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Vanilla Yogurt Parfait recipe is delicious, easy, and quick to make. Creamy yogurt is layered with fresh fruit and granola, which adds a nice crunch. Parfaits are perfect for breakfast or a healthy-ish dessert or snack!

yogurt in jars layered with granola and fruit.

Berry Yogurt Parfait

Yogurt Parfaits are a great grab-and-go breakfast or snack. I like to bring one to the office as my morning break snack.

They are quick to make and there are so many ways you can customize them to fit your taste and diet!

What Does Parfait Mean?

Parfait is the French word for Perfect. Originally it was a layered ice cream dessert using fruit or syrup as the alternate layers. Nowadays Parfait usually refers to a layered Yogurt dish, with granola, nuts, fruit, honey, etc.

How to Make Yogurt Parfaits

Setup: Get four 8-ounce mason jars or parfait cups (clear glass or plastic will work). Dice the larger berries or fruit into small pieces (leave blueberries and raspberries whole).
Layer: Add some granola into each of the 4 cups. Then add 1/2 cup of yogurt (spread it to the edges of the cup). Add a few spoonfuls of the fruit or berries.
Chill: Repeat layers once more, then chill in the refrigerate until ready to serve.

Yogurt Parfait in glass jar with raspberries on top.

Parfait Variations

• Use any type of yogurt that you like – Greek yogurt, low-fat, full-fat, plain yogurt, flavored yogurt, etc.
Fresh Fruit Alternatives:
• You can use dried cranberries or other dried fruit.
• Chopped dates.
• Fruit sauces or compotes.
• Try my Blueberry Compote for a sweet alternative to fresh berries.

Can Yogurt Parfaits be Made Ahead?

I recommend that you assemble the parfaits closer to the time you will be serving them as the granola can soften.
You can prep the fruit that needs to be chopped ahead of time, and have the berries ready to go, and measure out the granola, nuts, seeds, whatever you are adding.
Cover the jars once filled, then store them in the fridge until it’s time to serve them.

Try Making Homemade Yogurt

I love to make yogurt in the Instant Pot. It’s not hard (and there’s a video).
This method is sweetened, but you can omit the sweetener if you want.
Instant Pot No Boil Yogurt

More Breakfast Recipes

Easy Breakfast Egg Bake
Air Fryer French Toast
Instant Pot Breakfast Burritos
Shakshuka – Eggs in Purgatory

If you make this Vanilla Yogurt Parfait recipe, or another version, let me know! Just leave a comment with a star rating below.

5 from 1 vote

Yogurt Parfait

By Sandy Clifton

Layers of delicious vanilla yogurt, fruit, and granola will make your mornings a little easier, and tastier! Quick and delicious as a snack or a dessert, too!

Prep: 10

Total: 10

Servings:

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Equipment

4 8-ounce Jars or Parfait Cups Use 12 or 16-ounce jars if you like more fruit, etc.

Ingredients

Yogurt

▢ 1 cup Granola
▢ 4 cups Plain Greek Yogurt, or vanilla yogurt
▢ 2 cups Berries, or cut-up fruit

Instructions

Add ⅛ cup of granola to each jar.
Add ½ cup of yogurt over the granola, and spread it out so it touches the sides of the jar.
Add a few spoonfuls of the fruit and/or berries.
Repeat the layers: Granola, yogurt, fruit.
Cover the jars and place in the fridge to chill.

Notes

You can use plain yogurt, Greek yogurt, low-fat, full-fat, or various flavors (calories will vary with type used. I calculated using vanilla).
There are many kinds of granola to choose from. I also like adding chia seeds and pepitas (pumpkin seeds), or chopped nuts.
A drizzle of honey or maple syrup is nice for added sweetness, especially when using plain yogurt.
A dollop of whipped cream on top makes these parfaits more decadent!

Can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. The fruit and granola will become soft, but they are still good to eat.