Mix-and-Match Yogurt Parfaits

 

A Yogurt Parfait is the easy kind of breakfast that makes you wonder, “Why don’t I make this every morning?” This is your ultimate guide to parfait perfection, with a basic recipe and some of my favorite flavor variations. Grab a spoon!

The Elements of a Perfect Parfait

These are the basic components of a yogurt parfait. The yogurt, obviously, is key. From there, you can choose any combination of fruit, crunchy things, and sweeteners. Go wild!

Yogurt

• Dairy Yogurt. I like using thick, creamy Greek yogurt, which works well for layering, but regular yogurt is fine too. Plain or vanilla are most versatile, or choose a flavor that complements the other ingredients you’re using.
• Plant-Based Yogurt. If you have dairy intolerances or want a vegan yogurt parfait.

Fruit

• Fresh Fruit. Stone fruit (peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, pitted cherries), berries, and mango are great. You can use banana, apples, or pears too, but only if you plan on eating your parfait immediately.
• Cooked Apples. Cinnamon-spiced chunky applesauce (like this Instant Pot Applesauce) or sautéed apples.
• Pomegranate Arils. These add bright, tart flavor and some crunch.
• Flaked Coconut. You can toast it first if you’d like.
• Pie Filling. I love this homemade Apple Pie Filling in the fall!
• Jam. Peach Jam would be a great way to use those summer peaches.

Crunchy Things

• Granola. Try my Healthy Granola, Crock Pot Granola, or Chocolate Granola.
• Seeds. Hemp, chia, sunflower, pepitas, etc.
• Nuts. Raw, roasted, or glazed. These add a bigger crunch to yogurt parfaits.
• Cereal. I’m thinking more Grape Nuts or Kashi than Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Froot Loops, but you do you.

Sweetener (Optional)

• Liquid Sweetener. Like honey, date syrup, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
• Solid Sugar. Maple sugar, demerara sugar, and coconut sugar adds sweetness and texture.

Additional Yogurt Parfait Mix-Ins

• Mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate, spices (cinnamon, cardamom, pumpkin pie spice), graham cracker or cookie crumbs, jam or lemon curd, candied ginger, citrus zest, etc.

6 Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Ideas to Try

• Mango Coconut. Start your yogurt parfait by cubing a fresh mango and tossing it with cinnamon. Layer it with coconut granola (or granola and coconut flakes) and coconut yogurt. Drizzle honey on top, if desired.
• Peaches and Cream. Layer vanilla yogurt with sliced fresh peaches and granola.
• Mixed Berry. Start with strawberry jam or preserves on the bottom. Layer plain Greek yogurt with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and/or blueberries and granola. (This is the yogurt parfait pictured below!)
• Pear Cardamom. For a fall-inspired parfait, toss slices of ripe, soft pear with cardamom and layer with glazed almonds and vanilla yogurt.
• Cherry Pie. Spoon Cherry Pie Filling into the bottom, then top with plain yogurt or vanilla yogurt and crushed graham crackers.
• Lemon Raspberry. Layer lemon curd with plain or vanilla yogurt, fresh raspberries, crushed graham crackers, and lemon zest.

Meal Prep Tips

You can store yogurt parfaits in jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—maybe even 5, depending on the fruit you’re adding.

Keep in mind, though, that the granola can start to get a bit soggy, so you may want to store it separately and add it to the top of the parfait just before serving.