Yogurt Parfait Recipe layers creamy yogurt, homemade granola, and fresh berries for a quick breakfast or snack.
Parfait Recipe
On a road trip, we stopped for breakfast at a fast-food place. I got McDonald’s parfaits for the kids and was surprised when they didn’t know what they were.
How had I never made parfaits before? After I explained they were fruit, granola, and yogurt, they couldn’t wait to try them and ended up loving them.
As a mom, it’s hard to find snacks with protein that my kids actually like. Finding ones with fiber (like fruit) is even tougher. Parfaits are a big win — they get fiber and protein while enjoying a treat. We have parfaits for breakfast all the time now.
What Is A parfait?
A parfait might sound fancy, but it’s just layers of yogurt, fresh or frozen fruit, and granola on top.
And you know what? Parfaits aren’t just for breakfast; they can be anything layered into a dish, like this delicious brownie trifle or strawberry shortcake trifle.
Quick Tip
What’s the difference between yogurt and a parfait? Yogurt is a stand-alone ingredient while a yogurt parfait is served in a glass with layered ingredients. Yogurt is the star of the recipe, but many add-ins such as fruit or granola, also are added in.
Parfait Ingredients
It really only takes 3 ingredients to make this yummy parfait!
- Yogurt: Look for high-protein yogurt. Greek yogurt often has more protein. I like vanilla or vanilla bean Greek yogurt for its mild taste. Use any leftovers in Greek Yogurt Pancakes.
- Fruit: Fresh berries are great for this parfait, but frozen ones work too. If using fresh, wash and dry them well. You can use any fresh fruit you like with yogurt. Leftover yogurt can be used in Overnight Oats.
- Granola: Add granola between layers and on top for extra crunch. You can make your own or use a store-bought brand. Check this list of top granolas if you need suggestions.
How To Make A Parfait
- Prep Ingredients: Wash and dry fresh fruit. Let homemade granola cool before layering.
- Layering: Use thick yogurt, like Greek yogurt. Mix different berries for extra flavor and a nice look.
- Topping: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Add nuts or chia seeds for crunch.
Variations
Parfait Variations
Make your yogurt parfait the way you like it! Try different granola, yogurt, fruit, and toppings.
- Dessert parfait: Layer vanilla yogurt, mini chocolate chips, and one of the following: chopped brownie bites, chopped chocolate chip cookie pieces, or crumbled Oreos.
- Nutty banana: Start with vanilla yogurt then layer in swirls of peanut butter and thinly sliced banana.
- Apple: Layer cinnamon-vanilla yogurt with spoonfuls of applesauce and finely chopped apples.
- Citrus: Add vanilla yogurt with lemon curd and crushed graham crackers.
- Cereal Parfait: Layer vanilla yogurt with your favorite cereal and fresh berries.
- Tropical: Use coconut yogurt with diced pineapple and shredded coconut for a fun twist.
Change Up The Granola:
- Chocolate Granola makes your parfait taste like a delicious dessert.
- Peanut Butter Granola is favorite in my home!
- Once, when I was in a rush, I made a No-Bake Granola, and it turned into one of my favorite snacks! It is delicious in these parfaits. I’ve also made No Bake Chocolate Granola that is great in this!
- This Almond Granola is my personal favorite and go-to recipe.
- For a seasonal twist throw in some Pumpkin Granola.
Parfait Cups
Parfaits look best in clear glasses to show the layers. I use small glass or plastic cups.
For meal prep, Mason jars or plastic cups work well. Keep the granola separate so it doesn’t get soggy.
Storage And Make Ahead Tips
Yogurt parfaits are the perfect on-the-go breakfast or quick snack.
- Make Ahead: Prepare ingredients a day before (wash and cut berries, make granola), but assemble the parfaits just before serving. Otherwise, the granola may get soggy and the fruit may become mushy.
- Freezing: Don’t freeze the parfait once it’s assembled. It gets soggy when thawed. However, you can use frozen berries in the parfait.
More Breakfast Recipes
- Banana Crepes (how to make crepes here)
- Quiche Lorraine packed with onion, bacon, and cheese
- The best buttermilk Blueberry Pancakes
- Mango Smoothie packed with fruit
- The best Green Smoothie Recipe
Easy Parfait Recipe
Equipment
- 4 glasses or cups
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the fruit. If the fruit is wet at all, it affects the taste of the parfait. Remove stems from any berries and thinly slice the strawberries. Toss all fruit together.
- Layer 1/3 cup vanilla yogurt into the bottom of 4 cups. Alternate layers of fruit, granola, and yogurt. Repeat layers until glasses are filled to the top.
- Enjoy right after making to avoid soggy granola. Parfaits don’t sit or store well (see note 1).
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’m going to make this for my teenage son’s birthday who doesn’t like cake. I was wondering if I could do a vanilla pudding instead. I’ll check your website for a recipe.
He might really like this: https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/brownie-trifle/ Happy birthday to your son!
I could eat this every morning!
Pretty and delicious breakfast idea!
Thanks so much! 🙂
This is my go to breakfast! So easy and delicious…. Greek God’s honey vanilla yogurt is my favorite, too!
Parfaits are my go-to breakfast every morning. Love these things!
These were so easy and delicious! Thank you for giving us another breakfast option that the whole family loves.