Summer Berry and Yogurt Parfait Recipe

There's something magical about the way sweet berries and creamy yogurt come together in a chilled glass on a warm summer morning. This Summer Berry and Yogurt Parfait is bursting with juicy strawberries, tart blueberries, and layers of luscious vanilla yogurt—each spoonful is light, refreshing, and just the right amount of indulgent.

this Recipe

I first fell in love with this parfait during a family beach trip when we needed an easy, no-cook breakfast that could feed a crowd. Since then, it’s become a sunny-weather staple in our kitchen—ideal for lazy weekends, quick weekday breakfasts, or even light desserts after dinner.

Whether you’re serving it in mason jars for a brunch party or meal-prepping breakfast for the week, this parfait hits all the right notes. Let’s dive into why you’re going to love it just as much as we do.

Why You’ll Love This Summer Berry and Yogurt Parfait

Get ready to meet your go-to recipe for summer mornings and snack cravings. This Summer Berry and Yogurt Parfait is as beautiful to look at as it is to eat—and the best part? It takes just minutes to make.

First and foremost, it's ridiculously quick and easy. With just a few ingredients and zero cooking required, you can have this parfait ready in less than 10 minutes. It's perfect for busy mornings, last-minute guests, or those days when you just want something fuss-free and refreshing.

It’s also light yet satisfying, making it a smart choice for breakfast or dessert. The combination of Greek yogurt and fruit gives you a nice balance of protein and natural sugars—leaving you full without feeling weighed down.

If you're feeding a group, this recipe is ideal for batching or customizing. Use clear glasses for elegant presentation, or go rustic with mason jars. Want to make a build-your-own parfait bar for brunch? This recipe is a crowd-pleaser every time.

And of course, it’s budget-friendly and seasonal. When berries are in peak season, they’re not only cheaper—they're juicier, sweeter, and bursting with flavor. You can also swap in whatever’s on hand, which we’ll get into later.

Let’s take a closer look at the simple ingredients that make this parfait shine.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Summer Berry and Yogurt Parfait lies in its simplicity. A handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture that feel indulgent but stay light and healthy.

Greek yogurt is the creamy base of this parfait. I prefer plain or vanilla-flavored full-fat Greek yogurt for its richness and tang. It provides a sturdy structure for layering and adds a satisfying dose of protein. If you're dairy-free, coconut or almond yogurt works beautifully too—just choose one that's thick enough to hold its shape.

The star of the show is, of course, the fresh berries. I love using a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a vibrant color contrast and mix of tart and sweet flavors. Make sure your berries are firm and ripe—nothing ruins a parfait like mushy fruit. If you’re in a pinch, frozen berries (thawed and drained) can work in a bind, though fresh is best for presentation and texture.

For texture and crunch, you’ll need a layer of granola. Choose one with clusters to keep things crispy between the soft yogurt and juicy fruit. Honey almond or maple pecan granola adds just the right touch of sweetness, but you can go with your favorite variety.

A touch of honey or maple syrup drizzled between the layers really ties it all together. It’s optional but recommended, especially if you're using plain yogurt. Just a teaspoon here and there adds a lovely sweetness that doesn’t overpower the fresh berries.

You won’t need any fancy equipment here—just a spoon and a few glasses or jars for layering. Clear glasses work best to show off those beautiful layers, but any small bowl or container will do.

How to Make This Summer Berry and Yogurt Parfait

Creating your own Summer Berry and Yogurt Parfait is as simple as layering a few fresh ingredients, but let’s walk through the steps to ensure a perfect result every time.

Start by prepping your fruit. Rinse your berries thoroughly under cold water and let them dry on a paper towel. Hull and slice the strawberries into thin pieces. If using larger blueberries, give them a gentle squeeze to make sure they’re ripe and not mealy inside.

Next, choose your vessels. You can use tall glasses, mason jars, or small bowls—anything clear will let the beautiful red, blue, and creamy white layers show through. This recipe makes about four small parfaits or two larger ones.

Now for the layering. Begin with a spoonful of yogurt at the bottom of each glass, smoothing it out with the back of the spoon. Then add a layer of mixed berries, followed by a sprinkle of granola. Repeat the layers until you reach the top, finishing with a final spoonful of yogurt and a generous handful of berries to garnish.

If you’re using honey or syrup, drizzle a small amount between each yogurt and fruit layer to add a subtle sweetness. You can also add a few fresh mint leaves on top for a pretty, aromatic finish.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes from start to finish, and cleanup is a breeze. You’ll end up with a stunning, colorful parfait that looks like it came from a café but took no time at all to make.

Storage Options

If you’re making these parfaits ahead of time, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind to maintain freshness and texture.

For short-term storage, assemble the parfaits in jars or containers with airtight lids and store them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 2–3 days. To keep the granola from getting soggy, either layer it on top just before serving or store it separately and sprinkle it on later.

You can also prep each component ahead of time and store them individually. Keep the yogurt and fruit in separate containers, and the granola in a sealed bag or jar. When you're ready to eat, just layer and enjoy.

These parfaits don’t freeze well due to the fresh fruit and yogurt texture, so it's best to stick with refrigeration.

To re-serve, just give the parfait a quick stir (if needed), top with fresh granola, and you're good to go.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can switch up ingredients based on dietary needs, seasonality, or what’s already in your fridge.

Want to go dairy-free? Use coconut milk yogurt or almond yogurt in place of Greek yogurt. Make sure it’s thick and unsweetened if you want to control the sugar level. Pair it with agave or maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version.

Feel like mixing up the fruit? Try peaches, nectarines, or mango for a tropical spin. In the fall, thinly sliced apples or pears with a touch of cinnamon work beautifully, too. Basically, any soft, juicy fruit will do.

No granola on hand? Swap in crushed graham crackers, toasted oats, or chopped nuts for crunch. Even crushed cereal can do the trick in a pinch—just avoid anything too sweet or artificially flavored.

Looking to make it more indulgent? Add a layer of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese between the yogurt layers for a dessert-style parfait. You could even sprinkle in some mini chocolate chips for a kid-friendly treat.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and textures. That’s what makes this parfait so fun to make—it can be different every time and still taste amazing.

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