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Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or a snack, these Apple Parfaits will satisfy your fall cravings. With layers of creamy yogurt, crisp apples, and cinnamony granola, it has the flavors you love in a fresh apple crisp.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Parfait Recipe
Delicious Details
- Cuisine Inspiration: American
- Primary Cooking Method: No-cook (Oven for granola)
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free option, Dairy-free option
- Skill Level: Easy
I am a snack packer. First of all, moms like me know that kids are always hungry. And gluten free folks like me know that if you are out and about when the hunger pangs strike, you don’t know if you’ll be able to find something safe to eat. When it’s a day running errands or going in between school and activities, some energy balls or a container of grapes and a cheese stick will do. But road trips or cross-country flights need something a little more filling. That’s why I love getting out some jars and making yogurt parfaits!
These apple yogurt parfaits are a satisfying snack choice with the creaminess and spices and fresh apple flavor of that favorite fall dessert – apple crisp topped with a scoop of ice cream! The creamy yogurt pairs with crips apples and crunchy granola spiced with cinnamon. This gives it a balance of seasonal flavors and balanced textures that has all those autumn vibes. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick to assemble. As long as you have a batch or bag of granola on hand, all you have to do is layer the yogurt, chopped apples, and granola, then you can dig right in.
- Versatile. You can use regular or Greek yogurt depending on your preference and protein needs, and adjust the flavor and sweetness to your taste and grocery store availability. Your favorite cinnamon-flavored granola, whether you make it yourself or buy it at the store, is perfect. Just be sure your recipe or package is gluten free if needed. And you can make it with any type of apples you have on hand.
- Portable. I love to make these parfaits in jars or containers with tight-fitting lids. That way I can pack them in a cooler or lunchbag and bring them along for travel or send them to school with the kids.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here’s an overview of what you’ll need to make this apple parfait recipe. I also include variations and swaps you can make to customize it. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full amounts and detailed instructions.
- Yogurt. You can use regular or Greek yogurt. I recommend a vanilla or honey flavor. But feel free to use an apple or caramel variety that is sometimes available seasonally. Plain yogurt that you’ve sweetened to taste is a good option too. A plant-based yogurt also allows you to make this recipe dairy free.
- Apple. Diced. Feel free to use your favorite variety. It’s up to you if you want to peel it.
- Granola. I like to fall spice flavors in my homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola. The directions to make it are included in the recipe card, with the details are in that linked blog post. But you can use your favorite recipe of storebought granola recipe. I recommend something with cinnamon to complement those apples.
After you layer the ingredients, feel free to customize the apple parfaits to your liking. You can add apple chips, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, some honey-glazed walnuts, and even a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or caramel sauce to make it more dessert-like!
Storing Your Apple Parfaits
If you make your parfaits in a jar or another type of storage container, just seal the lid and refrigerate them for up to 2 or 3 days. Any other bowl or cup can be covered tightly with plastic wrap.
Since the granola can absorb moisture from the yogurt, you may want to keep the top layer of granola in a separate container. Then add it right before you eat it so that it stays crunchy.
Apple Parfaits
Ingredients
For the Apple Parfaits:
- 1 1/3 cups vanilla or honey flavored yogurt (regular or Greek yogurt), two 5-6 oz. containers or about 12 oz.
- 1 large apple, diced
- 1/2 cup Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola, or your favorite cinnamon granola
For the Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola:
- 1/4 cup avocado oil, or other neutral oil, or melted coconut oil
- 1 large egg white
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar , or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats, certified gluten free if needed
- 1/4 cup ground flax seed meal
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chopped dried apples
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
For the Apple Parfaits:
- Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Granola as instructed, if desired, and cool completely.
- Layer about 1/3 cup yogurt each in the bottom of two bowls, cups, or jars. Top each with about a quarter of the apples and 2 Tablespoons of the granola.
- Divide the remaining yogurt container between the two parfaits, and repeat the apple and granola layers.
For the Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking sheet or parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, egg white, apple sauce, sugar, vanilla, salt, and spice.
- In a large bowl, toss together the oats, flax seed meal, and walnuts.
- Pour the wet mixture over the oats mixture, and toss to combine.
- Spread granola on the prepared baking sheet, and spread into an even layer.
- Bake 350°F for 15 minutes. Stir gently, being careful not to break up large clumps.
- Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until golden and dry. Cool on the baking sheet.
- Once completely cool, sprinkle the dried apples and white chocolate chips over the top and transfer to an airtight container.
Did you make this?
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