Learn how to make fruit parfait in under 5 minutes! This yogurt parfait recipe combines creamy Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and crunchy granola - perfect for a quick healthy breakfast or dessert!
These little cups of yogurt parfait look so mouth-watering and are delicious. Especially in the summer months when you feel like having something refreshing and would rather not turn on your stove.
I often make these for my kids as a healthy snack. I like that they're less sugary than their regular yogurt and filled with healthy fruit.
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What is parfait?
Parfait is a French dessert that dates back to the 18 hundreds. Eggs, cream, sugar, and syrup are whipped and frozen until they form an ice cream-like consistency. French parfaits are usually served in solid bars. Fun fact: "parfait" means "perfect" in English 🙂
The American version of a parfait consists of layers of fruit, yogurt, liqueur, and whipped cream. Served in a tall glass with a long spoon.
Ingredients
You don't need a lot of ingredients to make this simple recipe. Some of which you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. You can customize to your heart's content depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
- Yogurt: I like to use plain Greek yogurt for its high protein content and thickness. But any type of yogurt will work. You can use vanilla yogurt, blueberry yogurt, regular plain yogurt, vanilla Greek yogurt, or any type of flavor. If you want to make this recipe vegan use soy-based, coconut, or almond yogurt. Or, low-fat yogurt for lower calories.
- Fresh Fruit: obviously a key ingredient to making fresh fruit parfaits. I like to use fresh berries (strawberries and blueberries) and some fresh pineapple between the layers of yogurt. But you can use any of your favorite fruits, like blackberries, mango, apple, pitted cherries etc.
- Granola: you can use homemade granola or any store-bought variety you like
- Sweetener: this is totally optional, but you could add honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup for a little sweetness
See recipe card for quantities.
Optional Add-ins
- Seeds: chia seeds and flax seeds blend into the yogurt easily and provide extra nutritional value
- Nuts: packed with essential fatty acids these little powerhouses are perfect additions, think chopped almonds, walnuts, or even peanut butter for creamy yogurt parfaits
- Dried fruit: raisins, craisins, goji berries
- Mini chocolate chips
- Coconut flakes
- Fruit preserves or jelly instead of sweetener
How to Make Greek Yogurt Parfait
- On the bottom of a tall cup or mason jar add a layer of yogurt (~¼ cup).
- On top of the yogurt, add a layer of granola (~¼ cup)
- On top of the granola, add a layer of your favorite fruit
- Repeat steps 1-3 with additional fruits until the glass is full
- Drizzle sweetener on top (optional)
Make Ahead Grab-n-go Breakfast
I don't know about you, but around here, we have busy mornings during the week (sometimes even on weekends thanks to sports). The good news is that you can prepare this easy recipe ahead of time and still have a delicious breakfast that's filling and nutritious the next morning. Similar to preparing overnight oats.
Simply follow the instructions above and store in mason jars with the lid on or in an airtight container. The granola will be softer in the morning, but still yummy.
If you don't like soggy granola prepare the parfait with layers of creamy yogurt and alternate layers of fruit. When you're ready to eat sprinkle the granola on top and throughout as you go.
Pro Tips
- dry your fruit after rinsing with a clean towel that way your granola will stay crunchy and your yogurt won't be watery
- cut big pieces of fruit into small pieces
FAQs
Frozen fruit has a softer texture than fresh fruit and tends to lose more juice. Which will seep into the yogurt. This isn't a bad thing it will give the rest of the parfait some flavor almost like blueberry yogurt. The parfait won't look as picture-perfect though 😉
Yogurt parfait contains a lot of dietary fiber, protein, vitamins and healthy gut bacteria. If you don't go overboard on the sweeteners, then yes, it's a healthy treat.
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Yogurt Parfait Recipe
Make healthy yogurt parfaits in 5 minutes! Layers of creamy yogurt, crunchy granola, and fresh fruit arranged in a pretty glass make for a yummy breakfast or an easy treat!
Ingredients
- 2 cups Greek yogurt (or your favorite kind of yogurt)
- 2 cups granola
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, rinsed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and cut into fourths
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
Instructions
- add a layer of yogurt to the bottom of a glass or mason jar (about ¼ cup)
- on top of the yogurt add a layer of granola (about ¼ cup)
- on top of the granola add a layer of fresh fruit
- repeat steps 1-3 until the glass is full
- drizzle sweetener on top (optional)
Notes
Make-Ahead Instructions
Simply follow the instructions above and store in mason jars with the lid on or in an airtight container. The granola will be softer in the morning, but still yummy.
If you don't like soggy granola prepare the parfait with layers of yogurt and alternate layers of fruit. When you're ready to eat sprinkle the granola on top and throughout as you go.
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