Indulge in a smooth and fruity sweet treat for breakfast or brunch.
Have you ever woken up craving dessert for breakfast? There are many sweet treats to choose from shortly after sunrise, but if you want to keep it simple and light, I suggest a classic yogurt parfait. This dish is one of my favorites. In fact, I make it almost every day, except for the mornings when I want something savory.
Crafted with luscious layers of creamy yogurt, golden granola, and juicy berries, this parfait is the perfect start to your day—and to your ongoing parfait-making adventures. With a basic parfait recipe like this, it’s easy and fun to customize it according to your liking. I prefer to stir in a tablespoon of cacao nibs or coconut flakes, alongside half a cup of walnuts or pumpkin seeds. The extra crunch is delightful in contrast with the velvety yogurt.
For the prettiest parfait, use Greek yogurt—which is thick enough to maintain its layers. While I have made what I call “lazy parfaits” in bowls, they are classically served in drinking glasses so that the layers are displayed like a beautiful, edible tower. However you choose to present it, this parfait will taste just as amazing.
A pretty little history of the parfait
Meaning “perfect” in French, the parfait was originally a creamy frozen dessert that appeared in the late 1800s. In France, it’s more like frozen custard than yogurt, blended, whipped, and frozen to get the optimal velvety texture. Over time, American culinary culture has made its own variation of the parfait with yogurt, layering fruit, granola, and sometimes flavored syrups or honey. In the US, it’s not only enjoyed as a dessert but also as a sweet breakfast or brunch treat.
How do I store leftovers?
While a parfait is best enjoyed fresh, you can also cover leftovers with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for 2-3 days. Enjoy the rest of your parfait sooner rather than later to lower the risk of ingredients getting mushy.
Similar recipes to try
While this parfait is the perfect sweet way to get the most out of Greek yogurt, there are many savory ways to enjoy it as well. One of my favorite appetizers is Greek Yogurt Dip with pita bread and veggie sticks. But for main dishes like fish and chips or Air-Fryer Fried Chicken, try Greek Yogurt Tartar Sauce. On the other hand, if you’re craving something lighter and more herbaceous, whip up Creamy Cucumber Salad.
Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed fresh berries chopped strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
- 2 cups plain low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey optional, plus more for drizzling
- 1 cup granola
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Wash all the berries. In a bowl, stir the yogurt and add honey if desired for extra sweetness.
- Divide the yogurt evenly between two clear glasses. Layer with berries and granola. Repeat the layers and finish with a sprinkle of granola on top.
- If desired, garnish with fresh mint and a drizzle of extra honey for an elevated presentation. Serve immediately to keep the granola crunchy.
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