Summer Berry and Yogurt Parfait Recipe

There’s something magical about the layers of a Summer Berry and Yogurt Parfait—cool, creamy yogurt stacked with sweet, juicy berries and a touch of crunch. It’s the kind of refreshing treat that feels indulgent but is secretly wholesome and nourishing.

this Recipe

I first made this on a scorching July afternoon when turning on the oven was out of the question. Since then, it’s become our go-to dessert and even a frequent breakfast-in-a-glass. It's fast, flexible, and always a hit with both kids and adults.

The vibrant colors and mix of textures make this parfait irresistible, whether you’re hosting brunch or just craving something sweet and satisfying. Let’s dive into why this simple recipe deserves a spot in your summer rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Summer Berry and Yogurt Parfait

This parfait is everything you want in a summer treat: cool, colorful, and ready in minutes. It strikes a beautiful balance between healthy and indulgent.

No baking required. When the heat outside is unbearable, the last thing you want is to turn on the oven. This no-bake treat comes together in less than 10 minutes.

Naturally sweet and nutrient-packed. With a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, this parfait is bursting with antioxidants and natural sweetness. Paired with protein-rich Greek yogurt, it satisfies both your sweet tooth and your hunger.

Perfect for any time of day. Whether it’s a light breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a guilt-free dessert, this parfait fits the bill. You can prep a few jars in advance for easy grab-and-go options.

Endlessly customizable. Swap in your favorite fruits, use dairy-free yogurt, or change up the granola. This recipe is easy to make your own based on what you have on hand.

Once you see how easy and delicious this is, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make it shine.

Ingredients Notes

What makes this Summer Berry and Yogurt Parfait so special is the way each ingredient plays its part in building layers of flavor and texture. There’s beauty in the simplicity here.

Greek yogurt is the creamy base of our parfait. Its thick texture holds the layers together and gives the dessert a luxurious mouthfeel. I prefer plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for its rich flavor and protein content, but feel free to use vanilla or a dairy-free alternative if that’s your preference.

Fresh berries are the stars of the show. A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries gives the parfait a gorgeous pop of color and natural sweetness. Make sure your berries are ripe and in season for the best flavor.

Granola adds that essential crunch. Choose a low-sugar variety with nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrients. Homemade granola is wonderful here, especially if you like to control sweetness and spice.

Honey or maple syrup gives the parfait a gentle touch of sweetness. It’s optional, especially if you’re using sweetened yogurt, but a light drizzle between layers makes every bite sing.

You won’t need any special tools for this recipe—just a few glasses or jars for layering and a spoon for serving. It's the kind of dish that looks fancy but couldn't be easier to assemble.

How To Make This Summer Berry and Yogurt Parfait

Putting together a Summer Berry and Yogurt Parfait is quick and fun, especially if you get creative with your layers. Here's how to build a beautiful and delicious parfait every time.

Start by prepping your ingredients. Wash and dry your berries, then slice the strawberries if they're on the larger side. If you're using homemade granola, have it ready and cooled. You can also stir a little honey into the yogurt at this stage if you like it slightly sweetened.

Begin layering in your serving glasses or jars. Start with a generous spoonful of Greek yogurt at the bottom. Smooth it out so it covers the base evenly.

Next, add a layer of mixed berries. Try to get a good mix of colors and sizes for visual appeal. Lightly press them into the yogurt so the layers stay compact.

Follow with a sprinkle of granola. Don’t go overboard—you’ll be adding more later. Just enough to create that satisfying crunch in each bite.

Repeat the layers: yogurt, berries, and granola. Depending on the size of your glass, you might get two or three full sets of layers. Finish with a final dollop of yogurt, a handful of berries on top, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

From start to finish, this recipe takes just 10 minutes. It’s best enjoyed right away, but you can also chill it for a few hours if you’re prepping ahead.

Storage Options

While best served fresh, Summer Berry and Yogurt Parfaits can absolutely be made ahead of time with a few storage tricks to keep them crisp and creamy.

If you want to prep parfaits for the week, store the layered ingredients in airtight jars or containers. For best results, keep the granola separate and add it just before serving to maintain its crunch.

The yogurt and berries will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. Be sure to use airtight containers and avoid overfilling them so the ingredients don’t get mushy.

If you're storing leftovers, you can stir everything together and enjoy it more like a yogurt bowl the next day. Still delicious, even if the layers aren’t as defined.

To reassemble or refresh a stored parfait, simply spoon off any liquid that may have collected, add a fresh layer of granola, and top with a few new berries.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this parfait recipe is how adaptable it is. You can change up almost every component to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have in your fridge.

Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt made from almond, coconut, or oat milk. These work well for vegan or dairy-free versions and come in a variety of flavors.

Try different fruits depending on the season. Sliced peaches, nectarines, cherries, or mango all make great additions or replacements. Even a spoonful of fruit compote works beautifully.

Experiment with the granola. Use a chocolate-flavored version for a more dessert-like parfait, or try muesli or crushed nuts for a different kind of crunch.

Add a layer of nut butter or chia jam for extra richness and nutrition. Swirl it between the yogurt and berries for a surprise burst of flavor.

Feel free to flavor the yogurt with a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a little lemon zest to add brightness.

The joy of this recipe is that it invites creativity. Don’t be afraid to mix and match ingredients to create a parfait that’s perfect for you!

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