Strawberry yoghurt parfait

A dessert so simple that even a small child can make it yet tastes great. 

Surely such a thing doesn’t exist?

Think again.

This yoghurt parfait is:

• delicious
• easy
• pretty
• easy to make dairy free or vegan 
• adaptable
• great for the kids to make.

Contents

1. What is parfait?
2. Great for kids to make
3. Weaning - babies and toddlers
4. Ingredients
   • Sub other fruits/berries
   • Use frozen fruit
   • Make it for breakfast
5. Special diets
6. Equipment
7. Making ahead/storing
8. More recipes you might like
9. Tips
10. Step-by-step instructions
11. Full recipe and printable recipe card

What is parfait?

A traditional parfait is a partially-frozen French dessert made from eggs, cream and sugar. See more traditional parfait recipes.

Parfait can also be savoury. My Leith’s Cookery Bible* contains a recipe for chicken liver parfait. Needless to say I haven’t made that recipe.

However, the term parfait is also used to describe a layered dessert or breakfast made of yoghurt, fruit and granola (or biscuits as I’ve used here).

A yoghurt parfait is usually served in a tall glass with a long handled spoon, known as a parfait spoon. In fact it’s similar to an ice cream sundae, a falooda or a knickerbocker glory. And indeed many other desserts enjoyed around the world.

Great for kids to make

One thing I love most about a yoghurt parfait is how easy it is to make. 

It’s as simple as spooning different layers into a glass. 

In fact it’s so simple that I have made it both with my daughter’s Brownie’s class (girls aged 7-11) AND with a class of toddlers (all aged under 4) in my work as a cookery teacher.

Any exposure to cooking is good for kids and letting them make their own dessert is a great place to start.

Weaning - babies and toddlers

Babies and toddlers can enjoy a yoghurt parfait too. Use soft, sugar free biscuits for young babies - or leave them out and simply layer strawberries and  yoghurt.

Ingredients

• Strawberries
• Yoghurt - a thick yoghurt works best. I use vegan yoghurt - I like coconut yoghurt or an oat Greek-style.
• Biscuits - can be subbed for granola - many shop bought biscuits are suitable for vegans but check the ingredients if you’re not sure. 
• Sprinkles - optional but always popular with kids. Healthier sprinkle ideas include freeze-dried raspberries, homemade coconut sprinkles or spelt or rice puffs. Grated chocolate also works well.

Sub other fruits/berries

Other berries work well in yoghurt parfait too.

We like blueberries, raspberries or a mix of different berries.

Use frozen fruit

You can use frozen berries to make this but bear in mind that as they defrost they will release more juice making it harder to maintain the layers.

Make it for breakfast

Replace the biscuits with granola and voila! You have a delicious and healthy breakfast to enjoy.

Special diets

• This is suitable for vegetarians.
• Use vegan yoghurt and biscuits to make it dairy and egg free.
• Use gluten free biscuits to make it gluten free.

Equipment

Yoghurt parfait is very simple to make. Here's what you'll need:

• Weighing scales - I prefer digital*
• Chopping board*
• Sharp knife*
• Glasses* for serving

Making ahead/storing

This parfait is best eaten straight away as the biscuits start to go soft as they soak in the yoghurt.

However, if you do need to make it ahead it can be stored in the fridge for a few hours. Leave the sprinkles off until you’re ready to serve as the colour can leak into the yoghurt.

More recipes you might like

• Blueberry breakfast parfait
• Berry compote
• Strawberry nice cream
• Rainbow fruit salad
• Watermelon pizza
• Homemade banana nice cream

How to make yoghurt parfait

Tips

• Make this just before serving for best results.
• Use a thick, creamy yoghurt. I use a thick coconut yoghurt or a dairy free oat-based Greek-style yoghurt to make mine.
• Experiment with different berries until you have your favourite combination.
• Get the kids to help!

Step-by-step instructions

1. Chop your strawberries and crumble your biscuits into small pieces.
   
2. Put a layer of strawberries on the bottom of your glass or dish.
   
3. Top with a layer of biscuits.
   
4. Spoon over some yoghurt.
   
5. Repeat the layers two or three times until the glass is full. Finish with a layer of yoghurt.
6. Top with sprinkles.
   

Pin yoghurt parfait for later