Let's Chat Parfaits (Because Mornings Need Joy)
Okay, so here’s the deal—I started making these Berry Lemon Yogurt Parfaits one summer when the fridge was basically just yogurt, a punnet of tired-looking blueberries, and that half-lemon you always find lurking in the back. My sister was coming over (she’s always early, which is equal parts lovely and deeply annoying) and I didn’t want to serve just cereal. So I threw this together, and honestly, it’s stuck around. Now it’s one of those "I can’t believe I used to skip breakfast" solutions, except it’s not just for breakfast, because who actually follows food rules? Oh—and I do sneak some before anyone even sits down. Perks of being the cook... or, you know, just standing by the counter.
Why You'll Love This...Or Why I Do, Anyway
I make this when I want to look like I’ve got my life together (spoiler: I don’t). My family goes bananas for it because it’s basically dessert in disguise. Plus, on lazy Sundays, this is my "sure, we can have breakfast on the porch" move. If you’re like me and get annoyed when recipes want a million ingredients, this one’s forgiving. And—this is key—it takes like, ten minutes. Maybe less if you don’t get distracted scrolling through cat videos. I used to get annoyed about yogurt separating but actually, it’s fine, just give it a stir.
What You'll Need (and Some Substitutes I Swear By)
- 2 cups Greek yogurt (I use full-fat, but my friend insists on coconut yogurt for her dairy-free phase; both work)
- 2 tablespoons lemon curd (store-bought is fine—I've tried making it, but honestly, the jarred stuff is just less stress)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (I sometimes forget this and use a handful of granulated sugar; works in a pinch!)
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries—whatever’s cheap or on sale, or, frozen if you're like me mid-winter)
- ½ cup granola (homemade if you’re fancy, boxed if you’re, well, me most weekdays)
- Zest from 1 lemon (my grandmother always insisted on Meyer lemons, but any lemon's fine)
- Pinch of salt (seriously, don’t skip this—it actually makes a difference)
How I Throw This Together (With Room for Chaos)
- Grab a medium mixing bowl and stir together the Greek yogurt, lemon curd, honey, lemon zest, and salt. If you want it sweeter, add a bit more honey. This is where I usually sneak a taste, just, you know, for science.
- In glasses or jars (anything clear-ish works, even an old jam jar), layer a spoonful of the yogurt mixture, then a handful of berries. Don’t worry if the berries look a bit sad—they perk up with the yogurt. Top with some granola. Repeat layers, ending with a sprinkle of berries and extra lemon zest if you’re feeling artsy.
- Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes if you can wait (I rarely do), or just dig in straight away.
Notes from My Many Mistakes
- If you use frozen berries, thaw them a bit or your parfait will be kind of soupy (unless you like that—no judgment).
- I once forgot the salt and it just felt a bit "meh." Won’t do that again.
- Don’t stress about perfect layers—mine always mix together anyway.
How I’ve Mixed Things Up (And What Flopped)
- Tried lime curd instead of lemon—surprisingly tasty, but a bit punchy.
- Added chopped fresh mint on top once. My kids were suspicious but I liked it.
- Subbed crushed digestive biscuits for granola; didn’t really hold up (got soggy, not in a good way).
What If I Don’t Have...?
No fancy parfait glasses? Use a mug or, honestly, a drinking glass. Once, I made these in little Tupperware tubs for a picnic and it was grand. If you don’t have a zester, just slice off a bit of peel and chop it fine (watch your fingers, learned that the hard way).
How Long Will They Last? (Not Very, Honestly)
Supposedly, these keep in the fridge for up to two days if you haven’t added the granola yet (otherwise, it turns to mush). But, in my house, they vanish before lunch—so your guess is as good as mine.
How I Serve Them (And Sometimes Don’t)
We usually have these in the morning with extra berries on the side. Or, on birthdays, I add a dollop of whipped cream and a sparkler if I can find one. My nephew insists on eating his with a tiny spoon, no clue why, but it’s become the family tradition now.
If I Could Do It Over... (Pro Tips, Learned the Hard Way)
- I once rushed the layering and dumped all the granola at the bottom. It was just a soggy mess by the time we ate—so go slowish.
- Don’t skip the chill if you have time—it makes the flavors, well, snuggle up together. But if you’re starving, just eat it.
Questions Folks Actually Asked Me
- Can I use flavored yogurt? Yep! But maybe skip the extra honey or curd so it’s not sugar city.
- What if I hate lemon? Okay, swap it for orange zest and curd. Or just use plain yogurt and be done with it.
- Is this healthy? Ehhh...depends who you ask. I think it’s better than donuts, but I’m not a nutritionist. If you want to read up, this Healthline article will give you more info than I ever could!
- Can I make it ahead? Totally, just leave the granola off till the last minute. Unless you’re into the whole porridge thing.
- Where do you get your granola? I’ve used Bob’s Red Mill more than once, but Aldi’s is grand too. Homemade is great if you’ve got the time (which, ha, I rarely do).
Bit of a tangent, but if you want to make your own lemon curd, I’ve followed this microwave version and it didn’t explode in my kitchen, which is a win in my book.
So, that’s it! Let me know if you give these a whirl, or if you find a combo that’s even better. Maybe I’ll steal it for my own breakfast next time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup granola
Instructions
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1In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
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2Prepare the berries by washing and slicing the strawberries. Set aside the blueberries and raspberries.
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3In 4 serving glasses, layer 2 tablespoons of the lemon yogurt mixture at the bottom.
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4Add a layer of mixed berries, followed by a layer of granola.
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5Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled, finishing with a sprinkle of granola and a few berries on top.
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6Serve immediately for a crunchy parfait, or chill for 10 minutes for a softer texture.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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