Strawberry Parfait (Dessert in a Jar)

These quick and easy strawberry parfaits layer fresh strawberries, yogurt, fruit compote, and crunchy granola for a light, bright, and creamy breakfast, snack, or dessert!

Why Try Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits with Granola

If you ask me, any dish that can easily double as breakfast and dessert is a total win – especially if fruit is involved. I’ve already shared my banana blueberry bread and apple cinnamon pancakes, but with strawberries at their sweetest, it’s the perfect time to throw together this sweet and creamy strawberry parfait recipe. It’s the perfect warm-weather treat!

With layers of fresh, juicy strawberries, lightly sweetened yogurt (in my case, dairy-free!), bright strawberry compote, and crunchy granola, these strawberry yogurt parfaits are tangy, creamy, fresh, sweet, and totally kid-approved – a delicious contrast of textures and flavors. Even better, they take just minutes to throw together and are endlessly customizable (including diet- gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, low sugar, refined sugar-free, etc.).

You might also enjoy strawberry oatmeal crumb bars or vegan strawberry sheet cake with custard.

The Ingredients

• Yogurt: Traditionally, plain Greek Yogurt is used. For a vegan parfait, use your favorite dairy-free yogurt (coconut, almond, soy), plain or vanilla, or cashew cream.
• Granola: I used homemade nut-free granola, though any works (cinnamon, chai spice, berry granola, etc.). Use gluten-free or keto if preferred. Alternatively, use muesli, crumbled cookies (like Biscoff, amaretti, vegan vanilla wafers, Oreos) or chopped pretzels for crunch.
• Strawberries: Use fresh strawberries. Struggling to find juicy berries? Macerate them to improve their flavor (see FAQs for method).
• Strawberry compote: Use store-bought or homemade strawberry compote. Alternatively, use strawberry jam or preserves (regular or low-sugar).
• Sweetener: You can use powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) or sugar-free powdered erythritol, maple syrup, agave, other unrefined sweeteners, etc.

Recipe Variations

The simplicity of this strawberry parfait recipe means that there is tons of wiggle room for experimentation, like:

• Creamier: Fold yogurt with dairy-free whipped cream (airier) or cream cheese (for strawberry cheesecake parfait).
• Chia pudding: Add a layer of chia pudding for extra nutrients.
• Other fresh fruit: Sub or combine strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, cherries, mango, peaches, nectarine, banana, pineapple, etc.
• Citrus: Add some orange or lemon zest (and juice) to the yogurt/compote, or add vegan lemon curd layers.
• Nut butter: Swirl into yogurt for rich creaminess, healthy fats, and added protein.
• Alcohol: Add 1-2 tbsp Amaretto, Cointreau, bourbon, or champagne to the yogurt.
• Toppings: I.e., toasted nuts/seeds (walnuts, almonds, pistachios), chocolate chips, cacao nibs, toasted coconut flakes, fresh mint/basil, etc.

How to Make a Strawberry Parfait

Please read the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information.

• If using homemade, first prepare the strawberry compote and let it cool. Then, rinse, hull, and slice/dice the strawberries.
• Mix the dairy-free yogurt (or cashew cream) and sweetener in a medium bowl.
• To assemble the strawberry granola parfait, add a couple of spoonfuls of granola to 2-3 glasses/small jars (depending on the size), then sliced/diced strawberries.
• Spoon in a couple of spoonfuls of the yogurt, then compote.

Adjust the amounts based on whether you’re making 2 or 3 jars.

• Repeat all layers, then decorate with halved strawberries.
• Enjoy the strawberry parfaits immediately, or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes first.

Storage Instructions

It’s best to enjoy a strawberry parfait with granola within a few hours, as the granola will soften/become mushy.

If you only plan on sprinkling granola over the top, store the berry yogurt parfait in containers/ mason jars in the fridge for 2-3 days.

FAQs

Can I prepare the strawberry and yogurt parfait in advance?

Sure, but it’s best to store the elements separately to avoid the granola becoming soggy. The yogurt and compote mixture will both store for 2-3 days in airtight containers in the fridge.

What if the berries aren’t very flavorful?

Macerate them! Toss the chopped berries with a little sugar or maple syrup, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. They’ll release juices, becoming sweet and syrupy. You could also double the berries (to macerate) and skip the compote entirely.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

I don’t recommend it, as they become mushy and release lots of liquid into the strawberry yogurt dessert, making the granola mushy.

Pro Recipe Notes

• Use ripe strawberries: Fresh, seasonal berries are key to the best flavor. If they’re lackluster, macerate them (method in FAQs).
• Wash strawberries before chopping: To avoid sogginess. 
• Use thick yogurt: For sturdy, separated layers of yogurt and berry parfait. 
• Experiment with add–ins: Use different fruits, substitute the granola, flavor the yogurt, etc. This is a simple yet VERY versatile berry parfait. 
• For the cleanest layers: Optionally pipe the yogurt with a piping bag/snipped Ziplock.
• Don’t let it sit: Eat the yogurt strawberry parfait within 1-2 hours for the best texture.

More Vegan Strawberry Dessert Recipes

• Chocolate strawberry cheesecake (no-bake)
• Strawberry mousse
• Strawberry coconut cheesecake bars
• Vegan strawberry ice cream

If you try this easy strawberry parfait recipe, I’d love a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. Also, please don’t forget to tag me in recreations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan #elavegan – I love seeing them.