Tasty Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

Here is my go-to fruit and yogurt parfait recipe, with layers of creamy yogurt, fresh seasonal fruits, crunchy granola, and a drizzle of honey that makes everything come together perfectly.

These parfaits have become my family’s favorite breakfast choice on busy mornings. I often prep the ingredients the night before so we can quickly assemble them before heading out the door. Nothing better than starting your day with something that’s both healthy and delicious, right?

What Kind of Greek Yogurt Should I Use?

For parfaits, whole milk Greek yogurt is the way to go since it creates the creamiest, most satisfying layers. Regular Greek yogurt tends to be thicker and richer than regular yogurt, which helps your parfait hold its shape better and prevents the layers from getting soupy. While non-fat or 2% Greek yogurt can work in a pinch, they might not give you that same luxurious texture. When shopping, look for plain Greek yogurt without added flavors – this gives you more control over the sweetness and lets the fresh fruit flavors shine through. Just make sure your yogurt is fresh and hasn’t separated or developed any off smells.

Options for Substitutions

This parfait recipe is super adaptable and you can mix things up based on what you have in your kitchen:

• Greek yogurt: Regular plain yogurt works too, though it will be less creamy. You can also use vanilla yogurt (just reduce or skip the added sugar) or dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt for a vegan version.
• Strawberries and blueberries: Any fresh fruits work great here! Try raspberries, blackberries, peaches, mangoes, or banana slices. If fresh fruit isn’t available, thawed frozen fruit is a good backup option.
• White sugar: Feel free to swap in honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Start with half the amount since these are sweeter than regular sugar. You can also skip the sweetener if your fruit is naturally sweet.
• Granola: No granola? Try crushed graham crackers, broken cookie pieces, chopped nuts, or even crunchy cereal. For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free granola or toasted nuts.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when assembling parfaits is adding granola too early, which can turn your crunchy layers into a soggy disappointment – always add the granola just before serving to maintain that satisfying crunch.

When macerating strawberries with sugar, patience is key – let them sit for at least 15 minutes to release their natural juices, but don’t let them soak for more than an hour or they’ll become too mushy and watery.

To prevent your yogurt from becoming runny, avoid stirring it too much before layering, and if you’re using frozen berries, make sure to thaw and drain them completely to keep excess liquid from making your parfait watery.

For the best texture contrast, try chilling your serving glasses and yogurt beforehand, while keeping your granola at room temperature.

What to Serve With Yogurt Parfaits?

These fruity parfaits make a perfect breakfast or brunch treat, and they pair really well with some warm breakfast classics on the side. A slice of banana bread or zucchini bread adds a nice homey touch that complements the fresh fruit and creamy yogurt. If you’re serving these for breakfast, try adding some scrambled eggs or a veggie omelet to make it more filling – the savory eggs balance out the sweet parfait perfectly. For a quick morning spread, I like to put out some toasted English muffins with butter and honey alongside the parfaits, letting everyone mix and match their favorites.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These parfaits are best enjoyed right after assembly, but if you need to make them ahead, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just know that the granola might lose some of its crunch when stored with the yogurt and fruit.

Meal Prep: Want to prep these for the week? Store the components separately – keep the cut fruit in one container, yogurt in another, and granola in a dry container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days this way. When you’re ready to eat, just layer everything together for the perfect breakfast or snack!

Pack: Taking your parfait on the go? Pack the granola in a separate small container and add it just before eating. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy, and prevents your breakfast from getting soggy during transport.

Preparation Time	20-30 minutes
Cooking Time	0-0 minutes
Total Time	30-30 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

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

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 20-25 g
• Fat: 15-20 g
• Carbohydrates: 90-100 g

Ingredients

• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 cup greek yogurt (whole milk)
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup crunchy granola

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine the strawberries and sugar and stir well to ensure the sugar coats all the strawberries.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or let it sit overnight for a more intense flavor and syrupy texture.

Step 2: Assemble the First Layer

Take two clear glasses and divide half of the prepared strawberries equally between the two.

Next, dollop half of the Greek yogurt over the strawberries in each glass.

Finally, add half of the blueberries on top of the yogurt layer.

Step 3: Add the Granola

Spread all the granola evenly on top of the blueberry layer in each glass.

This will add a delightful crunch to your parfait.

Step 4: Assemble the Second Layer

Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining strawberries, followed by a layer of the remaining Greek yogurt, and finishing with the remaining blueberries.

The layers should follow the pattern: strawberries (red), Greek yogurt (white), blueberries (blue), granola, strawberries (red), Greek yogurt (white), blueberries (blue).

Step 5: Serve

Serve the berry yogurt parfaits immediately for the best consistency.

Enjoy the refreshing mix of flavors and textures!