Berry Yogurt Parfait Recipe

This Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Recipe can be made 2 WAYS – with a base of either light whipped yogurt or decadent whipped mascarpone! Topped with fresh macerated berries and a graham cracker streusel, they are perfect for breakfast, a midday snack or as a dessert! These patriotic parfaits cups are easy to prepare, even easier to devour and guaranteed to be a hit at any summer celebration!!

Updated: This post was originally published in June 2016. I edited the photos and updated the post below to include more information about yogurt parfaits. Plus, I added a recipe video to show you how easy this fruit parfait is to make! 

Hi friends! Only four days till the 4^th of July! Wahoo!! Do you guys have any big plans to celebrate our country’s independence? Whatever festivities you have devised, I hope it includes lots of fabulous food, delicious drinks and a fantastic fireworks!

In case you are in need of a fun and festive treat to serve at your celebration, I’ve got you covered! Today I’m sharing one of my favorite summer treats – fresh fruit parfaits!

Berry Yogurt Parfait Recipe

Also known as a fourth of July celebration in a cup! Because, you just can’t commemorate Independence Day with at least one red, white and blue dish. But, these beauties are more than just three shades of parfait perfection, they are also downright delicious!

These parfait cups are all about the layers of fresh and delicious flavor!

• Soft and light whipped Greek yogurt, or thick and creamy whipped mascarpone.
• Luscious, fruity, citrus macerated fresh berries.
• Brown sugary, cinnamon laced, crumbly and crisp graham cracker streusel.

Essentially, these fruit and yogurt parfaits taste similar to a fresh whipped cream topped summer fruit crisp, just in hassle-free, mini form!

Plus, these parfaits are like build your own food adventure and can be made two ways! You can layer these parfait cups with honey whipped Greek yogurt for a fresh and fabulous breakfast, or with dreamy whipped mascarpone for a creamy and luscious dessert!

Refreshing, seasonally fresh and absolutely delicious, these parfaits are the perfect way to start and end your day!

What is a parfait?

A parfait, pronounced paar·fei, is a breakfast or dessert dish consisting of layers served in a tall parfait glass. The word parfait, which literally means “perfect” in French, traditionally describes a frozen dessert. While the parfait originated in France in 1894, there are now two types of parfait: the French version and the American version.

In the French version, a parfait is made by boiling cream, egg, sugar and syrup to create a puree which is custard-like in texture.

The American version of a parfait is a little bit more lax. It can include various ingredients, such as whipped cream or yogurt, layered with fruit in combination with numerous toppings such as granola, nuts or liqueurs.

What is a parfait glass?

A parfait glass is a tall slender serving glass with a short stem. The glass typically has an inwards curve similar to that of a hurricane glass with a larger, rounded bowl.

These fruit and yogurt parfaits do not need to be served in a parfait glass or cup. However, I do recommend serving them in a small, clear cup (glass or plastic) or mason jar so you can visibly see the layers in the parfait!

What is a parfait made of?

This fresh fruit parfait recipe consists of layers of whipped mascarpone or Greek yogurt, fresh marinated berries and sweet streusel.

• Whipped yogurt or mascarpone: You can use either Greek yogurt or mascarpone depending on preference. Either way, whipping the yogurt or cheese with a touch of cream, honey, vanilla and mint results in an incredibly light and airy base for the parfait cups!
• Berries: You can use any type of berries you love! The berries are marinated with a touch of sugar and plenty of fresh lemon to really make the fruit layer shine!
• Streusel: Homemade brown sugar streusel is my absolute favorite! However, if you are looking to serve this parfait for breakfast, or you simply want a healthier option, you can easily substitute homemade or store-bought granola!

Should I use fresh or frozen berries?

You can use either fresh or frozen berries in these parfaits depending on personal preference, or what you have on hand!

• Fresh berries: Seasonal, fresh berries have a more pleasant texture and mouthfeel. They will also provide more of a wow-factor if you are serving these to a crowd.
• Frozen berries: Frozen berries are incredibly convenient. However, their texture is a little softer. On the plus side, frozen berries do not need to be thawed to prepare a parfait! And, the liquid from frozen berries will add a ton of flavor to the syrup as they thaw!

Which type of yogurt is best for parfaits?

You can use Greek yogurt, regular (unstrained) yogurts or dairy-free yogurts to make a fruit parfait. However, look for yogurt brands that only contain milk and active cultures (and no weird additives). As well, it’s important to note that Greek yogurt will whip-up the best! Unstrained, regular yogurts will not whip as light and airy!

Also, while you can use a flavored yogurt, I prefer plain Greek yogurt, that way I can control the overall flavor and amount of sweetener!

What can I use instead of yogurt?

Looking for a more decadent dessert parfait? Whipped mascarpone is a delicious substitution (recipe below). Or, plain frozen yogurt works as well!

How to customize a fruit parfait cup?

Looking to personalize your yogurt parfait recipe? Below are a few simple, but delicious ingredients you can add!

• Fresh mint
• Toasted, shredded coconut
• Mini chocolate or white chocolate chips
• Chopped, toasted nuts
• Dried fruits
• Sliced bananas
• Raw honey

How to make a fruit and yogurt parfait at home?

This fruit parfait recipe is incredibly easy to make from the comfort of your own kitchen! It’s easily adaptable and these cups can be as fancy or fast, and sinful or healthy as desired! Need a quick breakfast? Substitute store-bought granola for the homemade streusel! Serving a crowd? Make sure you use fresh fruit and garnish the parfaits with fresh mint sprigs! Looking for a healthy option? Use Greek yogurt as the base! Want a sinfully delicious dessert? Opt for mascarpone cheese instead!

