Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Parfait

Last Sunday morning, I stood in my kitchen with sunlight streaming through the window, craving something that felt like breakfast but tasted like dessert. I'd bought way too many blueberries at the farmers market and had a container of Greek yogurt threatening to expire. The most perfect parfaits came together in ten minutes, and honestly, I've made them three times this week already.

My sister stayed over last weekend and I made these for us both. She's not usually a morning person, but watching her eyes light up at those beautiful purple layers against the white yogurt was pretty satisfying. We sat on the porch in our pajamas, eating parfaits and talking for two hours straight.

Ingredients

• Greek yogurt: The thick, creamy texture holds up better than regular yogurt and adds protein to keep you satisfied longer
• Fresh lemon juice and zest: This is what transforms ordinary yogurt into something bright and restaurant-worthy
• Honey: Use raw honey if you can find it, it adds floral notes that complement the blueberries beautifully
• Fresh blueberries: Frozen ones work in a pinch but fresh berries give you that satisfying pop when you bite into them
• Granola: The crunch factor is essential here, and using your favorite store-bought brand keeps things simple

Instructions

Whisk together the yogurt base:

Combine the Greek yogurt with honey, fresh lemon juice, and grated lemon zest in a medium bowl until smooth and taste it to adjust sweetness

Prep the blueberries:

Gently toss your blueberries with a tablespoon of sugar or honey if they seem tart, then let them sit for five minutes to macerate slightly

Build your layers:

Start with two tablespoons of granola in the bottom of each glass, followed by a generous dollop of lemon yogurt, then a scattering of blueberries, and repeat until the glasses are full

Finish with flair:

Top each parfait with the remaining granola and blueberries, then add fresh mint leaves and an extra sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving

Save

These parfaits have become my go-to when friends come over for weekend brunch. They're elegant enough to serve company but simple enough that I'm never stressed about making them, plus everyone always asks for the recipe.

Making Ahead

You can mix the lemon yogurt up to two days in advance and keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. The blueberries can be sweetened and stored separately too. Just wait to assemble until right before you plan to eat them so everything stays fresh and crunchy.

Customization Ideas

Sometimes I swap raspberries or sliced strawberries when blueberries are out of season. A spoonful of chia seeds mixed into the yogurt layer adds nutrients and makes it feel even more substantial for breakfast, while a drizzle of almond butter between layers creates this amazing sweet and salty situation.

Serving Suggestions

These parfaits work beautifully as part of a larger spread alongside scrambled eggs and bacon. They're also perfect for outdoor brunches since you can prep everything ahead and layer them tableside as a little DIY moment for guests.

• Use small shot glasses for appetizer-sized portions at parties
• Keep the granola in a separate bowl and let guests add their own crunch
• Chill your serving glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes for an extra refreshing touch

Save

There's something about eating something this pretty first thing in the morning that just sets the whole day up right.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of yogurt works best?

Greek yogurt, either plain or vanilla, provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor that complements the lemon and berries well.

→ Can I use other fruits instead of blueberries?

Yes, raspberries or strawberries can be substituted to provide a different fruity flavor while maintaining the parfait’s freshness.

→ How do I sweeten the blueberry layer?

Lightly toss fresh blueberries with sugar or honey to enhance their natural sweetness without overpowering the tartness.

→ Is granola necessary in the layers?

Granola adds a crunchy texture that balances the creamy yogurt and juicy berries, but you may substitute it with nuts or seeds for variation.

→ Can this be made vegan-friendly?

Yes, substitute coconut yogurt for dairy and maple syrup for honey to create a vegan-friendly version with similar taste and texture.