Yogurt and Fruit Parfaits

A bowl of yogurt topped with granola and fresh fruit is a morning staple, but lately I’ve been ditching the bowl and building my breakfast for on-the-go eating. In this easy recipe, creamy vanilla yogurt, ripe berries, and crunchy granola clusters are layered parfait-style in glass jars or cups, ensuring every bite is brimming with flavor, color, and texture. Here’s how to make a simple fruit and yogurt parfait.

A yogurt parfait is a layered breakfast (or dessert!). It’s usually made by alternating layers of yogurt, granola, and fruit in a jar or cup. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can be added as a finishing touch.

I recommend starting with creamy vanilla yogurt when building these striated snacks, but the style (Greek or regular) and fat percentage are up to you. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Greek vs. regular. Greek yogurt is thicker than regular yogurt, which helps create clean lines between parfait layers. Since it has less moisture, Greek yogurt also won’t soften granola as quickly as regular yogurt if you’re making the jars in advance.
• Full-fat vs. reduced fat. Whole-milk yogurts are usually more filling, so use that variety if you’re looking for a breakfast that will keep you full until lunchtime.

Both store-bought and homemade granola work well in a yogurt parfait. Choose one that has a good mix of bigger clusters and smaller crumbles so that there are sweet and crunchy oats in every bite.

Planning to meal prep the parfaits? Use granola with big clusters, as it will take longer for the moisture from the fruit and yogurt to seep in and soften it. Granola with dried fruit and nuts adds an extra layer of texture and flavor without adding more to your prep time, too!