutrients and don’t leak juice into layers as much as fresh. For best results, thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

13. Can yogurt parfaits be made ahead?

Yes, yogurt parfait recipe can be made up to 4 hours in advance, but it’s best to assemble the layers as close to serving time as possible to prevent sogginess. You can prep the fruit and yogurt base ingredients 1–2 days ahead and store them separately until assembly.

14. How to store this yogurt parfait dessert?

Yogurt parfaits are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Mason jars, plastic containers with lids or bowls covered with plastic wrap all work well. This helps prevent sogginess. The yogurt parfait recipe will last 2–3 days when stored properly in the fridge.

15. How long does this yogurt parfait last?

When stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, yogurt parfaits will generally last 2–3 days. The yogurt and fruit layers may start to soften after a few days. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days for best texture and flavor.

Easy Yogurt Parfait Recipe

Recipe by Carmen FoodieCourse: Pies and TartsCuisine: American

Servings

6

parfaits

Prep time

5

minutes

Calories

232

kcal

Total time

5

minutes

Light and refreshing Greek yogurt parfaits make a delicious breakfast or snack. Layers of creamy yogurt are topped with fresh berries and crunchy granola for a explosion of flavor in every bite. Quick and easy to assemble, these beautiful parfaits can be customized with your favorite fruits and are perfect for grabbing on busy mornings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Greek yogurt

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 pint fresh berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)

• 1/2 cup Homemade Granola (recipe below)

• 6 vanilla wafer cookies

Directions

• Preheat oven to 250°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup honey and 1/4 cup oil. Heat while stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add 3 cups oats, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp salt to the bowl. Stir until the oats are fully coated with the honey mixture. Spread the oat mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely before breaking into chunks.
• Wash and hull 1 pint of fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries or blueberries. Slice the strawberries if using.
• In a medium bowl, add 2 cups Greek yogurt. Drizzle with 2 tbsp honey then use a spoon to gently fold together until just combined and smooth.
• Place 2-3 tbsp of the honey-sweetened yogurt into the bottom of each of 6 parfait glasses or jars. Use the back of a spoon to spread into an even layer. Top each yogurt layer with a single layer of fresh fruit slices. Gently sprinkle 2 tbsp granola over each fruit layer.
• Repeat layering yogurt, fruit and granola, pressing down lightly between each new layer. Layer until the glasses are full.
• Crush 6 vanilla wafer cookies into fine crumbs and sprinkle over the tops. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

• Greek yogurt provides a creamy, thick base that is higher in protein than regular yogurt. The protein helps keep you full. It balances flavors nicely.
• Fresh berries like strawberries add natural sweetness, flavor, and nutrients. Using seasonal in-season berries means peak taste and lower cost. The juice from the berries mixes with the layers.
• Homemade or store-bought granola creates a crunchy contrasting texture. It balances the creaminess of the yogurt and adds substance. Common components in granola include oats, honey, nuts/seeds for flavor and texture.
• This recipe portioned into 6 individual parfait servings that are approximately 8 ounces in size or 2/3 to 3/4 cup volume each.
• The 300 calorie count per serving, with 5g fiber and 14g protein, provides balanced nutrition for a breakfast or midday meal. It will keep you full without being too heavy.
• Individual parfaits can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to enjoy later. Proper storage keeps ingredients fresh.
• Mason jars or plastic parfait cups with secure, airtight lids are great container options. They prevent spills and stack neatly. Lids lock in freshness.
• If storing longer than 4 hours, it’s best to reserve granola separately and only distribute atop parfaits right before eating to maintain optimal crunch.