Here’s my go-to Greek yogurt parfait recipe, with layers of creamy yogurt, fresh fruits, crunchy granola, and a drizzle of honey that makes breakfast feel special without much work.
These parfaits have become my morning staple, and my kids ask for them almost daily. I like to prep the ingredients the night before so we can quickly layer them in the morning. Makes getting ready for the day so much easier, don’t you think?
Why You’ll Love This Yogurt Parfait
- Quick breakfast solution – Ready in just 10 minutes, this parfait is perfect for busy mornings when you need something nutritious but don’t have time to cook.
- Protein-packed meal – Greek yogurt provides a hefty dose of protein to keep you feeling full and energized throughout your morning.
- Customizable ingredients – You can switch up the fruits, try different granola flavors, or swap honey for maple syrup – making it a new experience every time.
- No cooking required – Just layer and serve – it’s that simple! Perfect for those mornings when you don’t want to turn on the stove.
- Healthy breakfast option – With fresh fruit, protein-rich yogurt, and crunchy granola, you’re getting a good balance of nutrients to start your day right.
What Kind of Greek Yogurt Should I Use?
For parfaits, you’ll want to start with plain Greek yogurt rather than regular yogurt since it’s thicker and creamier, which helps create those beautiful layers that stay put. The fat content is really up to you – whole milk (5%), 2%, and non-fat Greek yogurt all work well, though the fuller fat options will give you a richer, more satisfying breakfast. Just make sure to stick with unflavored Greek yogurt since we’re adding our own sweeteners and toppings. If you’re at the store, look for brands that list “cultured milk” and “live active cultures” on the ingredient label – these tend to have that thick, creamy texture we’re looking for in a parfait.
Options for Substitutions
This simple parfait recipe is super adaptable and easy to customize based on what you have in your kitchen:
- Greek yogurt: If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt, but strain it first using a coffee filter or cheesecloth for about 30 minutes to get a thicker consistency. Plant-based folks can try coconut yogurt or any other thick non-dairy yogurt alternative.
- Honey/maple syrup: Feel free to swap these with agave nectar, date syrup, or even a mashed ripe banana for natural sweetness. If using very sweet fruit, you might not need any sweetener at all!
- Berries: Any fruit works great here – try diced apples, peaches, mangoes, or pears. You can use fresh or frozen fruit (just thaw frozen fruit first), or even a spoonful of jam in a pinch.
- Granola: No granola? No problem! Try crushed graham crackers, crushed nuts, toasted oats, or even crushed cereal for that needed crunch. Just avoid anything too sugary that might make your parfait overly sweet.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest mistake when assembling a yogurt parfait is adding the granola too early, which can turn your crunchy topping into a soggy disappointment – always layer it right before serving or keep it in a separate container if preparing parfaits ahead of time.
Another common error is using fruit straight from the freezer, as the excess moisture can water down your yogurt – instead, let frozen fruit thaw and drain well, or gently pat fresh berries dry with paper towels before adding them to your parfait.
For the creamiest results, avoid vigorously stirring the honey into cold Greek yogurt (which can make it thin and runny) – instead, let the yogurt come to room temperature for about 10 minutes, then gently fold in your sweetener.
If you’re meal prepping parfaits for later, keep the components separate and assemble just before eating to maintain the perfect texture of each layer.
What to Serve With Greek Yogurt Parfait?
A Greek yogurt parfait works great as a breakfast or snack on its own, but you can make it even better with some tasty additions on the side! I love serving it with a warm cup of coffee or tea, especially during breakfast time. For a more filling morning meal, try adding a slice of whole grain toast with almond butter or a small bowl of scrambled eggs. If you’re enjoying this as an afternoon snack, a handful of nuts or seeds on the side adds extra protein and healthy fats – plus they’re great for sprinkling right on top of the parfait too!
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: If you want to enjoy your parfait later, keep the components separate until you’re ready to eat. Store the Greek yogurt in its original container in the fridge, where it’ll stay good according to the date on the package. Keep your granola in an airtight container at room temperature – this way it stays nice and crunchy for up to 2 weeks.
Prep Ahead: Want to make breakfast easier? You can prep individual portions of yogurt in small containers and store the granola and fruit separately. When you’re ready to eat, just layer everything together. This method keeps the granola from getting soggy and the fruit from making the yogurt watery.
Fruit Tips: Fresh berries will last about 3-5 days in the fridge. If you’re using cut fruit like apples or bananas, it’s best to cut them just before serving to prevent browning. For longer storage, frozen fruit works great too – just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0-0 minutes |
| Total Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 300-350
- Protein: 15-20 g
- Fat: 7-10 g
- Carbohydrates: 50-55 g
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, plus extra for drizzling if desired)
- 3/4 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup berries (or any other fruit, cut into small pieces)
- 1/4 cup granola (homemade or store-bought)
Step 1: Sweeten the Greek Yogurt (Optional)
If you prefer a sweeter yogurt parfait, start by mixing your choice of sweetener with Greek yogurt in a small bowl.
Stir until the sweetener is fully combined and the yogurt tastes just right to your liking.
Step 2: Begin Layering the Parfait
Take a mason jar or a bowl and spoon half of the Greek yogurt into the bottom.
This will serve as the first layer of your delicious parfait.
Step 3: Add Fruit and Granola Layers
On top of the yogurt layer, sprinkle half of your chosen fruit and half of the granola.
These will add texture and flavor to your parfait.
Step 4: Complete the Layering
Cover the fruit and granola with the remaining Greek yogurt, smoothing it out to create another layer.
Then, top it with the rest of the fruit and granola to finish the parfait.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
If desired, drizzle a bit of honey on top to add an extra touch of sweetness.
Serve your yogurt parfait immediately for the best taste and freshness.