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This Strawberry Parfait is my way of taking yogurt and fruit to the next level. The cream-cheese yogurt mixture is lightly sweet, tangy, and very creamy. I could seriously just eat the yogurt layer with a spoon, but for these parfaits, I layer it with sliced strawberries and granola. It’s a great snack, but my kids will happily eat strawberry parfaits for dessert, too.
Table of Contents
The strawberry parfaits start with making the cream cheese yogurt mixture, which kind of tastes like a healthier cream cheese frosting and is lightly sweetened with honey. It gets whipped until it’s airy and creamy. The rest of the parfait is very straightforward: Basically, just layering the yogurt mixture with sliced strawberries and granola. While store-bought granola is totally great here, I’m also a huge fan of making homemade granola. It’s cheaper, and you can put whatever you want in it, including chocolate!
Recipe At a Glance
Cuisine Inspiration: American
Primary Cooking Method: No-cook
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
Key Flavor: Strawberries, yogurt, cream cheese
Skill Level: Easy
Why This Strawberry Parfait So Good!
- Totally adorable: Am I the only one who really loves individual-sized things? I’m guessing not! I like to assemble these strawberry parfaits in small clear glasses so you can see the layers.
- An anytime parfait: I know I said you can eat one of these parfaits for a snack or dessert, but it also makes a great breakfast!
- Base recipe: Really, this is just a starter recipe for making any kind of parfait you want! The yogurt-cream cheese blend can also be used as a fruit dip in general and stored in the fridge on its own!
Ingredients to Make Strawberry Parfait
- Strawberries: Use fresh strawberries. Frozen berries will get too soggy and won’t be as easy to slice (or as delicious to eat thawed!).
- Cream cheese: For the best flavor, I recommend full-fat cream cheese.
- Greek yogurt: I like using 2% or full-fat Greek yogurt to make the strawberry parfait because it holds well that way without any watery parts. It also adds a rich and creamy texture that you can’t get from plain yogurt.
- Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the tart flavor of the yogurt and acidity from the strawberries.
- Vanilla: If you’re a big vanilla fan, you can use double the amount this recipe calls for. You can also substitute vanilla paste!
- Granola: This crunchy topping is a great balance between the whipped yogurt and the strawberries. You can also make your own homemade granola. Any kind of crunchy topping, like nuts or seeds, would work here as well.
Popular Substitutions & Additions
- Add cocoa powder. You can make the cream cheese mixture chocolate-ty by adding a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder.
- Make it dairy-free. Feel free to substitute dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt.
- Layer in jam. For extra sweetness (and strawberry flavor) you can add a layer of strawberry jam or swirl it into the cream cheese mixture!
- Swirl in peanut butter. Strawberries and peanut butter are a natural match. You can drizzle the peanut butter on top and/or in between the parfait layers! I recommend using natural peanut butter until it’s smooth and runny.
How to Make a Strawberry Parfait
The best way to describe these strawberry parfaits? Layers and layers of flavor.
How to Make the Creamy Yogurt Layer
Assemble the Strawberry Parfait
Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Parfait
- Use 2% or full-fat plain Greek yogurt for this parfait. It is much more rich in flavor, and the consistency is perfect for whipping with honey without having too much water content. If you prefer, you can use a low-fat yogurt or one with a vanilla flavor.
- Build the parfaits just before serving for best results. The liquid from the strawberries will release and bleed into the yogurt so it looks best if layered just before enjoying.
- Hull the strawberries before slicing. Hulling the berries means slicing out the green tops and white core, which is tough and not tasty! I like to use a paring knife for this. You can read more about cutting strawberries here.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can store these strawberry parfaits in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend covering them with plastic wrap!
Your cream cheese should be room temp, without any random cold spots. If it’s too cold, it will be harder to mix, and you may end up with clumps. Also, make sure you don’t rush the mixing process and use a hand-held mixer if possible.
It may be hard to get a smooth consistency without a hand mixer or whisk. I highly recommend using a hand mixer. That being said, you could use a spoon or fork to get everything well mixed.
I think these strawberry parfaits are so good and just the right size for a pick-me-up…day or night! They are wonderful for summer entertaining and can easily be adapted to work with other fruits like peaches, blueberries, or bananas. I’d eat a fruit parfait every day if I could—and, honestly, during the summer, I do!
More Snack Recipes:
- Strawberry Pound Cake
- Chocolate Covered Pretzels
- Frozen Yogurt Bark
- 2-Ingredient Chia Jello
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Dip
- Healthy Banana Split
- Layered Strawberry Chia Pudding
- Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
If you try this feel good Strawberry Parfait recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. We would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!
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Strawberry Parfait
Video
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries washed, hulled, and sliced
- 1 cup granola store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese and use a hand mixer or whisk to whisk until light and fluffy.
- Add the Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract and continue to whisk until well blended.
- Layer the bottom of serving glasses or bowls with a spoonful of the cream cheese and Greek yogurt mixture. Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle a layer of granola over the strawberries. Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the serving glass or bowl, finishing with a dollop of the cream cheese mixture and a strawberry slice.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Equipment
Notes
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, use a fork or potato masher to mash the strawberries until they break down and release their liquid. Transfer the mashed strawberries to a strainer and strain the excess liquid. Reserve the liquid for smoothies or another use.
- Place the Greek yogurt and honey in another small bowl and whisk together until well combined.
- To assemble the parfait, divide the yogurt into 3-4 bowls. Top with the strawberry sauce and sprinkle the granola on top. Enjoy immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
