Apple Cinnamon Yogurt Parfait

Name: Apple Cinnamon Yogurt Parfait
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups Greek yogurt; 1 large apple, diced; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1/2 cup granola (optional); Chopped nuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Nourishing Favorites

I love starting my mornings with a nutritious and delicious Apple Cinnamon Yogurt Parfait. The combination of creamy yogurt, crisp apples, and a hint of cinnamon truly wakes up my taste buds. It’s a quick and easy way to get a boost of energy and feel good about what I’m eating. Plus, it can be customized with different toppings, making it a versatile breakfast option. Whether you're rushing out the door or enjoying a leisurely brunch, this parfait is the perfect choice.

Created by

Madeline Archer

Last updated on 2026-02-07T17:41:35.999Z

Preparing the Apple Cinnamon Yogurt Parfait has become one of my favorite rituals in the kitchen. The sweet and tart apple slices, combined with creamy yogurt and aromatic cinnamon, create a delightful harmony that I simply can’t resist. It’s interesting how the flavors meld together after a few minutes, making each bite even more satisfying.

Once, I experimented by adding a sprinkle of granola on top for an extra crunch, and it took this parfait to a whole new level. I love how versatile it is, allowing me to play with ingredients based on what I have at home.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Layers of creamy yogurt and fresh apple create a refreshing breakfast.
A hint of cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor.
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy mornings or a healthy snack.

Why Greek Yogurt?

Using Greek yogurt in your parfait adds a creamy texture and a protein boost to your breakfast. Greek yogurt is thicker and has twice the protein content compared to regular yogurt, which helps keep you fuller for longer. If you’re looking to cut fat or calories, opt for a non-fat or low-fat version, but be mindful that it may reduce the creaminess. When selecting yogurt, choose one with live and active cultures for added gut health benefits.

Greek yogurt also provides a canvas for flavors. The tanginess balances well with the sweetness of the apples and honey. Experimenting with different flavored Greek yogurts can create a new palette of taste experiences in your parfait, whether you go for vanilla, honey, or even fruit-infused varieties. Just remember to adjust the added sweeteners accordingly based on the yogurt's flavor.

Choosing the Right Apples

The type of apple you choose plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture of your parfait. Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith add a refreshing crunch and provide a sweet tartness that complements the cinnamon. If you’re preparing this parfait for a crowd, consider using a mix of apple types to cater to different taste preferences.

Make sure to wash and dry your apples thoroughly. Peeling them is optional; leaving the skin on adds nutrients and color to your parfait. When dicing, aim for bite-sized pieces, roughly half an inch in size, to ensure even distribution and easy eating. It's important to dice them just before assembly to prevent browning; if you have to prep in advance, squeeze some lemon juice over the cut apples to slow oxidation.

Customizing Your Parfait

The beauty of the Apple Cinnamon Yogurt Parfait lies in its versatility. Feel free to elevate your parfait by adding seasonal fruits like berries, bananas, or pears, which can offer added flavor and nutritional value. To add an extra layer of richness, a dollop of nut butter like almond or peanut can transform this dish into an indulgent treat.

For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or any plant-based alternative. Ensure your sweetener aligns with your dietary preferences; maple syrup is an excellent vegan choice but can be substituted with agave or date syrup for a different flavor profile. Topping your parfait with seeds like chia or flaxseed also adds a nutritious crunch and boosts the fiber content.

Ingredients

2 cups Greek yogurt
1 large apple, diced
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup granola (optional)
Chopped nuts (optional)

Optional Toppings

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by dicing the apple into small pieces and set aside. If you prefer your parfait sweeter, you can drizzle some honey or maple syrup over the diced apples.

Layer the Parfait

In a glass or bowl, layer half of the Greek yogurt at the bottom. Add half of the diced apples and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon. Repeat the layers, finishing with yogurt on top.

Add Toppings

If desired, add granola and chopped nuts on the final layer. Drizzle additional honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Serve and Enjoy

Grab a spoon and enjoy your Apple Cinnamon Yogurt Parfait right away, or refrigerate for up to an hour for a chilled treat.

Enjoy Your Parfait!

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute the apple with other fruits like berries or bananas for variety. You can also add a dollop of nut butter for added creaminess and protein.

Making It Ahead

If you're short on time in the mornings, you can prepare the components of your parfait in advance. Dice the apples and mix them with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The yogurt can also be portioned out ahead of time, making it easy to layer your parfait quickly when you're ready to eat.

Alternatively, you can assemble the parfait the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just be aware that while this will save time in the morning, the granola will lose its crunch when mixed with yogurt overnight. To prevent this, consider storing the granola separately and adding it just before serving for that delightful crunch.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, storing them properly is key to maintaining freshness. The parfait can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, once mixed, the textures may change slightly, particularly with granola absorbing moisture. If you prefer to keep components separate, store the yogurt and diced apples in airtight containers to extend their shelf life.

For longer-term storage, consider freezing any unused Greek yogurt. It can be frozen for up to two months. However, the texture may change, making it less ideal for parfaits but perfectly suitable for smoothies. The apples can also be frozen, but it's best to cook or sauté them first to mitigate the watery texture that raw apples exhibit when thawed.

Serving Suggestions

This parfait makes a fantastic breakfast, but it can easily transition into a satisfying snack or even a dessert. For an after-dinner treat, consider adding a layer of dark chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top for a delightful indulgence. Pairing the parfait with a warm beverage, like chai tea or morning coffee, will enhance the comforting flavors of cinnamon.

For gatherings or brunches, serve the parfait ingredients in a buffet-style setup, allowing guests to customize their layers. This adds an interactive element to dining and lets everyone create a parfait that suits their tastes perfectly. Have fun with presentations by using clear cups or jars to showcase the beautiful layers!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this parfait in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the yogurt and apple layers a few hours ahead. Just add granola just before serving to keep it crunchy.

→ Is this parfait suitable for kids?

Absolutely! It's a fun and healthy breakfast option that kids usually enjoy, especially if they can help with layering.

→ Can I use dairy-free yogurt?

Yes, feel free to substitute Greek yogurt with your favorite plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free version.

→ How can I make it more filling?

You can add more protein by using extra yogurt or incorporating nuts and seeds into the layers.