Simple and fresh, Yogurt Parfaits are an easy choice for meal prep or a quick breakfast.
Short on time but still want a healthy breakfast? Instead of breezing through a fast food joint and ordering their token yogurt and fruit parfait–only to be disappointed by the sad, mushy fruit and sugary sweet yogurt–try making these yogurt parfaits at home. You get a nice boost of protein, fiber, and healthy fat plus the vitamins and natural sweetness of whatever fruit you prefer. Just what you need to fuel your day. And definitely an easy, tastier alternative to that premade parfait from a restaurant!
When you make your own Yogurt Parfaits, you can make sure the fruit is fresh and avoid the mush factor. Plus, you can customize whatever part of the recipe you’d like. Not a fan of blueberries? Replace them with peaches or bananas. Once you get the flavor profile you like, you will love the creamy, fruity, and crunchy layers in every bite.
Granola: choose wisely!
The granola in this recipe is what gives it the wow factor: providing that yummy crunch and texture in contrast to the fruit and yogurt. However, pay attention to the sugar content in the granola you use. Many brands of store-bought granola contain way too much sugar, which will only make your blood sugar spike and leave you with a sugar crash. Definitely not the goal of starting your day with a healthy breakfast! When shopping, take a close look at the sugar grams on the Nutrition Facts. Some brands contain nearly 17 grams of sugar, which is equal to 4 teaspoons! Aim for brands that contain 12 grams or less. While you can make your own homemade granola to ensure less sugar content, there are lower sugar brands out there on the grocery shelves. You just have to look.
Ingredients
- 32 oz container of whole milk plain yogurt organic recommended
- 3 Tbs. honey
- 1 lb. of fresh or frozen berries
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups of granola
How to Make Yogurt Parfaits
Step 1: Add honey to the container of yogurt and stir until well combined.
Step 2: In a mason jar or a similar container, create layers by alternating between the sweetened yogurt and berries. Repeat the layers until almost full.
Step 3: Top with granola.
Step 4: Serve the parfaits immediately or cover them with lids and refrigerate for a convenient breakfast or snack option throughout the week.
FAQs & Tips
Yogurt Parfaits are nice for meal prep and can definitely be made ahead. Just keep in mind that you probably want to keep the granola separate so it doesn’t soften too much. Mason jars or airtight containers work for the fruit/yogurt layers and then just put the portions of granola in baggies or smaller, separate containers in order to sprinkle on just before eating. You can also find plastic containers with domed lids that keep the granola portion separate on Amazon. Either way, you can make these ahead and store them in the fridge for 2-3 days.
If eating right away, go ahead and pop the frozen berries in the microwave for 30-45 seconds on the defrost setting. Just so you don’t break a tooth on a frozen strawberry! Nobody wants that. If you’re making ahead to enjoy later, you can just use them frozen, and they will defrost gradually as the parfaits sit in the fridge.
Not a fan of honey? Try using an equal amount of maple syrup. Stevia is another natural sweetener but add gradually and to taste. Avoid buying flavored yogurt when possible so you can control the amount of sugar in the yogurt layer. Natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, and stevia are better for you and you can customize the sugar intake that way.
Try adding a sprinkle of ground flax seed or a spoonful of chia seeds for extra crunch and fiber. Or a couple of unsalted, roasted almonds for a little boost of protein. Any of these choices, in moderation, add benefits without unnecessary sugar or fat. Experiment and see what you like!
Yes! Besides the creamy, sweet, and tangy flavor of yogurt, the boost to your gut health is a benefit as well. Yogurt contains much-needed probiotics. The probiotics help maintain the level of “good” bacteria to keep things moving and regulated. When purchasing yogurt, just look for the phrase “contains active cultures” to ensure you’re getting this benefit.
Serving Suggestions
Yogurt Parfaits are an obvious choice for breakfast. Whether you’re making it for yourself or for your family, the customizable feature of this dish makes it extremely family friendly. Try different fruits to see what you and your family like. If you have younger kids, consider leaving the granola in the parfait overnight to soften it: some kids might prefer a softer texture. Yogurt Parfaits are also excellent snacks and/or desserts! They are delicious any time of day.
Make Ahead Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
Ingredients
- 32 oz container of whole milk plain yogurt organic recommended
- 3 Tbs. honey
- 1 lb. of fresh or frozen berries
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups of granola
Instructions
- Add honey to the container of yogurt and stir until well combined.
- In a mason jar or a similar container, create layers by alternating between the sweetened yogurt and berries. Repeat the layers until the jar is almost full.
- Top with granola.
- Serve the parfaits immediately or cover them with lids and refrigerate for a convenient breakfast or snack option throughout the week.
Nutrition
