Are you looking for a dessert that is luxurious, incredibly quick to prepare, and guilt-free?
Forget the long hours spent in the kitchen.
Introducing the Caramelized Greek Yogurt Parfait: the Quick and Crunchy Dessert, the perfect solution for an indulgent breakfast, an energetic snack, or a quick dessert ready in under 5 minutes.
Greek yogurt, creamy and protein-packed, is the perfect canvas for bold flavors.
In this recipe, I elevate it to the next level with the addition of a sweet caramel sauce that envelops every spoonful.
But the real secret that makes this parfait an unforgettable experience is the crunchy contrast: a mix of toasted seeds and nuts (pumpkin, sesame, walnuts, and cashews) that adds an irresistible crunch to every bite.
Whether you have unexpected guests or simply want to treat yourself, this dessert proves that true satisfaction comes from the simplest and best-garnished things.
Are you ready to mix, garnish, and enjoy?
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- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Rest time: 2 Hours
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: No cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
- Energy 320.59 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 30.48 (g) of which sugars 25.90 (g)
- Proteins 17.66 (g)
- Fat 15.27 (g) of which saturated 5.93 (g)of which unsaturated 3.56 (g)
- Fibers 2.14 (g)
- Sodium 208.30 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 255 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 28 oz Greek yogurt
- 8 tablespoons caramel
- 4 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- 4 tablespoons sesame seeds (Toasted)
- 4 tablespoons walnuts
- 4 tablespoons cashews
- 1 pinch salt
Tools
- 1 Teaspoon
- 4 Dessert cups Glasmark
Steps
Crunchy Base and First Yogurt Layer
Take the four dessert cups you have chosen for your parfait.
In a small bowl, mix almost all your nut and seed mix (pumpkin seeds, walnuts, cashews, and toasted sesame), setting aside only what you need for the final decoration.
On the bottom of each cup, distribute about a generous tablespoon of your crunchy base to create the first layer.
Immediately cover this layer with a generous amount of Greek yogurt, gently leveling.
Caramel and Flavor Layering
Add the first touch of sweetness: drizzle a little caramel sauce over the yogurt layer in each cup.
To fully enjoy the contrast of textures, add another layer of the crunchy base and then another layer of Greek yogurt and more caramel.
The goal is to alternate layers to ensure each spoonful contains all the elements.
Completion and Covering
Continue adding layers of Greek yogurt, caramel, and crunchy base until you have used all the ingredients (except for the final decoration set aside).
The final layer should be Greek yogurt.
Once layering is complete, cover each cup with plastic wrap to prevent air from getting in and chill the parfaits in the refrigerator.
Resting Time
Let the covered parfaits rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
If possible, leave them for an hour or even overnight.
This rest is crucial: it allows the caramel to sink, flavors to meld, and seeds to slightly soften while maintaining a pleasant crunch.
Decoration and Tasting
Just before serving, remove the plastic wrap.
Decorate the top of each parfait with the handful of toasted sesame seeds, walnuts, and cashews you set aside for visual appeal and extra crunch.
Now it’s time to enjoy: your Caramelized Greek Yogurt Parfait is ready for breakfast, a healthy after-dinner dessert, or a rich snack.
To keep your Caramelized Greek Yogurt Parfait varied and tailored to your needs, try these suggestions.
Tips, Variations, and Storage
Tips and Variations
Sweetness Variations: If you prefer less intense sweetness or want a healthier version, you can replace the caramel sauce with maple syrup or honey (chestnut honey adds an interesting bitter note).
For Fruit Lovers: In the middle layer, you can add a tablespoon of fresh fruit pieces, like blueberries, raspberries, or thin banana slices.
For Extra Crunch: If you don’t have seeds available, you can use crunchy granola or simple crushed cookies for the base while maintaining a great contrast.
Light Yogurt: If you’re looking for a low-fat version, use 0% or 2% fat Greek yogurt; it’s still creamy and will maintain a high protein content.
Storage
In the Refrigerator: Once assembled and covered with plastic wrap, the parfait can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Important: It’s crucial to consume it within this time frame, as the nuts and seeds will start to soften, and the yogurt may lose its freshness. Ideally, prepare it the night before for the next day’s breakfast.
Do Not Freeze:
This dessert is not suitable for freezing.
Greek yogurt would drastically change its texture, becoming grainy and watery once thawed.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the Greek Yogurt Parfait
Can I prepare the Parfait in advance for a party or buffet?
Absolutely yes! In fact, it’s recommended.
Prepare the parfaits at most the night before and leave them covered in the fridge.
This ensures the yogurt is well chilled, and the flavors have melded.
Add the final crunchy decoration (seeds, nuts) only at the last minute before serving.
What can I use instead of caramel?
You can replace the caramel with any other liquid sweetener you like.
The best alternatives are honey (which adds a floral note) or maple syrup (which has a more woody and less sweet taste).
Both options pair excellently with Greek yogurt and toasted seeds.
Can I use regular plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can, but the dessert’s texture will be different.
Greek yogurt is much denser and firmer, which allows for well-defined layers and prevents a “watery” effect.
Regular plain yogurt is more liquid and will tend to mix with the crunchy layers more quickly.
For the best result, we always recommend Greek yogurt.
What is the secret to maintaining the crunch of the seeds?
The secret is in two steps: Toasting: Lightly toast the seeds in a pan before using them to enhance their flavor and make them crunchier.
Short Rest: Don’t leave the parfaits to rest for too many hours. If left for more than 24 hours, the base will soften.
For maximum crunch, consume within 1-2 hours of preparation, or add most of the crunchy mix halfway through the resting time.
