Yogurt Parfait Recipe layers creamy yogurt, homemade granola, and fresh berries for a quick breakfast or snack.

Layered yogurt parfait in a cup, showcasing layers of creamy yogurt, fresh fruit, drizzles of honey, and crunchy granola on top.
chelsea

author’s note

Fruit, Yogurt, Granola… and Zero Complaints

On a road trip, we stopped for breakfast at a fast-food place. I got McDonald’s parfaits for the kids and was surprised they didn’t know what they were.

How had I never made parfaits before? After I explained they were made with 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.

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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.

All the ingredients for the recipe prepped and laid out for easy assembly, including fresh fruit, honey, and granola.

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

  1. Prep Ingredients: Wash and dry fresh fruit. Let homemade granola cool before layering.
  2. Layering: Use thick yogurt, like Greek yogurt. Mix different berries for extra flavor and a nice look.
  3. Topping: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Add nuts or chia seeds for crunch.

Variations

  • 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:

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.

Yogurt parfait with a drizzle of honey being added on top, enhancing the sweetness and flavor.

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

4.84 from 6 votes

Easy Parfait Recipe

My easy and delicious go-to breakfast: Parfait! Layers of fruit, yogurt, granola, and a drizzle of honey make it sweet and satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • 4 glasses or cups

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries diced
  • 2 cups fresh berries I use a mix of blackberries, raspberries and blueberries—use whatever you have on hand.
  • 3 cups vanilla yogurt use your favorite flavor! I love honey-vanilla Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup granola homemade or store-bought
  • honey or pure maple syrup, optional

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

Note 1: You can easily prep ingredients a day ahead (washing and cutting berries) and making the granola, but assemble the parfaits as close to serving as possible. Otherwise, the granola might get soggy and fruit becomes mushy. Don’t freeze this recipe. It doesn’t thaw well and layers become soggy. That said, you can use frozen berries in this parfait.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 132mg | Potassium: 618mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 115IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 352mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

 

Meet Chelsea


Hello, and welcome to Chelseaโ€™s Messy Apron! Iโ€™m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. Iโ€™m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping byโ€”I hope you find something delicious to make!

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4.84 from 6 votes (1 rating without comment)

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8 Comments

  1. Leticia says:

    Iโ€™m going to make this for my teenage sonโ€™s birthday who doesnโ€™t like cake. I was wondering if I could do a vanilla pudding instead. Iโ€™ll check your website for a recipe.

  2. Tanya says:

    5 stars
    I could eat this every morning!

  3. Anna says:

    5 stars
    Pretty and delicious breakfast idea!

    1. chelseamessyapron says:

      Thanks so much! ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. April says:

    5 stars
    This is my go to breakfast! So easy and delicious…. Greek God’s honey vanilla yogurt is my favorite, too!

  5. Steph says:

    5 stars
    Parfaits are my go-to breakfast every morning. Love these things!

  6. Jen says:

    5 stars
    These were so easy and delicious! Thank you for giving us another breakfast option that the whole family loves.