Save This vibrant cherry parfait has become my morning ritual during cherry season, transforming ordinary breakfast into a celebration of color and flavor. The contrast between sweet-tart cherries, creamy yogurt, and chocolate-infused crunch creates a perfect harmony that works equally well as a nutritious breakfast or elegant dessert.
I created this recipe during a particularly abundant cherry harvest when my kitchen counter was overflowing with these ruby gems. My intention was a quick breakfast, but it quickly became our favorite summer dessert for impromptu gatherings.
Ingredients
- Fresh or frozen cherries: Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color. Look for plump, firm cherries with glossy skin and intact stems when buying fresh.
- Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy, protein-rich layer that balances the sweetness. Choose full-fat for maximum creaminess or lower-fat options for a lighter parfait.
- Rolled oats: Forms the foundation of the granola. Select thick-cut old-fashioned oats rather than quick-cooking for better texture.
- Cocoa powder: Adds chocolate flavor without excessive sweetness. Dutch-processed cocoa offers a deeper color and smoother flavor.
- Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that complement both the fruit and cocoa elements. Local honey adds subtle floral notes.
- Nuts: Provides protein and satisfying crunch. Toast them lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Orange segments: Adds brightness and citrus notes that complement cherries beautifully. Blood oranges create an even more dramatic color when in season.
Instructions
- Prepare the cherry mixture:
- Combine halved cherries with honey or maple syrup and a splash of lemon juice in a medium bowl. The acid from the lemon brightens the flavor while the sweetener draws out the cherry juices, creating a luscious syrup. Allow this mixture to sit for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Just before assembly, gently fold in the orange segments to maintain their integrity.
- Create the cocoa crunch:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine oats, cocoa powder, chopped nuts, and salt, ensuring even distribution. Warm the coconut oil or butter until just melted, then whisk in the maple syrup or honey. Pour this liquid mixture over the dry ingredients, using a spatula to coat everything thoroughly. Spread in a thin, even layer on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through. Watch carefully in the final minutes as the cocoa can burn quickly. The granola will still seem slightly soft when removed from the oven but will crisp up as it cools completely.
- Prepare the yogurt layer:
- In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt with vanilla extract, stirring until smooth and evenly flavored. If using plain yogurt, taste and add a small amount of honey if desired for additional sweetness.
- Assemble the parfaits:
- Select clear glasses or jars to showcase the beautiful layers. Begin with a generous spoonful of yogurt, spreading it to create an even base. Top with a colorful layer of the cherry-orange mixture, allowing some of the juices to drip down the sides for visual appeal. Sprinkle a layer of cocoa crunch granola, being careful not to press down too firmly. Repeat the layers, finishing with cocoa crunch on top for maximum visual impact and textural contrast.
Save The cherries are truly the star of this recipe. I discovered that macerating them briefly transforms even slightly underripe cherries into juicy gems. During one memorable brunch, my usually picky niece devoured two full parfaits and declared cherries her new favorite fruit after previously refusing them for years.
Make-Ahead Options
The beauty of this parfait lies in its versatility for busy schedules. You can prepare all components up to three days in advance and store them separately. The cocoa crunch granola stays perfectly crisp in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Cherry mixture can be refrigerated for up to three days, though the oranges are best added just before serving. For grab-and-go breakfasts, assemble parfaits the night before but reserve the final granola layer to add just before eating to maintain its satisfying crunch.
Seasonal Adaptations
While cherries create the signature sunrise effect, this parfait template works beautifully year-round with seasonal substitutions
Summer strawberries or blueberries provide equally vibrant color
Fall parfaits shine with cinnamon-spiced apples or pears
Winter citrus medleys create bright flavor when cherries are out of season
The cocoa crunch remains delicious with all fruit variations, but consider adding warming spices like cinnamon or cardamom during colder months.
Nutritional Benefits
This parfait delivers impressive nutritional balance while feeling like an indulgent treat. The Greek yogurt provides protein and calcium while cherries offer vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. The cocoa powder isn't just delicious it contains flavanols that support heart health. The nuts and oats contribute fiber, healthy fats, and sustained energy. For those monitoring sugar intake, the natural sweeteners can be reduced slightly as the fruit provides natural sweetness.
Save Allow the granola to cool completely before storing to maintain maximum crispness. Even slight warmth can create condensation and softening. For special occasions, layer the parfait in champagne flutes for an elegant presentation that showcases the vibrant colors. If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain excess liquid before macerating to prevent watery parfaits.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep the granola crunchy when layering?
Allow the cocoa granola to cool completely before layering to keep it crisp. Layer just before serving for best texture.
- → Can I substitute other fruits for cherries?
Yes, berries or stone fruits like peaches work well. Adjust sweetness to match the fruit's natural flavor.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegan diets?
Simply use plant-based yogurt and maple syrup to prepare a fully vegan option without compromising flavor.
- → Can the cocoa crunch be made ahead?
Yes, prepare in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Assemble parfaits just before serving.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the parfait is safe for those avoiding gluten.