This fruit parfait layers Greek yogurt sweetened with honey and vanilla with a homemade chia jam that works with fresh or frozen fruit!
Breakfast doesn’t always have to be eggs and sausage. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good, protein packed breakfast sandwich, but there is something about a fresh fruit parfait made with a homemade chia jam that kicks your day off on the right foot. Jared doesn’t eat eggs so over the years, I have had to become pretty creative about how to add protein into his breakfast while also offering him nutritious options that will keep him fueled until lunch. Enter, my Homemade Fruit Parfait with Chia Jam – a delightful breakfast or treat crafted with all-natural ingredients and free from refined sugar. This delectable parfait is sweetened with a touch of honey and infused with the aromatic essence of vanilla.
The star of the show is the homemade chia jam, a versatile creation that pairs beautifully with both fresh berries and frozen will work great, offering a burst of flavor in every spoonful. You can use whatever type of fruit you prefer, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, peaches, or cherries, the options are endless for this yogurt parfait.
This parfait is perfect for brunch gatherings or as a higher-protein breakfast option for meal prep. Not only is it delicious and versatile, but it is also a hit with the little ones (Madi Jo is obsessed with this one). If you’re looking for a more savory option for breakfast, don’t worry, I have plenty of options for those too like my Easy Eggs Benedict Casserole! Additionally, this parfait can be served alongside my Sourdough Waffles or Banana Blueberry Baked Oatmeal for a delicious breakfast the whole family will love.
BENEFITS OF GREEK YOGURT
Greek yogurt has several benefits that make it a popular choice for breakfast and snacks. We prefer using full fat Greek yogurt as it has more benefits, but if you are wanting to use low-fat Greek yogurt for this recipe, that is completely fine as well and will turn out great. Here are some reasons why we love using Greek yogurt as part of our daily diet:
- High Protein Content: Greek yogurt is packed with protein, making it an excellent choice for those looking to boost their protein intake. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, helps keep you feeling full longer, and supports overall energy levels throughout the day.
- Rich in Probiotics: Many types of Greek yogurt contain live and active cultures, which are beneficial bacteria that support gut health. These probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, aiding in digestion and potentially boosting immune function.
- Low in Sugar: Compared to flavored yogurts or other dairy products, plain Greek yogurt tends to have lower sugar content. This makes it a healthier option, especially for those watching their sugar intake or managing conditions like diabetes.
- Source of Calcium: Greek yogurt is a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. Incorporating it into your diet can contribute to meeting your daily calcium needs.
- Versatility: Greek yogurt is incredibly versatile and can be used in various recipes. It serves as a creamy base for smoothies, can be mixed with fruits and nuts for a nutritious snack, or used as a topping for granola or parfaits.
- Satiety: The combination of protein and healthy fats in Greek yogurt can help promote feelings of fullness and satisfaction, which may prevent overeating and support weight management goals.
Overall, Greek yogurt is a nutrient-dense food that offers a range of health benefits, making it a smart addition to a balanced diet.
GET THAT FRUIT IN
Fruit often gets a bad rap due to its natural sugar content, but there are several reasons why it’s far from being labeled as “bad”. First and foremost, yes, fruits contain sugars, but these are natural sugars accompanied by fiber, water, and nutrients. The fiber in fruits slows down the absorption of sugars, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels compared to added sugars found in processed foods.
Many fruits have high water content, which helps with hydration. Proper hydration is crucial for overall well-being, including maintaining healthy skin, supporting digestion, and regulating body temperature.
Fruits are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways—fresh, dried, blended into smoothies, added to salads, or used as toppings for yogurt or oatmeal. This versatility makes it easy to incorporate fruits into your diet regularly.
In moderation and as part of a balanced diet, fruits offer numerous health benefits and can contribute to overall wellness. The key is to enjoy a variety of fruits and pair them with other nutritious foods to create well-rounded meals and snacks.
