Quick Breakfast Strawberry Banana Yogurt Parfaits

If you ask me, parfaits are one of the best breakfast inventions ever.

These strawberry banana yogurt parfaits make a family-friendly morning treat that’s full of fresh fruit and creamy goodness. Sweet strawberries and ripe bananas pair perfectly with cool, smooth yogurt and a sprinkle of crunchy granola.

It’s layered with fresh fruit that’s been tossed with a touch of honey, making each spoonful just the right amount of sweet. The granola adds a satisfying crunch while the yogurt keeps everything light and fresh.

It’s a crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels a bit special, perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches.

What Kind of Greek Yogurt Should I Use?

For parfaits, plain Greek yogurt gives you the most flexibility since you can control the sweetness with your toppings. Full-fat Greek yogurt (around 5% milk fat) creates the creamiest, most satisfying parfait, but 2% or nonfat options work well too if you’re watching your calories. When shopping, look for Greek yogurt that’s thick enough to hold a spoon upright – brands like Fage, Chobani, or Stonyfield are reliable choices. Just make sure to avoid Greek-style yogurt, which isn’t strained as thoroughly and won’t give you that classic dense, creamy texture that makes parfaits so good.

Options for Substitutions

This simple parfait recipe is super adaptable and easy to customize with what you have on hand:

• Greek yogurt: Regular plain yogurt works too, though it will be less creamy and thick. You can also use dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt, almond yogurt, or soy yogurt. Just note that plant-based options might be less protein-rich than Greek yogurt.
• Granola: No granola? Try using crushed graham crackers, broken cookie pieces, or toasted nuts and seeds. Even crushed cereal can work in a pinch! Just make sure whatever you use adds that nice crunchy texture.
• Banana: Feel free to swap bananas with other soft fruits like peaches, mango chunks, or even canned fruit (well-drained). Each will bring its own unique sweetness to the parfait.
• Strawberries: Any berry will work great here – try raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. You can even use frozen berries – just thaw and drain them first to avoid making your parfait watery.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making yogurt parfaits is ending up with soggy granola – to keep it crunchy, avoid adding the granola too early and instead layer it just before serving or provide it separately as a topping.

Another common mistake is using fruit that’s too ripe or wet, which can make your parfait watery and messy – pat your sliced strawberries dry with a paper towel and choose bananas that are ripe but still firm.

To prevent your parfait from looking muddy and mixed together, take your time with layering and chill your Greek yogurt thoroughly beforehand – cold yogurt holds its shape better and creates cleaner, more defined layers.

For the best presentation and taste, assemble these parfaits no more than 30 minutes before serving, and if you’re making them ahead, wait to add the granola and banana slices until the last minute to maintain their texture and prevent browning.

What to Serve With Yogurt Parfaits?

These strawberry banana parfaits make a great breakfast or snack on their own, but I love adding a few extras to make it a more filling meal. A slice of warm banana bread or a fresh baked muffin works really well on the side. For a savory balance, try serving your parfait with a hard-boiled egg or a piece of whole grain toast with a little butter and honey. If you’re hosting brunch, these parfaits look super cute lined up next to a platter of breakfast meats like crispy bacon or chicken sausage links.

Storage Instructions

Prep Ahead: Want to get ahead on breakfast prep? You can slice your fruit and store it separately from the yogurt. Keep the sliced bananas in an airtight container with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning, and store the sliced strawberries in another container. The prepared fruit will last about 2 days in the fridge.

Keep Fresh: Once assembled, these parfaits are best enjoyed within 2-3 hours. The granola starts to soften when it sits in the yogurt too long. If you need to make them ahead, layer the yogurt and fruit in containers, but keep the granola in a separate container to add just before eating.

Pack: These parfaits are perfect for on-the-go breakfast or snacks! Pack the components separately in small containers – yogurt in one, fruit in another, and granola in a third. When you’re ready to eat, just layer everything together for the perfect fresh parfait.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 450-500
• Protein: 15-20 g
• Fat: 10-15 g
• Carbohydrates: 75-85 g

Ingredients

• 1 cup traditional greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup granola
• 1 banana, sliced
• 6 strawberries, sliced

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Begin by slicing the banana and strawberries into thin, even pieces.

Set them aside for layering in the yogurt parfait.

Step 2: Start the Parfait Base

In a serving glass or bowl, add half of the yogurt cup.

This forms the base layer of your parfait and provides a creamy foundation.

Step 3: Add the Crunch

Sprinkle the granola over the yogurt layer.

The granola adds a delightful crunch and complements the smooth texture of the yogurt.

Step 4: Add Fresh Fruits

Layer half of the sliced strawberries and banana over the granola.

This adds a fresh and naturally sweet flavor to the parfait.

Step 5: Complete the Yogurt Layer

Add the remaining yogurt on top of the fruit, creating a smooth and creamy second layer.

Step 6: Finish with Fruits

Top the parfait with the remaining slices of strawberries and banana.

These vibrant fruits add the final touch and a burst of color.

Step 7: Serve Your Parfait

Your fruit and yogurt parfait is ready to be enjoyed.

Serve immediately for a refreshing and satisfying treat!