On the go breakfasts are my thing, and my kid’s thing, and well…who doesn’t like something fast, filling, and super delicious? This gemstone colored “Treasure Chest” Yogurt Parfait recipe is the best gluten-free balance of protein, fruits, sweetness, and energy carbs to jumpstart your morning or even as a healthy dessert all in five minutes. It’s a refreshing and cooling Spring or Summer recipe that’s easy and quick!
Updated March 10, 2025
Table of contents
Some days I just can’t even. When the morning already feels like afternoon, we do fruit and yogurt parfaits as a satisfying breakfast bowl that gathers nothing but smiles.
Delicious and filling on the go breakfast
Filling the cup with something other than traditional berries makes this recipe more than mundane. Excite it up with frozen grapes, fresh raspberries, sweet cherries or plums, and snow flakes of unsweet coconut.
Piled on nonfat Greek yogurt that tastes like all the fat is still there, speckle with chia seeds, and drizzle with honey…oh my goodness.
Then there’s granola. These good things seem to make something that looks like a treasure chest of edible gems.
How to make yogurt parfaits
Choose Yogurt
Greek yogurt – This type of rich tasting and creamy yogurt is the perfect base for a spot on parfait. Nonfat is equally satisfying. Plain is a healthy choice and becomes naturally sweetened from all the fruits and add on ingredients.
Regular Yogurt – Be aware that regular yogurt that is flavored and sweetened has lots of added sugar. Use plain yogurt for a healthier option.
Choose fruits
Selecting ripe and almost too ripe fruits in the refrigerator is perfect for this recipe. In fact, when fruits are almost at the end of their cycle, they can come back to life in a yogurt parfait.
Frozen grapes – Kids especially love frozen grapes and it’s a contrasting texture, sensory experience in a loaded parfait. Cut frozen grapes into quarters for easy eating.
Raspberries – Choosing raspberries at the store is easy if you flip the container over, and if nothing is sticking and looking mushy…you should be good. Look for intact raspberries and that the shape looks firm and color is vibrant.
Cherries – When sweet cherries are in season, they balance out the tart fruits. Cut beside the pit and add them in. Eat the leftover while you’re prepping and nothing goes to waste. Use frozen sweet cherries as a shortcut.
Strawberries – Sometimes strawberries are either not ripe enough or almost too ripe. So I either omit them or I make a strawberry jam. Simply blend the overripe strawberries and add the purée as a topping. It’s healthy and sweet without adding sugar.
Blueberries – So these are common in parfaits but if they are not firm and sweet they can actually ruin a good parfait. If they are too soft, leave these out or you’ll end up with a mushy feeling parfait.
Choose more Yogurt parfait toppings
Granola – A must for taking this recipe next level. Choose natural and organic granola with pumpkin seeds, flax, or quinoa for a health boost. Oats are gluten-free!
Chia Seeds – Organic chia seeds have myriad superfood benefits. Not only are they pleasant little bits that add texture to a yogurt parfait, they add in some protein and vitamins to make this breakfast a more nutritious meal.
Coconut shreds – Use unsweetened for a healthy choice. The parfait already has lots of sweetness added.
Honey to drizzle – Use raw or regular honey to sweeten everything up to your preference. It’s nice to control the sugar by adding honey, rather than starting with sweetened yogurt that usually has lots of hidden extra sugar. (Use blue agave to make this recipe vegan.)
Other Add Ins and Variations
Try these other parfait toppings for different flavors and textures every time.
- Walnuts
- Almond slivers
- Cacao Nibs
- Goji Berries
- Small scoop of almond butter
Here are some additional variations and toppings to enhance your yogurt parfait experience with different flavors and textures:
- Cinnamon – A sprinkle of cinnamon adds warmth and pairs wonderfully with fruits like apples and bananas.
- Honey Roasted Nuts – Use nuts like pecans or almonds that are honey-roasted for added sweetness and crunch.
- Pumpkin Puree – Blend in some pumpkin puree for a seasonal flavor boost and extra nutrients.
- Matcha Powder – Add a teaspoon of matcha for a green tea twist and a boost of antioxidants.
- Jewel Toned Fruits – Try adding pomegranate seeds or sliced kiwi for vibrant color and a burst of flavor.
- Syrups – Experiment with drizzle options like maple syrup or chocolate syrup for a sweet indulgence.
- Fresh Mint Leaves – A few mint leaves can refresh the palate and add a lovely aroma.
- Coconut Yogurt – For a dairy-free option, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt for added creaminess and flavor.
- Cacao Powder – Mix in some cacao powder or use chocolate granola for a chocolatey twist.
TRY THIS FOR BREAKFAST:
Instructions
- Prep – You can easily do this all at the time you want to eat your parfait, but if you’re feeding more humans (like hangry children) then you can’t cut the fruits beforehand. Store in a glass container so they stay fresh in the refrigerator. Create the entire fruit and yogurt parfait when you are ready to eat it. Any small bowl or glass works fine.
- Scoop plain Greek yogurt
- Add a scoop of granola
- Add fruits
- Sprinkle chia seeds
- Sprinkle unsweet coconut
- Drizzle with honey
No. Make fruit and yogurt parfaits at the time you will eat it.
You can cut and store fruit before hand, but assemble the parfait at the time you will eat it. Don’t let it sit too long or the granola will become soft.
Yes this is gluten free! Use blue agave to sweeten and make it a healthy vegan recipe too.
Treasure Chest Yogurt Parfait
Equipment
- bowls and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Non-fat Greek Yogurt Plain
- ½ cup pumpkin flax granola or granola of choice
- 5-7 raspberries whole
- 5-7 cherries or plums sliced and pitted
- 5-7 frozen grapes cut into fours
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- honey or blue agave sweetener drizzle to your preference
- 2 tsp unsweet coconut flakes garnish
Instructions
- Dollop the greek yogurt in a small bowl or cup.¾ cup Non-fat Greek Yogurt Plain
- Put a scoop of granola on top, over one-half of the yogurt.½ cup pumpkin flax granola or granola of choice
- Top with the fruits like raspberries, sliced and pitted cherries, and cut up frozen grapes.5-7 raspberries, 5-7 cherries or plums, 5-7 frozen grapes
- Sprinkle chia seeds all over.1 tsp chia seeds
- Drizzle honey or blue agave sweetener all over.honey or blue agave sweetener
- Sprinkle unsweet coconut flakes all over.Serve and enjoy!2 tsp unsweet coconut flakes
Notes
- strawberries, blueberries, banana
- sunflower seeds
- walnuts
- almond slivers
- cacao nibs
- goji berries
- strawberry purée
- small scoop almond butter or other nut butter
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