Berry Parfait with Yogurt Granola

My friend Sarah brought these to our Sunday brunch last month, and I honestly couldnt stop thinking about them. The way she layered the yogurt and berries in those mason jars looked so beautiful sitting on the table, catching the morning light through the glass. Everyone reached for one first thing. Now I keep mason jars specifically for making these, because something about eating from glass makes the whole experience feel special and intentional.

Last week my daughter asked if we could have a breakfast picnic in the backyard before school. We made these parfaits together in the kitchen, her little hands carefully spooning layers into colorful jars. Something about making food so pretty made the morning feel slower and sweeter. We sat on the grass eating them while the dew was still on the lawn, and she said this was her new favorite way to start the day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Greek yogurt: The thick creamy texture holds layers beautifully without getting watery, and vanilla yogurt adds an extra sweetness if thats your preference
• 2 cups mixed fresh berries: Strawberries bring sweetness, blueberries add little bursts, raspberries contribute tartness, and blackberries give that deep color that makes these stunning
• 1 cup granola: This provides the essential crunch element that contrasts with the creamy yogurt, and using homemade granola lets you control exactly what goes into it
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup: Sometimes the berries need a little help reaching peak sweetness, and a light drizzle on top ties everything together

Instructions

Start with yogurt:

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of yogurt into the bottom of each glass, creating an even foundation for your layers to build upon

Add the crunch:

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granola over the yogurt, pressing it gently so it stays in place but still maintains that satisfying texture

Layer in berries:

Arrange about 2 tablespoons of mixed berries on top of the granola, placing them carefully so theyre visible against the glass

Repeat and finish:

Continue layering yogurt, granola, and berries until all ingredients are used, ending with a beautiful top layer of berries for that restaurant style presentation

Add sweetness:

Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the final layer if your berries need it, watching it cascade down through the glass

Time to serve:

Serve right away while the granola still has that perfect crunch, or refrigerate up to two hours if you need to prep these ahead

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My grandmother never would have understood the concept of eating breakfast in layers. But when I made these for her last visit, she took one bite and her eyes lit up. She said it reminded her of those trifles she used to make for holidays, just simpler and brighter. Now she asks for them every time I come over, and I make sure to use her favorite vintage glasses.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I throw in a spoonful of chia seeds between layers, which adds this subtle crunch and makes the whole thing feel more substantial. Other times I slice almonds really thin and tuck them into the yogurt layers for surprise pockets of texture.

Dietary Swaps

Coconut yogurt works surprisingly well here and gives a tropical note that pairs beautifully with mango or pineapple. The granola is the easiest thing to adapt for gluten free needs, and honestly, nobody notices the difference.

Serving Ideas

These look so impressive lined up on a brunch table, especially when you vary the berries in each layer for that ombre effect. I like setting out small bowls of extra granola and berries so people can customize their tops.

• Keep everything cold until serving time for the best texture experience
• Clear glasses show off the layers better than colored ones
• Mason jars with lids make these perfect for grab and go breakfasts

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Theres something so satisfying about eating something that looks as good as it tastes. These parfaits turn an ordinary morning into something worth savoring.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make berry parfaits ahead of time?

Yes, assemble up to 2 hours before serving and refrigerate. For longer storage, keep components separate and layer just before serving to maintain granola crunchiness.

→ What berries work best in parfaits?

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries all work beautifully. Choose fresh, ripe berries in season or thaw frozen berries and drain excess liquid before layering.

→ How do I make this parfait dairy-free?

Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt, almond yogurt, or your preferred dairy-free alternative. Ensure granola is certified gluten-free if needed, and use maple syrup instead of honey.

→ What can I use instead of granola?

Try crushed nuts, seeds like pumpkin or sunflower, toasted oat clusters, or even crushed graham crackers for different texture and flavor variations while keeping the layered effect.

→ How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe yields 4 parfait servings, perfect for family breakfast or meal prep. Adjust quantities proportionally for larger or smaller gatherings.