Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Parfait

Summer mornings used to mean rushing through breakfast until I discovered parfaits could make even a Tuesday feel like a spa day. There is something about the bright pop of lemon hitting cool creamy yogurt that just wakes everything up. My sister-in-law made these for brunch last spring and we all went silent for three minutes straight. Sometimes the simplest things are the ones that stick with you.

Last month I made these for a girls morning and everyone kept asking where I bought them. We sat on the porch drinking coffee and picking through the layers, someone mentioning how the granola stays crunchy way longer than expected. Now they request them every time we have brunch at my place.

Ingredients

• Greek yogurt: The thick texture holds up beautifully between layers without getting watery or sad
• Fresh lemon zest: This is where all the bright flavor comes from so do not skip it or use dried stuff
• Blueberries: Pick ones that are firm and deeply colored since they are going to be front and center
• Granola: Use something with clusters because they stay crunchy longest and look gorgeous in the layers

Instructions

Whisk the yogurt base:

Combine the yogurt with honey and lemon until it tastes bright and smooth without any streaks

Prep the berries:

Give them a quick rinse and pat them completely dry so they do not make everything soggy

Layer it up:

Spoon yogurt first then scatter berries and top with granola pressing gently but not smashing

Repeat and finish:

Keep going until your glasses are full then add a few extra berries on top for the pretty factor

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My youngest nephew actually asked if he could have breakfast dessert after seeing these in the fridge. Now he calls them sunshine cups and requests them whenever he sleeps over. Watching him carefully excavate each layer is just the best thing ever.

Make It Ahead

You can mix the lemon yogurt and wash the berries the night before no problem at all. I keep the yogurt in one container and the berries in another then layer them fresh in the morning. Just hold off on the granola until you are ready to serve or it loses all its crunch.

Serving Ideas

These work for everything from fancy brunch to midnight snacks and nobody ever says no to them. I have served them in wine glasses for dinner parties and in mason jars for a casual breakfast bowl situation. Fresh mint on top makes everything look fancier than it actually is.

Simple Swaps

Raspberries or strawberries work just as well when blueberries are not in season. You could also try sliced peaches in summer or diced apples with cinnamon when the weather turns cool. The lemon yogurt base plays nice with basically any fruit you have sitting around.

• Dairy-free yogurt works perfectly fine here just look for one without weird aftertaste
• Gluten-free granola keeps it friendly without losing any of the crunch
• A little mascarpone mixed into the yogurt makes it feel extra special

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Every time I make these I am reminded that pretty food does not have to be complicated or take all day. Sometimes you just need something bright and fresh to make the morning feel a little more special.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use other berries instead of blueberries?

Yes, raspberries or strawberries can be substituted for a different fruity twist.

→ How do I make the yogurt layer more flavorful?

Mixing honey with fresh lemon zest and juice into Greek yogurt enhances its brightness and sweetness.

→ Are there options for dietary restrictions?

You can use dairy-free yogurt and gluten-free granola to suit vegan or gluten-sensitive diets.

→ What is the best way to assemble the parfait?

Layer lemon yogurt, followed by blueberries, then granola, repeating until glasses are filled, finishing with a granola sprinkle.

→ How should I serve this parfait for best texture?

Serve immediately after assembling to maintain the granola's crunch and the freshness of the fruit.