Fruit And Yogurt Parfaits (Perfect To Make-Ahead)

What is a yogurt parfait?

A yogurt parfait is a make-ahead breakfast usually served in glasses, made with yogurt layered with fresh fruit, topped with granola, and a drizzle of sweet maple syrup or honey.

It’s healthy, quick to make, and it takes no time to prepare, making it the perfect easy breakfast recipe for busy mornings.

But what is a parfait?

Parfait is a French word that literally means perfect. In France, the original parfait recipe is a frozen dessert made by boiling cream, egg, sugar, and syrup to create something similar to a custard.

The oldest recipe that uses the name parfait is from a French cookbook dated 1894, and it’s a frozen coffee-flavored dessert constructed in a pretty shape (parfait-shape).

But then, in the United States, a different variant was made by layering ice cream and fruit in tall glasses.

And more recently, the yogurt parfait was born: simple layers of yogurt, fruit, and granola. Perfect for a healthy breakfast!

How to make yogurt parfaits

You will not believe how easy these parfaits are to make.

I mean, I would barely call this a recipe!

1. Add 2-3 tablespoons of yogurt to a glass or a mason jar (I use Weck jars, I love them).
2. Add a layer of your favorite berries (I used raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries – but you can pretty much use any fruit you like).
3. Then add another 2-3 tablespoons of yogurt on top.
4. Add more fruit.
5. Top with some crunchy granola (I make my own homemade granola – so good!), nuts or coconut flakes, and a dash of maple syrup or honey.

Yes! It’s that simple.

Now let’s dive into some of the most frequent questions I get asked.

What type of yogurt is best?

You can pretty much use any yogurt you like: plant-based yogurt, Greek yogurt, plain yogurt.

Plant-based yogurt: If you are on a plant-based diet or lactose-intolerant, use any plant-based yogurt. I love Greek-style coconut yogurt. But you can also use almond milk, oat milk, cashew nut, or soy yogurt.

Greek yogurt: If you want an extra boost in protein, make sure to use plain Greek yogurt (Fage is my favorite). Each portion has 9% protein, making yogurt parfaits the perfect high-protein breakfast if you have a sweet tooth.

Plain yogurt: This is a good alternative if you prefer its texture. 

Whatever yogurt you pick, read the label! Make sure it doesn’t contain processed ingredients and doesn’t have too much sugar in it.

Yes, even plain ones. Look for yogurt with no added sugar. Otherwise, your healthy breakfast will quickly turn into a sugar feast.

Should I use fresh or frozen berries?

I prefer using fresh berries because it lasts longer in the fridge. Frozen berries lose more water when they defrost and make the yogurt runnier, which isn’t great.

Having said that, frozen berries can work too and can be cheaper depending on the time of year. So feel free to use them.

What type of granola should you use?

I usually use granola naturally low in sugar, sweetened with unrefined sugar like maple syrup or honey.

If you want to keep your yogurt parfait super healthy, you can skip the granola altogether and use chopped nuts to add a bit of crunch.

I love using a combination of almonds, hazelnuts, and cashew nuts.

MEAL PREP TIP: You might wonder if your granola will get soggy if you add it while meal prepping your yogurt parfaits.

PREP TIP:
You might wonder if your granola will get soggy if you add it while meal prepping your yogurt parfaits.
The answer is yes, especially if you add it 2-3 days before eating them. You are much better off adding the granola the night before or in the morning for the perfect crunch.

Can I use other types of fruit or nuts?

Of course, you can!

I love yogurt parfaits because they are incredibly versatile (a bit like overnight oats).

You can pretty much use any fruit and nuts you like, as long as it keeps well in the fridge and doesn’t go brown too quickly (or your parfaits won’t look very inviting). You can also add a sprinkle of chia seeds or flax seeds for a boost in omega-3 and protein.

Some delicious alternatives I love:

Apple & Cinnamon: Simply chop some apples, add a tiny bit of lemon juice to keep them from browning, and sprinkle them with cinnamon. Combine yogurt with the apples, and top with granola and chopped almonds.

Almond butter & Banana: I love this version, but chopped bananas will only last a day or two max in the fridge, so make this only if you are going to eat it quickly. Slice a banana and top with a tablespoon of almond butter, some chopped almonds, and cocoa nibs or chocolate chips for extra crunch.

Tropical Fruit: A refreshing parfait, perfect for summer! Just chop some mango and pineapple and use granola and coconut flakes as toppings.

Can I meal prep yogurt parfaits?

Yes! That’s what I love about these pretty parfaits. They are so easy to make ahead, and they last a good 3-4 days in the fridge. Remember to add the granola only on the top layer. This will prevent it from getting too soggy.

You can store them in Weck jars (the ones in the pictures), in pretty ball jars, an airtight container, or any other 8 oz jar.

Are yogurt parfaits healthy?

This recipe is healthy, but not all yogurt parfaits are. It really boils down to the ingredients you use:

• Use yogurt without any added sugar or junk.
• Avoid adding refined sugar: a dash of maple syrup or a drizzle of honey is all it takes. And if you are using sweet fruit like bananas, you can omit that entirely.
• Use a granola low in sugar, or even better, use some chopped nuts.

Are yogurt parfaits vegan?

If they are made with regular yogurt or Greek yogurt, yogurt parfaits are vegetarian but not vegan.

But if you substitute regular yogurt for a dairy-free alternative and avoid using honey, you can easily make a vegan yogurt parfait.

Why I love this fruit and yogurt parfait

• Easy to make
• Made with simple ingredients
• Refreshing yet filling
• The perfect breakfast but also a nutritious healthy snack
• Easy to make vegan and gluten-free

Other delicious breakfast recipes:

• Healthy Breakfast Cookies
• Overnight Oats Recipes
• Energizing Green Smoothie
• Berry Smoothie
• Vegan Granola Bars

If you try this fruit and yogurt parfait recipe, let me know in the comments!