INGREDIENTS & KITCHEN TOOLS FOR FRUIT PARFAITS
I bet you have all of the ingredients on hand for this Homemade Fruit Parfait with Chia Jam. It is easy to make and absolutely delicious as a breakfast or afternoon snack. Here is what you need:
Plain Greek Yogurt – I prefer full fat for the protein content & creaminess, but low-fat will work as well
Vanilla Bean Paste (vanilla extract works, but paste is much better)
Honey (maple syrup will work if you are looking for a vegan option)
Fresh or frozen fruit of your choice (we love using whatever seasonal fruit we can get our hands on)
Chia seeds
Optional: Granola, nuts (such as almonds or walnuts), chocolate chips, shredded coconut, flax seeds, and/or peanut butter for topping.
STEP BY STEP
Prepare your Chia Jam:
- In a sauce pan, pour in your fresh or frozen fruit. Stir on medium-low heat until the berries begin to break down.
- Once your berries have broken down add in the chia seeds and stir until well combined.
- Set aside and let cool until you are ready to assemble your parfait.
Prepare your Greek yogurt:
- In a small bowl, add in your plain Greek yogurt, vanilla bean paste and honey/maple syrup. Stir well until all of the ingredients are combined.
Assembling your parfait:
- In an 8oz mason jar, add your chia jam at the base, layer with your Greek yogurt mixture and alternate layers of fruit and layers of yogurt one more time.
- When you are ready to serve, top with some granola, drizzle some peanut butter or your favorite toppings and enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE YOUR FRUIT PARFAIT
I love making and storing these in the fridge for quick grab and go breakfast options. We enjoy eating them as is, but if you need more protein in the morning, you can also whip up a batch of my Venison Breakfast Sandwiches for the perfect morning combo. I also want to note, this is such an easy breakfast recipe and there are tons of different variations that you can assemble this parfait so you will never get bored. I also love topping these parfaits with some Granola, my homemade one is killer (IYKYK) but you can use whatever type of granola you prefer.
HOW TO STORE THIS FRUIT PARFAIT
With our busy schedule, these parfaits are perfect for meal prepping on Sundays and grabbing throughout the week. If stored properly (in an airtight container or mason jar), these should last in the fridge for up to a week. NOTE: Make sure you add the granola on ONLY when you are ready to eat, otherwise it’ll get soggy.
OTHER MUST MAKE BREAKFAST RECIPES
Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day (and one of our favorites too)! I have so many amazing, protein packed, breakfast recipes that are perfect for meal prepping or for hosting a brunch. If you haven’t already tried my Eggs Benedict Casserole, what are you waiting for? It is seriously so easy to throw together and we hardly ever have any leftovers when serving a crowd. Madi Jo and I love my Kefir Overnight Oats. They are easy to whip up, add your favorite toppings and enjoy! And of course, Saturday’s are for waffles, Sourdough Waffles to be exact! If you are on the hunt for some more meal prep items, you have to try my Venison Sausage and Venison Breakfast Sandwiches. They are perfect to keep in the freezer and grab on busy weekday mornings!
PrintHomemade Fruit Parfait with Chia Jam {all natural, no refined sugar}
This fruit parfait layers Greek yogurt sweetened with honey and vanilla with a homemade chia jam that works with fresh or frozen fruit!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
Ingredients
- 4 cups plain Greek yogurt – I prefer full fat for the protein content & creaminess, but low-fat will work as well
- 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste (you can use vanilla extract, paste is better)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- about 2 heaping cups fresh or frozen fruit of your choice (we love using whatever seasonal fruit we can get our hands on)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- Optional: Granola, nuts (such as almonds or walnuts), chocolate chips, shredded coconut, flax seeds, and/or peanut butter for topping.
Instructions
Prepare your Chia Jam:
-
- In a sauce pan, pour in your fresh or frozen fruit. Stir on medium-low heat until the berries begin to break down.
-
- Once your berries have broken down add in the chia seeds and stir until well combined.
-
- Set aside and let cool until you are ready to assemble your parfait.
Prepare your Greek yogurt:
-
- In a small bowl, add in your plain Greek yogurt, vanilla bean paste and honey/maple syrup. Stir well until all of the ingredients are combined.
Assembling your parfait:
- In an 8oz mason jar, add your chia jam at the base, layer with your Greek yogurt mixture and alternate layers of fruit and layers of yogurt one more time. When you are ready to serve, top with some granola, drizzle some peanut butter or your favorite toppings and enjoy!