(Scroll down for the detailed measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.)

Can you make a parfait in advance?

Absolutely! Fruit and yogurt parfaits are a wonderful easy breakfast or dessert option! Plus, they are wonderful as a snack-on-the-go! Fully assembled parfaits can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator. For the best taste, eat the parfait within 1 day, otherwise the crunchy streusel or granola will get soggy.

Alternatively, you can leave off the topping to avoid soggy granola! Assemble the parfaits and store the crunchy topping in a resealable bag. Partially assembled parfaits will keep in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, just add the topping and enjoy!

Are fruit parfaits healthy?

Short answer, it depends. Whether or not a yogurt parfait is good for you will depend upon how you customize it!

Store-bought parfaits can be full of fat and contain a lot of sugar and unhealthy additives. By making your own fruit parfait at home, you can control the ingredients and the dish’s health benefits!

To prepare a healthier parfait:

• Greek Yogurt: Use low-fat Greek yogurt. Yogurt is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and probiotics.
• Fresh Fruit: Seasonally fresh fruits are vitamin-rich and reduce risks of heart disease.
• Granola: Skip the homemade streusel and opt for homemade or low-fat granola!
• Healthy additions: Consider topping your parfait with nuts, chia seeds or ground flax seeds to add heart-healthy omega-3s and fiber to your parfait!

Add these festively fun and downright delicious parfaits to your summer rotation! I guarantee you and your family will love them!

Until next week, friends, cheers – to fabulous fruit!

XOXO

Cheyanne

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More fresh fruit recipes you will love:

Peaches and Cream Trifle

Peach Strawberry Sorbet Float

Strawberry Shortcake Sundae

The best Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Cups recipe and video 👇

Print Recipe

4.94 from 15 votes

Berry Yogurt Parfait Recipe

This Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Recipe can be made 2 WAYS - with a light whipped yogurt or decadent whipped mascarpone base! Topped with fresh macerated berries and a graham cracker streusel, they are perfect for breakfast, a midday snack or as a dessert at any summer celebration!

Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time30 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Fusion, Italian

Keyword: 4th of July, Berries, Easy, no bake, parfait, trifle

Servings: 6

Calories: 566kcal

Author: Cheyanne Holzworth

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Food Processor
• baking sheet
• stand mixer or hand held mixer
• Parfait Cups

Ingredients

Berries:

• 1 Pound Strawberries – trimmed and halved (or quartered if large)
• 1 Pint Blueberries
• ¼ Cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 Lemon – zest of whole and juice of half
• 1/2 Cup Brandy (SEE NOTES)

Whipped Base:

• 8 ounces Mascarpone Cheese or Greek Yogurt (SEE NOTES)
• 4 ounces Heavy Cream (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 TBS Honey
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• ¼ Cup Fresh Mint – finely chopped, plus more for garnish

Streusel: (SEE NOTES)

• 1/3 Cup All Purpose Flour
• 7 Graham Crackers
• 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1/8 tsp Cinnamon
• 6 TBS Unsalted Butter – melted

Instructions

• Marinate the berries: In a large bowl combine the granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and brandy. Stir well. Add the berries and gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust for sweetness and brandy if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight, stirring occasionally.
• Make the streusel: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In a bowl of a food processor, add the flour, graham crackers, sugar, salt and cinnamon.  Pulse until finely ground.  Transfer to a bowl (or remove the blade from food processor) and add in melted butter.  Use a fork to mix until clumps form. Transfer streusel to baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 7 minutes. Remove from oven and stir. Return to oven and continue to bake for 6-8 additional minutes, or until streusel is pale brown, watching closely to prevent burning. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the pan.
• Whip the mascarpone: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, or you can use a large bowl and hand-held mixer, add the mascarpone (or Greek Yogurt) and heavy whipping cream. Beat on high speed until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Add in the honey and vanilla and beat until just combined. Fold in the mint.
• To assemble: Layer a ¼ cup of creamy base (mascarpone or yogurt) in the bottom of each parfait glass, top with a fourth of the berries and spoonful of the berry liquid marinade. Top each with a ¼ cup of the streusel. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve and enjoy.

Video

Notes

1. Non-alcoholic version: If you turn these into non-alcoholic 4th of July parfaits, simply skip the brandy when marinating the berries. Instead, increase the amount of sugar to ½ cup and let the berries macerate according to directions in the recipe. Brandy: Since you will not be cooking out the alcohol, make sure you use at least a medium-quality brandy.
2. Mascarpone or Yogurt: You can use either mascarpone cheese or plain Greek yogurt depending on personal preference! Mascarpone is perfect if you are looking for a decadent dessert and yogurt is wonderful if you want a lighter option or are looking to serve these for breakfast! The mascarpone and yogurt can be used interchangeably! Yogurt: Look for Greek yogurt that contain only milk and active cultures. Avoid any brands thickened with pectin, gelatin or gum as they will not whip up as airy. I use Fage Greek Yogurt.
3. Streusel crumb topping: The streusel is crazy addictive. I highly recommend you double the recipe and store it in a resealable bag.  It is delicious as a sweet snack, or you can use it to top ice cream, stir it into yogurt, serve it with fresh fruit, etc.
4. Streusel substitute: You can substitute homemade or store-bought granola for a healthier alternative!
5. To make in advance: You can make all components of this parfait in advance. Just keep the whipped mascarpone or yogurt, berries and streusel separate and assemble before serving.

Nutritional information is an approximation based upon 6 servings.  Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 566kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 108mg | Potassium: 239mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 1290IU | Vitamin C: 61.3mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 1.4mg

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