These honey-sweetened yogurt parfaits layered with granola and fresh fruits are a refreshing treat that works equally well as breakfast or dessert. I love how simple they are to put together—no cooking, no mixer, just a few wholesome ingredients that come together in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I really enjoy making these parfaits because they strike the perfect balance between creamy, crunchy, and fruity. I like that the yogurt cream is naturally sweetened with honey, so I don’t feel guilty enjoying it as a breakfast option or a light dessert. The lime zest and cinnamon give it a refreshing lift, while the granola adds a satisfying crunch. I can also easily swap the fruits depending on what’s in season, which keeps this recipe exciting every time I make it.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the yogurt cream:
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¾ cup light cream cheese (about 11% fat, at room temperature)
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4–5 tablespoons thyme honey
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½ teaspoon cinnamon
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zest from 1 lime
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1 cup strained low-fat Greek yogurt (2% fat)
For the rest:
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1 cup sugar-free granola (gluten-free if needed)
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1 ½ cups fresh mixed fruit
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1–2 tablespoons thyme honey
Directions
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To make the yogurt cream, I whisk the cream cheese, honey, cinnamon, and lime zest in a bowl until smooth. Then I add the yogurt and mix well until creamy. I taste and adjust the sweetness if I want it a bit sweeter.
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To assemble, I start by adding 2 tablespoons of fruit to the bottom of 4 glasses. I top it with a spoonful of yogurt cream and a drizzle of honey.
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I add more fruit and about 3 tablespoons of granola. Then I layer with the remaining yogurt cream, topping it with a final sprinkle of granola and some extra fruit.
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I refrigerate the parfaits for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Prep time is about 20 minutes, and since there’s no cooking involved, the total time is also just 20 minutes. Each serving has around 302 calories.
Variations
I sometimes swap the lime zest and cinnamon for a splash of vanilla extract to give the yogurt cream a softer flavor. For fruits, I love using seasonal ones—berries in the summer, peaches and mangoes in late summer, or even chopped apples in the fall. If I want to make it richer, I use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of the lighter version. For an extra indulgence, I drizzle a little dark chocolate over the top before serving.
Storage/Reheating
I find these parfaits are best eaten the same day because the granola stays crunchy. If I store them overnight, the granola softens, but they’re still tasty. To prep ahead, I make the yogurt cream up to two days in advance and keep it in the fridge, then assemble the parfaits just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use flavored yogurt instead of plain Greek yogurt?
I prefer plain Greek yogurt because it keeps the recipe refined sugar-free. If I want a hint of vanilla, I just add extract instead of using pre-flavored yogurt.
What fruits work best for this parfait?
I like mixing it up with raspberries, blueberries, cherries, peaches, pineapple, or even grapes. Basically, any fresh fruit works well, so I use what’s in season.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, I can use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut yogurt in place of the Greek yogurt and cream cheese. Maple syrup or agave can also replace the honey.
How do I keep the granola crunchy?
I only assemble the parfaits shortly before serving. If I want to prep ahead, I store the yogurt cream and fruit separately and add the granola at the last minute.
Can I use store-bought granola?
Absolutely. I often use my own homemade granola, but when I’m short on time, I pick a good-quality store-bought granola that isn’t too sweet.
Conclusion
This yogurt parfait with honey and fruits is one of my go-to recipes whenever I want something quick, fresh, and satisfying. I like that it feels indulgent while still being light and wholesome. Whether I enjoy it in the morning or as a refreshing summer dessert, it always hits the spot.
Print
Yogurt Parfait Recipe with Honey and Fruits
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These yogurt parfaits are a quick and refreshing treat layered with honey-sweetened yogurt cream, crunchy granola, and seasonal fresh fruits. Perfect for breakfast or a light dessert.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup light cream cheese (about 11% fat, at room temperature)
- 4–5 tablespoons thyme honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Zest from 1 lime
- 1 cup strained low-fat Greek yogurt (2% fat)
- 1 cup sugar-free granola (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh mixed fruit
- 1–2 tablespoons thyme honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, honey, cinnamon, and lime zest until smooth.
- Add the Greek yogurt and mix until creamy. Adjust sweetness if desired.
- Add 2 tablespoons of fruit to the bottom of 4 glasses.
- Top with a spoonful of yogurt cream and a drizzle of honey.
- Add more fruit and about 3 tablespoons of granola.
- Layer with the remaining yogurt cream, then top with a final sprinkle of granola and extra fruit.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Notes
- Use seasonal fruits like berries, peaches, or apples depending on availability.
- Swap lime zest and cinnamon with vanilla extract for a different flavor.
- Full-fat Greek yogurt can be used for a richer version.
- For dairy-free, use coconut yogurt and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Best eaten the same day for crunchy granola texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parfait
- Calories: 302
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg