Learn how to make a parfait with yogurt! This layered gluten-free fruit and yogurt parfait has Greek yogurt, applesauce, and cinnamon apples. It's truly the perfect bite of spicy, sweet and creamy goodness.
Start your day with the flavors of a fall apple pie with an Apple Yogurt Parfait. This fruit and yogurt parfait uses creamy Greek-style yogurt, applesauce, and cinnamon for an amazing make-ahead breakfast that’s both healthy and delicious. My kids love it for a snack, too!
This parfait was born when I had made my healthy apple crisp recipe but accidentally had too much crisp topping left! I used my apple crisp in place of granola in this apple crisp parfait, thus turning leftover cake into a healthy breakfast. Win-win for all involved, and it's so easy!
These parfaits are inspired by traditional Russian flavors, but I sometimes can't help but give them a Middle Eastern spin by adding pistachios and rose petals to the granola layer!
The Beauty of this Apple Yogurt Parfait
Parfaits are always a decadent way to begin the mornings or indulge in the afternoon, but this apple parfait recipe is one of my winter and fall favorites. Here are a few reasons I think you’ll love it too:
- As a Greek yogurt parfait with honey, this recipe really reduces the amount of sugar that you’d expect to find in a fruit and yogurt parfait, while still tasting sweet.
- You can scale this recipe up in large quantities if you need to meal prep or feed a hungry breakfast crowd.
- If you’re wondering how to make a parfait with yogurt, don’t worry. This recipe is fast, easy, and can be adjusted for any preference you may have.
- This recipe calls for minimal ingredients, most of which are likely already in your fridge and pantry.
Ingredients you need to make this Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
- Apples - core and slice sweet apples like Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp or Cosmic Crisp. Granny Smith apples are also nice and tart here.
- Honey - raw honey or wildflower honey is recommended, but clover or orange blossom work too. I have MANY kinds of honey to choose from, and I always bring back a jar of new honey from my travels! I also love Israeli honey. You can also use maple syrup instead.
- Cinnamon - ground cinnamon spice is best, but you can use cinnamon sticks and grate them fresh.
- Salt - a pinch of kosher or sea salt. Maldon sea salt makes for a beautiful topping with a lovely texture.
- Granola - originally, I had used my leftover healthy apple crisp topping in this apple cinnamon Greek yogurt parfait. But you can use any gluten-free granola with nuts and dried fruit. I am partial to paleo or keto granola. If you're not concerned about gluten, then any oat-based granola will be great! I love making this maple oat granola for the kids. You can even just use some walnuts and other fruit for crunch.
- Yogurt - plain Greek yogurt is thick and creamy, but plain or vanilla yogurt is fine too. Of course, dairy-free yogurt works too, but it will likely be runnier. I prefer to use Greek yogurt for these parfaits because it’s a creamy and healthy option, but you can opt for any yogurt you prefer or have stocked. I recommend avoiding a fat-free yogurt because the texture tends to be a bit more gritty and may impact the parfait’s flavor.
- Applesauce - unsweetened applesauce allows the fresh apples to shine! Its tangy flavor is parfait- for this (see what I did there?).
See recipe cards for exact quantities.
I love supporting Israeli companies for the Jewish holidays, and this gift set of Israeli honey is one of my favorites!
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Storage container or serving dish of choice (I love Weck jars and Le Parfait jars for their wide mouth and easy closing system).
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make a Parfait with Yogurt
Prepare the Apple Layer
Transfer the sliced apples to a bowl. Sweeten with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon and salt. Gently mix the apples to evenly coat them in the honey, cinnamon, and salt. If you're making this ahead, add a touch of lemon juice to the cubed apples to avoid them darkening.
Assemble the Parfaits
Divide the crunchy granola evenly between two glass jars or glasses, placing it in the bottom of each.
Top each with half of the yogurt, spreading it evenly.
Add 1 tablespoon of applesauce on top of the yogurt in each jar.
Then, divide the seasoned apple slices evenly between the two jars, layering them over the applesauce.
