Apple parfaits are a fun way to add another crunchy texture to a fruit parfait using finely chopped apples as a main layer. This fruity parfait recipe makes two easy servings with other key ingredients of granola, hemp hearts, and pumpkin pie spice.
Apple parfaits take only a few minutes to make, and you can prepare them a few days ahead of time to have a little bite to grab on hand.
How to Make an Apple Parfait
First, have two cups you’d like to use for your apple parfait servings, which will make about 1 1/2 cups each. You can use mason jars, sorbet cups, or even just a stemless red wine glass. (Just for looks, layered parfaits are beautiful, so a glass cup would be great to show off the layers!)
For this apple yogurt parfait recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients: 1 or 2 small Fuji apples, 1/2 cup granola, 1 to 2 cups Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of hemp hearts, 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.)
These ingredients are very flexible. You can substitute any type of apple you’d like. And the exact amount of ingredients you use in each layer can be tailored to your tastes and you cup size. So, for example, if you have smaller cups, you may only need 1 small apple, or if you have large cups you may need two.
- ½ cup granola
- 1-2 cups Greek yogurt
- 1-2 Fuji apples
- 2 Tablespoon Hemp hearts
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom)
You can use either store bought or homemade granola. If you want to make your own homemade granola, try our Chunky Coconut Cranberry Granola recipe!
Assembling an Apple Parfait
Putting together an apple parfait is very easy. You can’t really mess it up. You simply layer the ingredients as you like.
Here’s a good layering for the ingredients with this recipe. Start with a layer of granola, about 1/4 cup in each serving glass.
Then add a thick layer of yogurt, filling about 1/3 of the cup. Smooth the yogurt to the edges of the glass.
Chop about 1/2 cup of apples and add the finely chopped bits to the yogurt as you next layer. If you’re making your parfait ahead of time to each later, consider coating your chopped apple with a little lemon juice to keep them from browning.
Then, sprinkle with about 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and 1 tablespoon of hemp hearts (which add a nutty flavor) into each cup.
Want another morning recipe using hemp hearts? Try a Banana Berry Hemp Heart Smoothie!
Next, add a final layer of yogurt to fill the cup, again spreading evenly as you would icing a cake.
Finally, top your apple crisp parfait with a little more granola and a dash of spice!
How to Serve Apple Crisp Parfaits
You can eat these apple parfaits immediately or chill for a few days in the refrigerator. With their nutty flavor, crunchy apple bits, and seasoning, these taste bit like a yogurt version of apple pie!
The flavors of an apple pie parfait are perfect to serve in the fall and around the holiday season, such as for a Thanksgiving parfait, but you can serve them any time of year. They are ideal for a morning bit or afternoon snack!
Apple Parfait
Equipment
- 2 parfait glasses or mason jars
Ingredients
- ½ cup granola
- 1-2 cups Greek yogurt
- 1-2 Fuji apples
- 2 Tablespoon Hemp hearts
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom)
Instructions
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of granola to each of two parfait cups.
- Spread a layer of Greek yogurt to fill each cup about half way.
- Finely chop a fuji apple after removing the seeds and stem. Add a layer of finely chopped apple to each cup (about 2 – 3 tablespoons). Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of hemp seeds and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon) on each layer of apples.
- Spread a second layer of Greek yogurt on top of the apples, coating evenly.
- Top with a dusting of pumpkin pie spice and granola. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 2 -3 days.
How Long Do Fruit Parfaits Last in the Fridge?
Fruit parfaits can last about 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator. To keep your granola crunchy, you can add it as a top layer right before serving instead of including it as a middle or bottom layer. If you’re using chopped apples for your yogurt parfait, consider using a splash of lemon juice on them to keep them from browning.
What Is Parfait Made Of?
A parfait in the U.S. is traditionally made with layers of yogurt and fruit (such as blueberries or strawberries) as well as other ingredients like granola, honey, or chopped nuts. You can also add toasted coconut or spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom, among many other ingredients.
What’s the Difference Between Yogurt and Parfait?
Yogurt is essentially a culture of fermented milk using sugars. It has a thick, creamy texture. Parfaits use yogurt as one ingredient, but a parfait is typically a layered blend of several other ingredients like fruits, nuts, and granola in a small cup.