Tracy Hilton here from Food and Meal, excited to share with you one of my favorite healthy breakfast recipes – the bright and beautiful Lemon Granola Parfaits!
As a busy mom trying to juggle work, family, and everything in between, I’m always looking for nutritious breakfast ideas that I can make ahead. I discovered these protein-packed parfaits when prepping for one of my kids’ soccer tournaments and they were an instant hit! The combo of tangy lemon Greek yogurt, crunchy toasted granola, and fresh summer berries is simply delightful.
What I love most about these parfaits is how easily customizable they are. You can prepare the components in advance and layer them together for a quick, grab-and-go morning meal. Swap in different fruits depending on the season – blueberries, raspberries, sliced peaches. Sprinkle with different nuts and seeds for crunch. Drizzle with a bit of honey or maple syrup if you have a sweet tooth like me!
The lemony yogurt and granola base packs these parfaits with staying power to fuel your morning. The Greek yogurt provides a good hit of protein while the oats bring fiber and whole grains. Yet it still feels like a treat thanks to the sweet, juicy berries and that citrusy zing. I just can’t get enough!
Lemon Granola Parfaits recipes
Lemon Granola Parfaits
Ingredients
- 2 cups Greek yogurt of your choice, I used vanilla
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 lemon juice and zest
- 1/3 cup butter cut into cubes
- Cranberry pecan granola
Instructions
- Place the eggs, sugar, lemon juice and zest, and butter into a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook for another 2 minutes while still stirring, until the mixture has thickened to a pudding consistency. Remove from the heat.
- Strain the mixture through a sieve.
- Once the lemon cream has cooled, cover surface directly with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator.
- To assemble the parfaits, layer the yogurt, lemon cream and granola. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
The Solar Dance: Lemon Granola Parfaits through the Gaze of the Oven
In the delicate embrace of a heatproof bowl, positioned atop simmering water, the Lemon Curd comes to life, a symphony of eggs, sugar, and lemon zest and juice swirling into a golden-hued crescendo. Meanwhile, the oven, preheated to a gentle 325°F (163°C), awaits the Granola’s transformation. Spread upon a baking sheet and drizzled with honey, the granola basks in the oven’s warmth, each grain and nut blossoming into a radiant golden bloom over the course of 10 minutes. As the elements harmonize, glass jars become canvases for a layered symphony, where granola, lemon curd, and yogurt intertwine, each layer a verse in a silent melody of taste and texture. With a brief serenade in the oven, just 5 minutes to meld and unite, the layers whisper tales of citrus groves and earthy embraces. As they cool, the Lemon Granola Parfait finds its voice, each chilled bite a journey through the silent dance of dawn and the awakening grace of morning light.
Tips for making Lemon Granola Parfait
Serving Suggestions
Pair your refreshing Lemon Granola Parfait with a light and savory Spinach Quiche for a delightful brunch combination. Alternatively, enjoy it as a sweet and tangy dessert after indulging in a rich and comforting Seafood Miso Ramen. The parfait’s citrusy notes complement the seafood broth beautifully, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. For a more casual option, serve it alongside a classic Vanilla Oreo Cake for a sweet ending to any meal. Whether enjoyed on its own as a light snack or as part of a larger spread, this Lemon Granola Parfait adds a burst of freshness and texture to any foodandmeal.com gathering.
Cooking Tips
The key to delicious parfaits is high quality ingredients. I always opt for thick, Greek yogurt for plenty of protein to keep us fueled. And resist skimping on those fresh berries – their sweet summer flavor and vibrant colors are essential. As for the granola, go with rolled oats and nuts for hearty texture and healthy fats.
When layering everything together in jars or glasses, I like to start with a foundation of granola to soak up some of those lovely yogurt and fruit juices. Then alternate with dollops of lemony yogurt and handfuls of mixed berries. I top each parfait off with an extra sprinkling of granola for a bit of crunch in every bite.
These parfaits are such a fun, interactive breakfast when making them with my kids. We get creative with mix-ins like shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, or a swirl of honey. And they love helping to stir the lemon zest into the yogurt for an extra pop of sunshine sweetness.
FAQs of Lemon Granola Parfait
- Can I Prepare Lemon Granola Parfait the Night Before? Absolutely, the dance of flavors and textures finds a silent, profound depth when allowed to rest. Overnight, in the cool embrace of the refrigerator, each layer melds, and every bite the next morn is a deeper dive into the silent, soulful symphony of flavors.
- How to Store the Leftover Parfait? Embrace the silence of an airtight container, where in the cool hug of the refrigerator, the Lemon Granola Parfait’s silent symphony is preserved for up to 3 days, each day a deeper verse in the unfolding narrative of flavors.
- Can I Add Fruits to the Parfait? Indeed, slices of fresh fruits, especially berries, are like silent notes that amplify the melody, creating a dance where the zesty lemon, hearty granola, and the silent, sweet whisper of fruits create a harmonious ballet.
- Is Homemade Granola a Necessity? While homemade granola adds a personalized touch, a store-bought version, chosen with care and attention, can echo the silent, hearty embrace of the earth, weaving its own unique notes in the Lemon Granola Parfait’s silent symphony.
- Can I Replace Greek Yogurt with a Plant-Based Alternative? Yes, almond or coconut yogurt can step into this dance with grace, offering a dairy-free whisper that melds elegantly with the zesty lemon and hearty granola, crafting a vegan sonnet of awakening senses.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little foray into healthy, protein-packed breakfast ideas as much as I have. There’s just something so fun and satisfying about layering up these grab-and-go morning meals.
If you give these lemon yogurt parfaits a try, I’d love to hear how they turn out! Post a photo on Instagram and tag @foodandmeal so I can see your delicious creations. What fruit combo did you love best? Any favorite add-in mix-ins? I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy this treat.
And be sure to keep checking the Food and Meal blog for more wholesome breakfast inspiration, with plenty of make-ahead options for busy mornings. I’ll be sharing more of my favorite parfait recipes, overnight oats, smoothie bowls and more. Fueling up with protein and fiber sets us all up for a productive day!
I'm Tracy F Hilton, a devoted culinary professional shaped by a mix of natural aptitude and refined skills from a top culinary school. In the dynamic kitchen environment, I'm a catalyst for seamless operations and timely, high-quality dish preparation. My culinary creations are a blend of art and skill, offering visually and gustatorily delightful experiences. A learner at heart, I'm continuously honing my craft, embracing new techniques, and culinary innovations. My positive, collaborative nature is amplified in fast-paced settings, showcasing my commitment to team efficiency and guest satisfaction. Each dish I present is a meticulous blend of tradition and innovation, promising an unforgettable dining experience that marries taste, aroma, and aesthetic appeal in perfect harmony. Join me on a gastronomic journey where each bite encapsulates a rich, evolving narrative of flavors and culinary artistry.