Get ready to kickstart your mornings with a delightful fruit and yogurt parfait recipe that’s as easy as it is tasty and satisfying! We layer creamy vanilla yogurt with fresh, vibrant fruit, and crunchy granola, and then top it with a generous drizzle of sweet honey — it’s a breakfast dream come true that comes together in mere minutes.
What we absolutely adore about this breakfast parfait is that’s not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber to keep you feeling satisfied and energized all morning long.
So whether you’re rushing out the door or taking a leisurely morning stroll, this fruit and yogurt parfait is the perfect way to start your day on a delicious note. Ready in minutes and bursting with flavor, it’s a breakfast win-win!
Table of Contents
- It’s More Than Just Yummy: Reasons You’ll Love This Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
- What Is a Parfait?
- The Four Basic Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make a Parfait with Fruit and Granola
- Flavor Variations
- How to Make Ahead
- Common Questions About This Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Recipe
- More Fun Ways to Add Yogurt to Your Meal Prep Routine
- Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Recipe Recipe
It’s More Than Just Yummy: Reasons You’ll Love This Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
We always feel a little fancy when we’re enjoying a fresh fruit parfait. With their vibrant colors and sweet flavors, parfaits look and taste as if they came from a gourmet kitchen, but that’s not the only reason why we love them! They’re also:
- Easy to prepare in a matter of minutes.
- Great to make ahead of time.
- Super easy to customize.
- A great way to sneak in lots and nutrients and fiber while satisfying your sweet tooth.
What Is a Parfait?
The official definition of parfait is “a cold dessert made of layers of fruit, syrup, ice cream, and whipped cream.” However, used broadly, parfait is usually just a general term used to describe any kind of layered food served in a dish.
In America, parfaits usually consist of yogurt or ice cream. For this fruit parfait, we chose to use yogurt for a slightly healthier treat!
What’s the Difference Between Yogurt and Parfait?
Yogurt is a thick, milk-based food that is either enjoyed plain or with flavoring. Meanwhile, a parfait is a type of layered dessert that can sometimes include yogurt.
Are Parfaits Healthy?
Admittedly, not every parfait is healthy. Especially if you’re serving them with ice cream.
However, our fresh fruit and yogurt parfait recipe is a fairly nutritious treat. Depending on the type of yogurt you choose, it is high-protein, full of fiber, and bursting with antioxidants and nutrients thanks to the fresh berries.
Plus, it’s refined sugar-free and easy to customize to fit your specific dietary needs!
The Four Basic Ingredients You’ll Need
- Yogurt – We like to use whole milk vanilla yogurt for a super rich flavor, extra creamy texture, and just a hint of flavor.
- Honey – Used to enhance the sweetness of the dish while adding antioxidants and health benefits.
- Berries – We use a combination of strawberries and blueberries, but any berries you like best would taste great!
- Granola – A sprinkle of vanilla yogurt adds a satisfying crunch.
How to Make a Parfait with Fruit and Granola
- Divide. Divide the yogurt equally, and spoon a portion into the bottom of a bowl.
- Layer. Sprinkle berries on top followed by granola.
- Top. Add a second, smaller dollop of yogurt, and finish with extra granola.
Flavor Variations
- Yogurt – Use a different flavored yogurt, swap it out with Greek yogurt for extra protein, or opt for a dairy-free yogurt instead.
- Fruit – Mix and match any type of fruit you like best! For example, peaches, mangoes, nectarines, cherries, pomegranates, bananas, kiwi, and melons all taste great.
- Granola – Use any flavored granola you like best like chocolate or baklava varieties. Or, replace it with cereal instead.
- Jams and Jellies – Stir flavored jam or jelly into the yogurt for a natural boost of sweetness and an extra fruity flavor.
- Protein – To make your yogurt parfait a filling, well-rounded meal, stir your favorite protein powder into the yogurt.
- Nuts and Seeds – Sprinkle nuts and seeds in with the granola, or use them to replace it. We love almonds, pistachios, crushed peanuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds for extra crunch.
- Nut and Seed Butter – For a smoother texture and rich taste, drizzle nut or seed butter like almond butter, peanut butter, and sunflower butter on top.
- Extras – Feel free to mix and match whatever ingredients you like best! Additional toppings we love include shredded coconut flakes, crushed graham crackers, chocolate chips, cinnamon, lemon curd, brownie chunks, chocolate chip cookie pieces, and homemade Nutella.
How to Make Ahead
Want to add this fruit and yogurt parfait to your
- Spoon the fruit and yogurt into mason jars or airtight containers.
- Place them in the fridge for up to four days.
- Divide the granola into individual baggies or cups, and sprinkle it on top just before serving.
How to Store
Once everything is assembled, yogurt parfaits can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two to three days. Any longer than that, and the granola is likely to become too soggy.
Can You Freeze a Fruit and Yogurt Parfait?
While yogurt parfaits are a delicious and convenient breakfast option, we don’t recommend freezing them. The yogurt won’t thaw well, and the texture of the fruit and granola will change.
Common Questions About This Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Recipe
Absolutely! Frozen fruit works great to provide a slightly different texture and taste. It’s a great option when you want to make your parfaits ahead of time. As the fruit thaws, the liquid runs into the yogurt, infusing it with extra fruity flavor.
The best way to prevent your granola from becoming too wet or soggy is to enjoy your yogurt parfait right away. Or, leave the yogurt off until just before serving.
We prefer to use whole milk as it has the thickest consistency and richest flavor, but any yogurt can be used. Which is best is up to you!
Yes, simply use your favorite vegan yogurt, and replace the honey with maple syrup.
More Fun Ways to Add Yogurt to Your Meal Prep Routine
If you’re a fan of yogurt-filled goodness, you’re in for a treat. Check out these sweet, yogurt-filled recipes that are sure to give you a boost any time of day:
- Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Clusters
- Frozen Yogurt Fruit Cups
- Peanut Butter Banana Frozen Yogurt Bites
Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 32 ounce container whole milk vanilla yogurt
- 1 pound fresh berries of choice chopped
- 1 ½ – 2 cups vanilla granola or flavor of choice
- 3 Tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Scoop about ⅓ cup of the yogurt into three glass jars or containers.1 32 ounce container whole milk vanilla yogurt
- Sprinkle the berries on top.1 pound fresh berries of choice
- Add the granola, reserving at least 3 tablespoons.1 ½ – 2 cups vanilla granola or flavor of choice
- Divide the remaining yogurt, dolloping it in on each parfait.
- Top each jar with the remaining granola, and drizzle a tablespoon of honey on top.3 Tablespoons honey
- Enjoy right away, or store in the fridg efor up to 2-3 days.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made it for dessert: one with yogurt for me and one with vanilla ice cream for my daughter. We had a blast!
Made this for a lil snack yesterday and it was SO good. Super refreshing in the summer. I find it hard to make ahead of time because they do tend to get a soggy/mushy. I sometimes prep it the night before to take with me to work or I put them in meal prep containers with separate compartments and mix right before I eat.
Thank you, Marise!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa