Yogurt Parfaits Recipe

If using store-bought granola

Measure 1 1/2 cups of your chosen store-bought granola and place it in a bowl. Stir in the 1/2 cup chopped nuts. Set aside.

If making quick homemade granola

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, toss 1 1/2 cups rolled oats with 1/2 cup chopped nuts, 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup and 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter or coconut oil until evenly coated. Spread in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake 12–15 minutes, stirring once halfway, until golden and fragrant. Let cool completely (granola crisps up as it cools).

In a medium bowl, stir together 3 cups Greek yogurt with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Taste and stir in up to 2 tablespoons honey if you prefer a sweeter parfait. Refrigerate briefly if using warm homemade granola so yogurt stays chilled.

Prepare fruit: hull and quarter the strawberries; slice the banana; measure blueberries. If desired, toss the strawberries and blueberries gently with 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest and a teaspoon of honey (optional) to macerate and enhance flavor. Keep fruit chilled until assembly.

Choose four 8–10 ounce serving glasses or jars. Spoon a 1/4 cup of yogurt into the bottom of each glass to create a base layer.

Add a thin layer (about 2 tablespoons) of granola mixture over the yogurt, followed by a tablespoon of mixed fruit (strawberries, blueberries, and a few banana slices).

Repeat: add another 1/4 cup yogurt, then 2–3 tablespoons granola, and more fruit so each glass has 2–3 visible layers. Reserve some granola and fruit for the top.

Finish with a spoonful of yogurt, a generous sprinkle of granola (about 1–2 tablespoons), remaining fruit, 1/2 teaspoon chia or flax seeds, and 1–2 teaspoons toasted coconut flakes if using. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup over each parfait and garnish with a mint leaf.

Serve immediately for maximum crunch. If preparing ahead, assemble up to 2 layers (yogurt and fruit) and pack granola separately. Store assembled parfaits in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; add granola just before serving to keep it crisp.