Delicious Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits: A Healthy & Easy Recipe with Graham Cracker Crumble
Summer has officially arrived, bringing with it longer days, sunshine, and the joyous sound of children playing – or in my case, happily at home full-time! While I cherish every moment with my kids, keeping them entertained and my sanity intact often requires a good strategy. One of my favorite approaches is inviting them into the kitchen. It’s a wonderful way to teach them valuable life skills, encourage healthy eating habits, and create lasting memories. Plus, when we’re making a sweet treat, their enthusiasm is absolutely contagious!
This recipe is proudly sponsored by Go Bold With Butter, celebrating the goodness of real dairy.
Just the other afternoon, a craving for something sweet hit us all. I wanted a treat that felt indulgent but wasn’t overly heavy, something that blended the joy of dessert with the benefits of a healthy snack. That’s how these incredible Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits came to life. They strike the perfect balance: fresh, vibrant strawberries and protein-rich Greek yogurt meet a luscious whipped cream and a truly delightful, buttery graham cracker crumble. The kids devoured them, and honestly, so did I! They’re the kind of simple pleasure that makes summer days even sweeter.
These parfaits are more than just a dessert; they’re a testament to how easy and fun it can be to create wholesome, delicious treats at home. Each spoonful offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, from the juicy burst of strawberries to the smooth creaminess of the yogurt and the satisfying crunch of the crumble. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite, perfect for hot summer afternoons or any time you need a little pick-me-up.
How to Assemble the Best Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits
Creating these strawberry yogurt parfaits is incredibly straightforward, involving three key components that layer beautifully into individual servings. They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be prepared a few hours in advance. Whether you choose elegant glass jars or convenient plastic cups, these parfaits are always a crowd-pleaser.
Component 1: Fresh, Seasonal Berries
For these parfaits, I opted for strawberries because June blesses us with an abundance of them. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness pair wonderfully with the other ingredients. When selecting strawberries, look for bright red berries with green caps that are firm and plump. For optimal flavor, use them within a few days of purchase. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your fruit choices! These parfaits are incredibly versatile and can be customized with whatever fresh fruit you have on hand or what’s in season. Consider:
- Raspberries: For a more intense tartness and vibrant color.
- Blueberries: Adding a milder sweetness and a lovely pop of blue.
- Sliced Peaches or Nectarines: If you’re looking for a softer, juicier texture and a classic summer flavor.
- Pitted Cherries: For a sophisticated touch and deeper, richer notes.
- Mixed Berries: A combination of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries creates a fantastic medley of flavors and antioxidants.
Simply wash and slice your chosen fruit to ensure easy layering and enjoyment in every bite.
Component 2: Light & Creamy Yogurt Whipped Cream
Initially, I considered a no-bake cheesecake filling for this recipe, but a last-minute decision to swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt proved to be a stroke of genius. The result is a lighter, tangier, and utterly irresistible cream that truly elevates these parfaits!
This luscious filling is made by combining classic whipping cream with a touch of sugar and vanilla extract, then folding in generous amounts of thick Greek yogurt. The Greek yogurt provides a wonderful tanginess that cuts through the sweetness, making the cream feel incredibly fresh and balanced. It’s super creamy and smooth, with a delicate sweetness that perfectly complements the fruit and crumble. An added bonus? It’s incredibly easy to prepare in a single bowl, eliminating the need to wait for cream cheese to soften or deal with extra steps.
For the best results, ensure your whipping cream is very cold. You can even chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before whipping to achieve maximum volume and stiffness. Once the cream is whipped to medium peaks, gently fold in the Greek yogurt to maintain that airy texture.
Component 3: Irresistible Graham Cracker Crumble
While I adore every element of these parfaits, this homemade graham cracker crumble might just be my absolute favorite part. It’s the textural contrast and buttery flavor that truly makes this dessert shine. Forget just crushing graham crackers; this crumble takes it to a whole new level!
The crumble is a simple yet brilliant mixture of crushed graham cracker crumbs, rich butter, granulated sugar, a little all-purpose flour for structure, and a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Getting the kids involved in smashing the graham crackers in a plastic bag with a rolling pin is a fantastic, fun activity that everyone enjoys. Once combined, the mixture is spread onto a sheet pan and baked until golden brown and fragrant. As it cools, it magically transforms into crunchy, buttery clusters, ready to be broken into delightful chunks. This baking step is crucial, as it toasts the graham crackers and caramelizes the sugar, creating a depth of flavor and a crispness that crushed crackers alone cannot achieve.
This crumble provides a sweet, crunchy counterpoint to the soft fruit and creamy yogurt layers. It’s reminiscent of a perfectly baked graham cracker pie crust, but in a more dynamic, textural form. You’ll find yourself wanting to snack on this crumble all by itself!
The Importance of Real Dairy in Our Diets
At my children’s annual checkups, their pediatrician consistently asks about their daily milk intake, emphasizing its role in providing essential calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. These nutrients are vital for healthy bone development, immune system function, and overall growth. Beyond drinking milk, I make a conscious effort to integrate other real dairy products into our family’s diet, such as cheese and, of course, yogurt.
These delicious berry parfaits, rich with yogurt, whipped cream, and butter in the crumble, are a fantastic way to help us meet those daily dairy goals. Not only are they incredibly tasty, but they also contribute significantly to a well-rounded diet. Dairy products offer a unique package of nutrients that work synergistically to support various bodily functions. Calcium is crucial for strong bones and teeth, vitamin D aids in calcium absorption, and potassium helps maintain fluid balance and blood pressure. By incorporating dairy into enjoyable recipes like these parfaits, it becomes effortless and delicious to ensure our family gets the nutrients they need.
