Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to assemble this delightful vegetarian yogurt parfait. Feel free to adjust fruit and granola types based on preference and availability! This recipe often includes instructions for a simple homemade granola, offering control over sweetness and ingredients, but store-bought granola works perfectly for convenience.
- Plain Greek Yogurt (2 cups / 480g): Provides a creamy, tangy base rich in protein. Full-fat offers the richest texture, but low-fat or non-fat work well too. Ensure it’s plain to control the sweetness. For a vegan option, use a thick plant-based yogurt like coconut, soy, or almond.
- Granola (1 cup / 100-120g): Adds essential crunch and texture. Use your favorite store-bought variety or make your own (see simple recipe suggestion in instructions or use a dedicated recipe). Look for options with whole grains, nuts, and seeds for added nutrition.
- Mixed Fresh Berries (1.5 cups / 200-250g): Such as strawberries (hulled and sliced or quartered), blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. They provide natural sweetness, vibrant color, and antioxidants. Frozen berries can be used if thawed slightly.
- Optional Sweetener (1-2 tablespoons, or to taste): Maple syrup, honey (omit for vegan), or agave nectar. Adjust based on the sweetness of your yogurt and fruit, and personal preference. You might not need any if your granola or fruit is very sweet.
- Optional additions for layering:
- Sliced Banana (1 medium): Adds extra creaminess and natural sweetness.
- Chia Seeds (1-2 tablespoons): Boosts fiber and omega-3s; sprinkle directly into layers.
- Chopped Nuts or Seeds (1/4 cup / 30g): Almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and healthy fats. Can be part of the granola or added separately.
- Optional Homemade Granola Ingredients (if making from scratch):
- Rolled Oats (2 cups / 180g): Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture, avoid instant oats. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Nuts and/or Seeds (1/2 cup / 60-70g): Sliced almonds, chopped pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds – choose your favorites.
- Coconut Oil or Neutral Oil (1/4 cup / 60ml): Melted. Binds the granola and helps it crisp up.
- Maple Syrup or Honey (1/4 cup / 60ml): Provides sweetness and helps with clumping.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth (optional).
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness.
Instructions
Assembling the parfait is straightforward layering, but if you’re opting for homemade granola, start there.
(Optional Step: Making Simple Homemade Granola)
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, nuts/seeds, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil (or other oil), maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry oat mixture. Stir thoroughly until all the oats and nuts/seeds are evenly coated.
- Spread & Bake: Spread the mixture in a thin, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and lightly toasted. Keep a close eye on it during the last 10 minutes as granola can burn quickly.
- Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. It will crisp up significantly as it cools. Once cool, break it into smaller clusters if desired. Store leftover granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks.
(Assembling the Vegetarian Yogurt Parfait – Per Serving)
This assumes you are making 2 large or 4 small parfaits.
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and prepare your fruit (slice strawberries, etc.). If using sweetener, stir it into the Greek yogurt until smooth. Have your granola ready. Choose your serving glasses or bowls – clear glasses showcase the layers beautifully.
- Start Layering: Begin with a layer of granola at the bottom of the glass (about 1-2 tablespoons). This provides a crunchy base. Alternatively, start with yogurt if you prefer the granola stays crunchier for longer.
- Add Yogurt: Spoon a layer of the sweetened (or plain) Greek yogurt over the granola (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup, depending on glass size and number of layers). Use the back of the spoon to gently spread it towards the edges of the glass for a clean look.
- Add Fruit: Add a layer of mixed berries (and banana slices, if using) over the yogurt (about 1/4 cup). Try to arrange some fruit pieces near the edge of the glass for visual appeal.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering granola, yogurt, and fruit until you reach near the top of the glass. Aim for at least two full sets of layers (granola-yogurt-fruit). The number of layers will depend on the height and width of your serving vessel.
- Final Touches: Finish with a final layer of yogurt, topped with a sprinkle of granola and a few carefully placed berries or a mint sprig for garnish. If using chia seeds or extra chopped nuts, sprinkle them over the top layer or incorporate them within the fruit/granola layers.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture (especially crunchy granola), serve the parfaits immediately after assembling. If you need to make them slightly ahead, see the tips section.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 500
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g