Berry Parfait with Yogurt Granola

My roommate in college used to make these for our apartment breakfasts, and Id shuffle into the kitchen half asleep to find these beautiful glasses sitting on the counter. The way the morning light hit those layers always made everything feel a little more put together than it actually was. Now I make them when I need to convince myself that adulting isnt so hard after all.

Last summer I made a huge batch for my nieces birthday brunch, and the kids went absolutely wild for the layers. They kept asking me to make the rainbow ones again, and honestly, watching them carefully excavate each spoonful was better than any present I could have bought.

Ingredients

• Greek yogurt: I use plain because lets be honest, the fruit and honey bring plenty of sweetness on their own
• Mixed fresh berries: Whatever looks best at the market works, but strawberries and blueberries give you that classic red white blue situation
• Granola: The chunkier the better here, because those big clusters are what make each spoon feel like a reward
• Honey or maple syrup: Totally optional if your berries are perfectly ripe, but a little drizzle never hurt nobody

Instructions

Store cookware, spices, and prep tools within reach to keep cooking organized and efficient.

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Start with the foundation:

Spoon about two tablespoons of yogurt into the bottom of each glass, making sure it settles evenly so your layers dont look wonky later

Add some crunch:

Sprinkle two tablespoons of granola right on top, and try not to eat all the best clusters before they even make it into the glass

Layer in the berries:

Drop in a couple tablespoons of mixed fruit, watching them tumble down the sides like tiny edible jewels

Repeat until full:

Keep going with yogurt, granola, and berries until you reach the top, ending with fruit because those gorgeous colors deserve the spotlight

Finish with sweetness:

Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the very top layer, letting it drip down the sides like caramel in a fancy restaurant parfait

Timing matters:

Serve immediately while that granola still has its attitude intact, though if you must refrigerate, keep it under two hours

Save

These became my go to contribution for book club mornings, mostly because they look like I tried way harder than I actually did. Theres something about food served in clear glasses that makes people think you have your life together.

Making Ahead

If youre hosting brunch, you can prep everything in separate containers the night before and let guests build their own. It turns breakfast into an activity and keeps you from frantically layering parfait glasses while everyone else is mingling.

Mix and Match

Chia seeds between layers add this lovely little pop texture, and sliced almonds bring an extra nutty note that plays beautifully with the tart berries. Once I added a layer of lemon curd and practically had to stop myself from eating the entire batch with a spoon.

Perfect Pairings

Fresh squeezed orange juice on the side is practically non negotiable in my house. Something about the citrus brightness against the creamy yogurt just makes the whole morning feel intentional.

• Try coconut yogurt for a dairy free version that still brings the creaminess
• Gluten free granola has gotten so good you barely notice the difference
• A sprig of mint on top makes everything feel fancy

Provides cushioned comfort while cooking, prepping meals, washing dishes, and standing longer in the kitchen.

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Save

Theres something deeply satisfying about eating something this pretty first thing in the morning, like youre starting the day on the right foot before youve even checked your email.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I make berry parfaits ahead of time?

Yes, assemble up to 2 hours before serving. The granola will soften slightly, so for maximum crunch, add granola just before serving. Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.

→ What fruits work best in parfaits?

Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are ideal. You can also use sliced bananas, peaches, or kiwi. Avoid very watery fruits that make layers soggy.

→ How do I make this parfait dairy-free?

Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt, almond yogurt, or other plant-based alternatives. Choose granola labeled gluten-free if needed. The layering technique remains exactly the same.

→ What's the best way to layer parfaits?

Start with yogurt at the bottom, followed by granola, then berries. Repeat until glasses are full, ending with berries on top for visual appeal. Use clear glasses to showcase the colorful layers.

→ Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Thaw frozen berries completely and drain excess liquid before layering to prevent soggy granola. Frozen berries work wonderfully and are available year-round.

→ How long do assembled parfaits stay fresh?

Best enjoyed within 2 hours of assembly for optimal granola texture. If storing longer, keep components separate and layer just before serving. Yogurt and berries stay fresh for 3-4 days refrigerated.