Yogurt and fruit parfaits are a delightful blend of creamy yogurt, fresh fruits, and crunchy granola layered beautifully in a glass. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. With endless customization options and a vibrant presentation, parfaits offer a nutritious and flavorful treat for all ages.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Yogurt and fruit parfaits are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and no cooking time. They are not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients—thanks to the rich protein from yogurt, fiber from fruits, and whole grains from granola. You can prepare them in advance, making them a convenient choice for busy mornings or healthy meal prep. Plus, they can be tailored to suit dietary preferences, making them a versatile addition to any menu.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Plain or flavored yogurt (Greek or regular)
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Fresh fruits (such as strawberries, blueberries, bananas, mangoes, or kiwi)
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Granola
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Honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
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Chia seeds or nuts (optional, for added texture)
directions
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Wash and chop the fruits into bite-sized pieces.
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In a clear glass or jar, add a spoonful of yogurt as the base layer.
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Add a layer of chopped fruits over the yogurt.
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Sprinkle a layer of granola on top of the fruits.
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Repeat the layers until the glass is filled, finishing with a topping of fruits and granola.
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Drizzle honey or maple syrup on top if desired.
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Garnish with chia seeds or nuts for an extra crunch.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2 and takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare.
Variations
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Vegan Option: Use plant-based yogurt like almond or coconut yogurt and ensure the granola is free from honey.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute traditional yogurt with lactose-free or non-dairy alternatives.
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Low-Sugar: Choose unsweetened yogurt and skip the sweeteners or use a natural sugar substitute.
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Seasonal Fruits: Swap fruits based on availability such as peaches in summer or pomegranate in winter.
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Protein Boost: Add a scoop of protein powder to the yogurt for a post-workout snack.
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Kid-Friendly: Use colorful fruits and flavored yogurt to appeal to children.
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Dessert Style: Add a layer of dark chocolate chips or a swirl of fruit compote for a sweeter treat.
storage/reheating
Yogurt and fruit parfaits are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain texture, store the granola separately and add it just before serving. Reheating is not required as this is a chilled dish.
FAQs
What type of yogurt works best for parfaits?
Greek yogurt is often preferred due to its thick and creamy texture, but any plain or flavored yogurt can be used based on your taste and dietary needs.
Can I prepare parfaits the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the parfaits a night ahead, but it is best to keep the granola separate until serving to avoid it becoming soggy.
Are parfaits suitable for kids?
Absolutely. Parfaits can be made with sweet fruits and fun toppings to appeal to children, making them a nutritious and enjoyable snack.
Can I freeze yogurt parfaits?
Freezing is not recommended as it alters the texture of both yogurt and fruit. Fresh preparation or short-term refrigeration is best.
How can I make parfaits more filling?
To make them more substantial, add ingredients like nut butter, oats, or protein powder to the yogurt layer.
What fruits are best for parfaits?
Berries, bananas, mangoes, kiwi, and peaches work particularly well. Avoid overly juicy fruits like watermelon that can make the parfait watery.
Is it possible to use frozen fruits?
Yes, but it’s better to thaw and drain them before layering to prevent excess moisture.
Can I use flavored granola?
Yes, flavored granola such as honey almond or cinnamon can add extra taste. Just check the sugar content if you’re monitoring intake.
How can I reduce the sugar content?
Opt for unsweetened yogurt, skip added sweeteners, and use fruits naturally lower in sugar like berries.
Are yogurt parfaits good for weight loss?
They can be, especially when made with low-fat yogurt, no added sugars, and controlled portions of granola.
Conclusion
Yogurt and fruit parfaits are a quick, nutritious, and versatile option that suits any time of day. With their vibrant layers and endless customization possibilities, they offer both taste and visual appeal. Whether you’re aiming for a healthy breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a light dessert, this recipe is a reliable and satisfying choice.
Print
Yogurt and Fruit Parfaits
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: No-Cook, Assemble
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Description
These Yogurt and Fruit Parfaits are a simple, wholesome breakfast or snack featuring creamy yogurt, sweet fruit, and crunchy granola or nuts. They’re quick to assemble, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prep or serving to a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup fresh fruit (berries, mango, banana, kiwi, etc.)
- 1/4 cup granola or chopped nuts
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Optional: chia seeds, coconut flakes, cinnamon
Instructions
- Layer Ingredients:
- In a glass or jar, add a layer of yogurt, then fruit, then granola or nuts.
- Repeat layers as desired.
- Finish and Serve:
- Drizzle with honey or syrup if using.
- Top with any optional toppings and enjoy immediately or store in the fridge.
Notes
- Use a mix of seasonal fruits for variety.
- For meal prep, keep granola separate until serving to stay crunchy.
- Try plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free version.
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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