One of our favorite ideas at Cooking Matters is using recipes as frameworks. One of our favorite kid-friendly recipe frameworks is this yogurt parfait. It’s simple, versatile, and a great way to stock up on fruits and whole grains for the day.
Though this is a light, cool breakfast, it’s loaded with fiber and protein, and it’s sure to keep you full all the way to lunchtime. This recipe calls for frozen fruit, but summer is a great time to support local agriculture and use fresh, local fruits like berries, melons, and peaches. You can use store-bought granola, make your own, or use any other high-fiber cereal you like. Looking for a heartier parfait? Use protein-rich Greek yogurt and add chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts.
These kid-approved parfaits are a great way to get kids involved in cooking and choosing their own foods— kids as young as four can help with this recipe!
4-5 year olds can help rinse fruit and layer parfait ingredients.
6-7 year olds can use a butter or pairing knife to slice soft fruits.
Everyone can help with clean up!
If you’re making this recipe with kids, let them choose their own fruits to add the ingredients themselves. Children are more likely to try new foods the more they’re involved in planning, shopping, and preparation. Cooking also helps with motor development and builds self-sufficiency skills.
Serving Size
Serves 6, 1 parfait per serving
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or thawed frozen fruit, such as bananas, strawberries, peaches, or mango
- 3 cups nonfat plain yogurt
- 1½ cups granola
Optional Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons sliced almonds
Materials
- 6 cups or bowls
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Sharp knife
Instructions
1. If using fresh fruit, rinse, peel, and/or trim as needed. If using thawed frozen fruit, drain any excess juices. Cut fruit into ¼-inch thick slices. There should be about 3 cups total.
2. Layer ¼ cup yogurt into each of 6 cups or bowls. Top with ¼ cup sliced fruit and 2 Tablespoons granola.
3. Repeat layers one more time, ending with a layer of granola.
4. If using, top with sliced almonds.
Chef’s Notes
- Layer parfait just before serving to keep granola crunchy.
- Use any high-fiber cereal you like instead of granola.
- Try topping with rinsed, chopped fresh mint leaves for extra flavor and color.
- To save money, use fresh fruits that are in season. When seasonal fruits are hard to find, use thawed frozen fruit.
- Use leftover fruit in Fruit Smoothies.
- Use Homemade Granola.
Did you know that Cooking Matters has stipends available for organizations that would like to offer classes to moms-to-be and caregivers of young children? Funding is available to assist with childcare, transportation, food costs, and other expenses. Check out our Cooking Matters page for more information about 6-session courses and grocery store tours, or email Alex if you’d like more information on the stipends available.