Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Parfait
Highlighted under: Freshly Wholesome
I absolutely love making Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Parfait during the warmer months. The combination of creamy yogurt, fresh strawberries, and crunchy granola creates a delightful breakfast or snack that's both satisfying and refreshing. Every bite feels like a treat, and it's so easy to customize based on what I have at home. Whether I add nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of honey, the possibilities are endless. It's a dish that showcases the sweetness of ripe strawberries, and I can't get enough of it!
Making this parfait is one of my favorite rituals every spring when strawberries hit their peak. I find joy in picking the freshest berries and pairing them with creamy yogurt to create a dish that's not only delicious but visually stunning as well. I've discovered that layering the yogurt, strawberries, and granola evenly helps to maintain the crunchiness of the granola even when refrigerated.
One tip I love to share is to let the strawberries sit with a bit of honey for a few minutes before layering them in. This process brings out their natural juices and enhances their sweetness, making the parfait even more delectable. Once assembled, I often make a few extra to enjoy throughout the week!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- The tartness of fresh strawberries balanced by creamy yogurt
- A delightful crunch from the granola that adds texture
- Easily customizable with your favorite fruits and nuts
Choosing the Perfect Strawberries
When making your Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Parfait, the quality of your strawberries can make all the difference. Look for strawberries that are bright red, firm, and have a sweet aroma. Avoid any with white or green patches as they may not be ripe, impacting the overall flavor of your parfait. If you're purchasing strawberries out of season, consider using frozen strawberries as an alternative, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent extra moisture in your parfait.
Strawberries can be enjoyed fresh or roasted to enhance their sweetness. If you choose to roast them, place the hulled berries on a baking sheet and drizzle with a little honey, then roast at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until they are soft and slightly caramelized. This method gives the parfait a richer flavor profile and can be a delightful twist on the traditional version.
Customizing Your Parfait
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute regular yogurt with coconut or almond milk yogurt. Additionally, you might want to try different fruit combinations like blueberries or raspberries alongside strawberries to add variety and nutrition. I often mix in some sliced bananas for extra creaminess and flavor that pairs beautifully with the yogurt.
Granola plays a crucial role in adding texture to your parfait. While store-bought granola is convenient, making your own allows you to control the sweetness and ingredient quality. Mix rolled oats, nuts, and a sweetener like maple syrup, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown. Homemade granola can elevate your parfait and provides added nutrients without unnecessary additives.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious parfait:
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 1 cup granola
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Once you have everything ready, you can start assembling your parfait!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Parfait:
Prepare the Strawberries
In a mixing bowl, toss the hulled and sliced strawberries with honey if you desire extra sweetness. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to allow their juices to release.
Layer the Ingredients
In a clear glass or bowl, start by adding a layer of yogurt at the bottom. Next, add a layer of the honeyed strawberries, followed by a layer of granola. Repeat this process until the glass is full, finishing with a layer of strawberries and granola on top.
Garnish and Serve
For a decorative touch, sprinkle some additional granola on top and add mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious parfait!
Your Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Parfait is now ready to be enjoyed. Perfect for breakfast or as a refreshing snack!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to swap out strawberries for your favorite berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.
Make-Ahead Tips
Preparing your parfait ahead of time is a great way to save yourself time on busy mornings. You can layer the yogurt and strawberries in a mason jar or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, I recommend adding the granola just before serving to ensure it maintains a crunchy texture, preventing it from becoming soggy.
If you're planning to make a larger batch for a gathering, consider using a trifle dish. Layer ingredients as instructed and refrigerate until ready to serve. This not only makes for an eye-catching presentation but also allows guests to scoop out their desired portion while keeping the layers intact.
Troubleshooting and Tips
If you find your parfait is too runny, it may be due to overly ripe strawberries releasing too much juice or using thin yogurt. To solve this, you can strain the yogurt through a cheesecloth to thicken it or use Greek yogurt, which has a creamier consistency. That's a favorite of mine, especially for breakfast—it's much more filling!
When layering, aim for an equal distribution of yogurt, strawberries, and granola in each layer. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also ensures every spoonful contains a balanced mix of flavors. If you're serving kids, let them assemble their parfaits as it can be a fun way to engage them in healthy eating.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can, but be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using to avoid a soggy parfait.
→ How long can I store the parfait?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can store assembled parfaits in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The granola may lose its crunch.
→ Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based yogurt and granola to create a vegan version of this delicious parfait.
→ What can I substitute for granola?
You can use nuts, seeds, or even crushed cookies if you’re looking for an alternative crunchy element.
Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Parfait
I absolutely love making Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Parfait during the warmer months. The combination of creamy yogurt, fresh strawberries, and crunchy granola creates a delightful breakfast or snack that's both satisfying and refreshing. Every bite feels like a treat, and it's so easy to customize based on what I have at home. Whether I add nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of honey, the possibilities are endless. It's a dish that showcases the sweetness of ripe strawberries, and I can't get enough of it!
Created by: Lacey Montgomery
Recipe Type: Freshly Wholesome
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 1 cup granola
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, toss the hulled and sliced strawberries with honey if you desire extra sweetness. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to allow their juices to release.
In a clear glass or bowl, start by adding a layer of yogurt at the bottom. Next, add a layer of the honeyed strawberries, followed by a layer of granola. Repeat this process until the glass is full, finishing with a layer of strawberries and granola on top.
For a decorative touch, sprinkle some additional granola on top and add mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious parfait!
Extra Tips
- Feel free to swap out strawberries for your favorite berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 6g