Strawberry Yogurt Parfait Cups

For a complete brunch spread, I love serving these parfaits alongside a pot of herbal tea and a plate of almond croissants. The creamy, cool strawberry yogurt parfait cups complement warm, flaky pastries perfectly. It’s a little moment of weekend luxury that feels special without being complicated. I think we all need more of those simple, joyful rituals, especially when they involve sweet treats easy to make.

This recipe for Strawberry Yogurt Parfait Cups is my go-to when I want something that feels like a treat but comes together with almost no effort. It’s the kind of dessert you can whip up while the coffee brews, using ingredients you likely already have. The layers of sweet macerated strawberries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola create a perfect textural symphony in every spoonful. It’s comfort food, made easy, and proof that the best dessert recipes are often the simplest.

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Ingredients List for Strawberry Yogurt Parfait Cups

Strawberry Yogurt Parfait Cups start with a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. You’ll need:

• For the Strawberry Layer:
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• For the Yogurt Layer:
  • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2% for best creaminess)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• For Assembly:
  • 1 ½ cups crunchy granola (store-bought or homemade)
  • Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Smart Swaps: For a dairy-free version, use a thick coconut or almond milk yogurt. Swap the granola for chopped nuts or toasted oats for a gluten-free option. Frozen strawberries work in a pinch—just thaw and drain them well. These easy dessert ideas are all about adaptability.

Timing for Strawberry Yogurt Parfait Cups

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes (plus optional 30-minute rest for strawberries)

That’s it. From fridge to table in about a quarter of an hour. This is one of those quick dessert recipes that genuinely lives up to the name, perfect for last-minute guests or a sudden sweet craving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating these parfait cups is less about precise technique and more about building beautiful, tasty layers. Let’s walk through it.

1. Macerate the Strawberries. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Gently toss until the berries are coated. Let this mixture sit for at least 10-15 minutes, or up to 30. This step is magic—it draws out the strawberries’ natural juices, creating a sweet, syrupy sauce that’s the heart of the parfait.
2. Prepare the Yogurt. While the strawberries rest, make the yogurt layer. In another bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
3. Assemble the Parfaits. Grab your serving glasses or jars. Start with a layer of the macerated strawberries and their juice at the bottom. Follow with a generous spoonful of the sweetened yogurt. Top with a layer of crunchy granola. Repeat the layers once more, finishing with a final sprinkle of granola and a few reserved strawberry slices on top.
4. Serve and Enjoy. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf if desired. Serve immediately for the best contrast between the cool, creamy layers and the crunchy granola. Regular kitchen, regular time, great results.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximately 1 cup), these Strawberry Yogurt Parfait Cups offer a balanced mix of energy and nutrition. They provide roughly 280-320 calories, with about 15g of protein from the Greek yogurt, 45g of carbohydrates, and 8g of fat. They’re a good source of calcium, probiotics from the yogurt, and vitamin C from the fresh strawberries. It’s a satisfying treat that fuels you.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy tools for this recipe. A good chef’s knife and cutting board for the strawberries, a couple of mixing bowls, a whisk or spoon, and your serving glasses or jars are all it takes. I love using clear glasses so everyone can see the pretty layers of the Strawberry Yogurt Parfait Cups.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Quick & Simple: This is the definition of quick dessert recipes. No baking, no cooking, just assembly. Perfect for busy days.
• Endlessly Customizable: Use different berries, swap in flavored yogurt, or try different crunchy toppings like my Banana Bread Protein Overnight Oats for inspiration.
• Feels Fancy, Actually Easy: The layered presentation in individual cups makes it look like you spent far more time than you did. It’s an impressive treat for guests.
• Balanced and Satisfying: The protein from the yogurt and fiber from the granola make it more than just a sugar rush. It’s a treat you can feel good about.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead: You can prep the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving for the best texture.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic canvas for dietary tweaks. For a sugar-free version, use a natural, zero-calorie sweetener in the strawberries and yogurt. To make it dairy-free, choose a high-quality plant-based yogurt. For a lower-carb option, reduce or omit the honey in the yogurt layer and use a low-sugar granola or substitute with a mix of nuts and seeds. You can even blend silken tofu with a touch of sweetener and vanilla for a high-protein, dairy-free “yogurt” alternative. Food that feels like home should work for everyone.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on their own, these parfait cups shine as part of a spread. Serve them for a light brunch dessert alongside my Strawberry Spinach Salad for a sweet and savory combo. For a decadent dessert party, offer them next to richer options like Raspberry Cheesecake Bars. For a heartier breakfast twist, layer them with the creamy base from my Vanilla Protein Overnight Oats. Drizzle with extra honey or a touch of melted dark chocolate for a special occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Maceration: Don’t rush the strawberry step. Letting them sit with sugar is what creates the delicious syrup that flavors the whole cup.
• Using Watery Yogurt: Opt for thick Greek yogurt. Regular yogurt can make the layers runny and less distinct.
• Assembling Too Far in Advance: If you layer the granola in too early, it will lose its crunch as it sits in the moist yogurt and berries. For best results, assemble just before serving or add the final granola layer at the last minute.
• Over-sweetening: Taste your strawberries after macerating and your yogurt mixture before assembling. The sweetness of fruit can vary, so adjust to your preference.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store the components separately for the best results. The macerated strawberries and sweetened yogurt can be kept in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The granola should be stored at room temperature in a sealed container to maintain crunch. Assemble your Strawberry Yogurt Parfait Cups when you’re ready to eat. I do not recommend freezing the assembled parfaits, as the texture of the yogurt and strawberries will change upon thawing.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, these Strawberry Yogurt Parfait Cups are about simplicity and satisfaction. They prove that you don’t need complex techniques or hours in the kitchen to create a dessert that feels special and tastes delicious. It’s a reminder that some of the best dessert recipes are just smart combinations of fresh, good ingredients. Simple ingredients, warm memories.

I hope this recipe finds its way into your regular rotation for easy dessert ideas, quick breakfasts, or elegant brunch offerings. If you’re looking for another fun, fruited dessert in a cup, you must try my Strawberry Shortcake Cups—they’re a family favorite.

Let me know how your parfaits turn out in the comments! And if you share a photo of your creation, don’t forget to tag @StackSipSnack. Happy layering.

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