Repeat layers
Repeat by adding another layer of the remaining granola and remaining yogurt in each jar.
Top each parfait with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a pinch of flaky sea salt, if desired.
Serve or Make Ahead
Serve immediately for breakfast or as a snack. The parfaits can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Storage
You can store the apple parfait in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, if you store the parfait with the granola, please note that the granola will get soggy. For best results, I don’t recommend freezing these yogurt parfaits.
I often get asked what storage containers I like for make-ahead breakfasts and treats like yogurt parfaits. Honestly, I recommend you use whatever storage containers or even tupperware that you have handy. You can also invest in some containers designed for overnight oats and parfaits or just stick with Mason Jars. I love Weck jars and Le Parfait jars for their wide mouth and easy closing system.
Make Ahead
These apple parfaits are actually a great recipe to use for meal prep. You can mix all of the ingredients together and assemble the parfaits several days ahead of time. They are great as winter or fall breakfast parfaits because they're not high in sugar! If you're prepping them in advance though, don't forget to store the granola in a separate container and add when you’re ready to eat. The granola will become soggy in the refrigerator over time, so this helps keep it nice and crunchy.
Top Tips
Layer the ingredients. In order to balance the tastes of this parfait, try layering the ingredients. By repeatedly layering the ingredients throughout the parfait, you’ll get the perfect combination of flavors in every bite.
Store the granola separately. Unless you’re planning on eating the apple yogurt parfait immediately, wait to add the granola. The yogurt and refrigerator will cause the granola to become soggy, so store your granola separately until you’re ready to enjoy.
Recommended Dishes
Looking for more breakfast inspiration? Take a look at these recipes:
● 4 Tropical Vegan Overnight Oats Recipes
● Breakfast potato latkes topped with egg, kale, tomatoes, and tamari
● Argentinian bread pudding with caramel sauce
More easy breakfast recipes:
Recipe
Tried and loved this recipe? Please leave a 5-star review below! Your reviews mean a lot to me, so if you've got any questions, please let me know in a comment.
Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Yogurt Parfait Recipes
Ingredients
Apple Layer
Granola Layer
- ½ cup gluten-free granola
Yogurt Layer
- 1 cup yogurt
- ½ cup applesauce
Instructions
- Transfer the apple pieces to a bowl. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon and salt. Mix well to combine. This can be made ahead - drizzle the apples with ½ teaspoon of lemon to conserve them.
- Time to layer your parfait! In two glass jars or glasses, arrange half the apple crisp or granola mixture at the bottom. Top with half of the yogurt. Top with each glass with 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Then, layer half the sweet cinnamon apples among the two glasses.
- Repeat with the remaining granola, remaining yogurt, applesauce, and apples.
- Sprinkle with additional cinnamon and a pinch of flaky sea salt, if desired. Serve these apple yogurt parfait recipes for breakfast parfaits, or make a healthy snack in advance.
Notes
Use homemade granola, store-bought granola or leftover apple crisp topping.
Hannah says
I made this as a fun breakfast for the kids and I yesterday and it was such a hit!!!
It tasted like a treat even though it was healthy.
They all loved it and have asked me to make it again.
I am going to try your tips fo making it ahead as I think it would be a great grab and go breakfast for the older ones who catch the early bus 🙂
Lynn says
This parfait was delicious and filling! Even my kids enjoyed eating it before school. Thanks for this recipe!
Sage Scott says
This is such a fun twist on the standard yogurt and berry parfaits I typically make. I would have never thought to add applesauce to a yogurt parfait, but it's delish!
Francesca says
I made these Cinnamon Apple Yogurt Parfaits for a quick breakfast - they were so delicious! The layers of crunchy granola, sweet apples, and creamy yogurt with a hint of cinnamon all came together perfectly.
Lexie says
I made this cinnamon apple yogurt parfait recipe for my teenage daughter and her friends for an after school snack. They all loved this snack recipe and asked me to make it again.