Yogurt parfait recipe for a healthy and simple breakfast solution! Fresh cherry compote layered with creamy yogurt and crunchy granola.
I gave in and purchased a few pounds of bing cherries. Besides grabbing a huge handful and devouring them all in a matter of minutes, I’m going to share with you the easiest way to make them even more irresistible.
If you are a cherry fanatic and need an excuse to eat them first thing in the morning, you’re going to love this healthy cherry yogurt parfait recipe! I created a simple two-ingredient compote to add between each creamy yogurt layer.
Aren’t these fresh bing cherries gorgeous? What is your favorite variety of cherries? If you’re going to take the time to remove the pits from cherries, why not spend a few more minutes to make a luscious cherry compote! All you have to do is simmer the cherries with a squeeze of fresh orange juice, and it’s done in under 10 minutes.
The cherries become tender, and the juices concentrate into a gorgeous light sauce. No refined sugar or thickening ingredients. All-natural yumminess! You’re going to be mad at me for sharing this recipe with you. Why? It tastes like cherry pie! (Inner kid squealing and doing the happy dance)
Customization is the name of the game! I started with a thick vanilla bean Greek-style yogurt, added the fresh cherry compote (it was still warm!), some homemade granola, plus sliced almonds and pumpkin seeds. Creamy, fruity, crunchy and healthy!
If you are in a rush in the morning, you can meal prep these parfaits the night before. Just add them to a small resealable jar or container and just grab and go! Keep the granola on top separate and add it later if you like it nice and crispy.
Oh and don’t forget about that cherry compote! You can add it to just about anything, and you’re going to want to! Waffles, pancakes, smoothies, ice cream, poultry, with crackers, you name it, it’s so good. How will you build your perfect parfait?
What is Compote?
Compotes are a cooked fruit sauce that contains whole or cut pieces of fruit, so it’s beautiful and chunky. You can use dried or fresh fruit. The sauce is typically cooked in sweetened syrup and spices if desired. You want tender pieces of fruit that maintain most of its shape after cooking. I used fresh cherries which have a little amount of natural pectin. I was going for a thinner concentrated sauce (not a thick set jelly), all I needed was some sweetness and acidity from the orange juice and heat to help lightly thicken the juices to coat the cooked cherries nicely. Since there is no refined sugar to lower the water activity of the compote, it will only be good for a few days in the refrigerator to maintain it’s freshness.
Yogurt Parfait with Cherries
Ingredients
- 2 cups bing cherries, pitted and cut in half
- zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 cup yogurt, or greek yogurt (dairy, soy, coconut, cashew)
- ½ cup granola
Instructions
- In a small saucepan add cherries, orange zest, and juice. Heat over medium heat until bubbling, then reduce to medium-low heat.
- Simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes, lightly mashing the fruit and occasionally stirring until cherries are tender, and compote is slightly concentrated and can coat the cherries.
- Cool if desired before topping, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days.
- In a medium-sized cup or jar, layer ¼ cup of yogurt, then ¼ cup cherry compote, 2 tablespoons granola, then repeat layer one more time.
- Taste the compote and add any additional sweetener like agave, maple syrup, or honey as needed.
- Enjoy immediately or cover and enjoy the next day.
Equipment
Nutrition Facts
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
Daryl says
These were so good! Super easy to make, delicious, and healthy. I also enjoy these with blueberries, bananas, and strawberries. I reviewed this on my YouTube channel, The Real Deal Recipe Reviews, where I always try to make recipes as written and give honest reviews. I highly recommend these parfaits.
Jessica Gavin says
I appreciate you trying the parfait recipe and sharing your review with your audience! Can’t wait to see what else you make.
angelica says
Hi J
Love your informed recipes, so helpful. Can I use frozen cherries for the compote?
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Angelica! You can absolutely use frozen cherries, I think it will still taste great!
Maggie Morris says
Jessica. Just made a new batch – going to try it on grilled salmon this evening. And there is always vanilla ice cream? . Thanks for all your great recipes.
Jessica Gavin says
Cherry compote on grilled salmon sounds incredible Maggie! How did it turn out? Thank you for making the recipes 🙂
Maggie Morris says
Jessica,
The compote was great on the grilled salmon. I just gently rewarmed it up in the microwave. Thanks again for all your great recipes!
Maggie
Jessica Gavin says
I will definitely have to try the compote on the salmon now, Monday’s are our salmon nights 🙂 Thanks Maggie!
Katie Kruse says
Wow this is so good!!! I loved the compote. My sis is cooking her own batch right now!!! We are going to be making a big big batch for our family get together!!! Thanks again!
Jessica Gavin says
Yay Katie! I love how you cook together even though you are far away. You ladies are the best! So happy to hear you liked the cherry compote, put it on everything!
Maggie Morris says
This compote is wonderful. A great healthy addition to Greek yogurt. Thanks for a timely recipe for wonderful Bing cherries.
Jessica Gavin says
Yay Maggie! I’m so glad you enjoyed the cherry compote, aren’t the cherries so delicious right now? I’d love to hear anything else you add it too 🙂