You can learn more about the profound importance of milk and dairy in a healthy diet by visiting this helpful resource.
Help Fight Childhood Hunger This Summer
As summer unfolds, it brings a harsh reality for many families: childhood hunger. It’s a sobering fact that milk, despite being one of the most requested items at food banks, is also one of the least donated. This is particularly critical during the summer months when school is out, and over 18 million children who rely on school meal programs lose access to the nutrient-rich milk their growing bodies desperately need.
Milk provides essential protein, calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients crucial for children’s development and well-being. The absence of these vital nutrients can have long-lasting impacts on their health and ability to learn. By addressing this gap, we can make a significant difference in the lives of these vulnerable children.
How can you contribute to this important cause? The most direct way to help is by giving to your local food bank. Many food banks have programs specifically designed to provide milk and other perishable items. You can also make a convenient online donation here. Even a small contribution, such as a $5 donation, can help deliver gallons of fresh, nutrient-packed milk to a food bank in your community, providing much-needed sustenance to children during these challenging months. Your support can truly make a difference in nourishing a child and giving them the healthy start they deserve.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
To make these parfaits smoothly and efficiently, here are a few tools that will come in handy:
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing the crumble and the yogurt whipped cream.
- Electric Mixer: Handheld or stand mixer will work perfectly for whipping the cream to perfection.
- Sheet Pan: Essential for baking the graham cracker crumble until golden and crunchy.
- Small Jars or Cups: To beautifully layer and serve your parfaits. Glass canning jars (like mason jars) or decorative dessert cups are ideal.
- Rolling Pin: For crushing graham crackers, a fun task for little helpers!
- Spatula or Whisk: For folding in the yogurt and mixing ingredients.
Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits with Graham Cracker Crumble
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review
Ingredients
Graham cracker crumble:
- 1 sleeve graham crackers (10 full sheets), crushed
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (75 grams), melted
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (60 grams)
- Pinch of salt
Yogurt whipped cream:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (500 ml)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups Greek yogurt (570 grams)
To assemble parfaits:
- 1 lb fresh strawberries (455 grams), sliced
Instructions
To make the graham cracker crumble:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
-
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and resemble coarse crumbs. Spread the mixture out evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake until lightly golden brown and fragrant, about 10 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
-
Allow the crumble to cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will crisp up. Once completely cooled, break it up into delightful, irregular chunks. Store in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to use.
To make the yogurt whipping cream:
-
In a large, chilled bowl, using an electric mixer (with chilled beaters, if possible), beat the heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until it begins to thicken and soft peaks form.
-
Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat. Once the sugar is incorporated, add the vanilla extract and continue beating until medium peaks are achieved (the cream should hold its shape but still be soft).
-
Gently fold in the Greek yogurt in two additions using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. Mix just until combined and smooth. Keep refrigerated until ready to assemble.
To assemble parfaits:
-
Begin layering your parfaits in small jars or decorative cups. Start with a spoonful of graham cracker crumble at the bottom, followed by a layer of creamy yogurt whipped cream, and then a generous portion of fresh sliced strawberries. Repeat the layers until your jar or cup is full, finishing with a flourish of strawberries and crumble on top.
-
Serve these delightful parfaits immediately for the best texture and crunch from the crumble. If you need to prepare them slightly in advance, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 hours. Beyond this time, the graham cracker crumble may start to lose its crispness and become a bit soggy.
Notes & Pro Tips
- Yogurt Variation: For a slightly sweeter and more convenient option, vanilla flavored Greek yogurt can be used in place of plain Greek yogurt. If you opt for vanilla yogurt, you might want to omit or reduce the granulated sugar and vanilla extract in the whipped cream, tasting as you go to achieve your desired sweetness level.
- Fruit Flexibility: These parfaits are incredibly adaptable! While strawberries are fantastic, feel free to experiment with any fresh fruit you love or have on hand, like raspberries, blueberries, sliced peaches, nectarines, or pitted cherries. A mix of seasonal berries works wonderfully.
- Make Ahead Strategy (for maximum freshness): All components of this parfait can be made ahead of time and stored separately for optimal freshness and texture.
- Graham Cracker Crumble: Store the cooled crumble in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or even longer. This ensures it stays delightfully crunchy.
- Yogurt Whipped Cream: Keep the prepared yogurt whipped cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Give it a gentle whisk before layering if it has settled slightly.
- Fresh Fruit: While I prefer to slice fresh fruit just before assembly for the brightest flavor and appearance, sliced berries can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For stone fruits like peaches, you might want to toss them with a tiny squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.
Assemble the parfaits just before serving to ensure the graham cracker crumble remains perfectly crisp.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish your parfaits with a whole strawberry, a few fresh mint leaves, or a light sprinkle of powdered sugar.
We hope these Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits become a beloved addition to your summer menu. They are incredibly versatile, offering endless possibilities for customization with different fruits and flavors. They embody the joy of simple, homemade treats that nourish both body and soul, bringing smiles to faces young and old. Enjoy creating these delightful layers of goodness!
Disclosure: This recipe was lovingly created in partnership with Go Bold With Butter. We extend our sincere gratitude for supporting partnerships with brands we genuinely love and believe in, as these collaborations make Completely Delicious possible. All opinions and enthusiasm expressed here are, as always, 100% our own. To explore more about Go Bold With Butter and their commitment to real dairy, you can visit their website here. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more delicious inspiration.