Cherry Granola Greek Yogurt Parfait makes a perfect breakfast alternative and is equally delicious as a dessert or simply an anytime snack.
This parfait has a lovely contrast in textures from the smooth velvety soft yogurt which is scented with cardamom and sweetened with honey to the crunchy bites of almond and cherry granola.
YOGURT
Greek yogurt has got to be my new favorite type of yogurt, since testing and sampling recipes from the Yogurt Every Day Cookbook. I’ve grown to love its thick creaminess which I find has the same soft and luscious consistency of a Dairy Queen ice-cream.
Before that, the only kind of yogurt one would find in my house was the sweetened fruit filled one. You all the know the one I’m referring to. The kind packed with sweetened fruit at the bottom and topped with plain yogurt which you’d stir together just before devouring it. My absolute favorite was the cherry yogurt!
This Cherry Granola Greek Yogurt Parfait is partially inspired by Hubert Cormier’s Yogurt Every Day Cookbook and my favorite flavored yogurt.
GRANOLA
Have you ever made your own granola?
Homemade granola is far healthier then the store bought variety, not only because its sweetened with honey, a natural sweetener but also because you get to control the amount of sweetness used.
Its super easy to make and the best part…you can mix and match the flavors and also add your favorite dried fruits or nuts.
I’ve scented my granola with cardamon to compliment the cardamom in the yogurt mix and added a touch of almond extract with the more usual vanilla extract.
I also went with dried cherries since we’re still in cherry season but only added them in after the baking time because I didn’t want my dried fruit brick hard.
It’s important to let them cool completely before breaking them apart and storing so that they retain their crunchiness. However, at my house they really don’t last past the second day.
You’ll only need approximately one cup of granola to make this layered yogurt parfait and the rest can be enjoyed as a snack.
Try dividing the remaining granola in small individual ziplock bags for some fun and easy, grab-and-go snacks which kids will love.
I’ve topped my granola yogurt parfait with fresh cherries as a pretty visual appeal but that’s really entirely optional!
With very little fuss and a whole lot of flavor…there is much to love with this granola!
Cherry Granola Greek Yogurt Parfait
Cherry Granola Greek Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients
- FOR THE GRANOLA
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 3/4 cup almonds coarsely chopped or left whole
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- pinch of fine sea salt
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- FOR THE YOGURT
- 1 1/2 cups Greek Yogurt
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 3 teaspoons honey
Instructions
- GRANOLA
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F
- Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or silpat mat and set aside. ( I used an 11 x 17 size pan)
- In a medium sized bowl, stir together the rolled oats, almonds, cardamon and salt.
- In a separate small bowl place the melted coconut oil, honey, vanilla and almond extracts then stir to combine.
- Pour the coconut mixture over the rolled oats mixture and stir well until all ingredients are combined.
- Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet in one single layer.
- Bake for 5 minutes.
- After the first 5 minutes, give the granola a good stir.
- Return to the oven and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove the granola from the oven.
- Scatter the dried cherries over the granola and allow to cool completely before breaking into clusters and storing.
- Reserve approximately 1 cup of granola for the yogurt parfait.
- Store the remaining granola in an air tight container.
- YOGURT MIXTURE
- In a small bowl stir together the yogurt, cardamom and honey.
- ASSEMBLING THE YOGURT PARFAIT
- Layer 4 teaspoons of granola in each of 2 decorative glasses.
- Top with 3 tablespoons of yogurt mixture.
- Repeat with a second layer of granola and yogurt then sprinkle the tops with more granola.
- Garnish with fresh cherries if desired.
No doubt homemade granola is far better than anything at the store. Love your addition of dried cherries, and even more so – the cardamom, one of my favorite spices for sweet dishes. I can imagine the wonderful aroma in the kitchen while making it. 🙂
Your so right Ronit, the aromas are heavenly and I to love cardamom in baked goods. Thanks so much?
This looks absolute delish..any time homemade is good than the store bought
Yes, home made is far better and it’s hard to go back to store bought after making your own! Thank-you?
This looks perfect for breakfast on a hot summer day.
Indeed it would be wonderful for these hot and humid days…so refreshing! Thanks Sheryl?
Making this! The granola looks so good. I just happened to pick up a bag of organic local dried cherries this week, and this is the perfect recipe for them! I was excited to see that you put cardamom and coconut oil in the recipe. I love it in my matcha green tea lattes too! Pinning this and sharing on my health coach Facebook page.
Aren’t dried cherries so delicious? Cardamom is one of my favourite baking spices and works so well with coconut oil which is also my favourite oil to use when making popcorn and knew it would be really good to make granola with. My husband is very much into matcha tea…will have to give your matcha green tea latte a go. Thanks so much Sandra?
Yes they are! 🙂
Cardamom is a favorite of mine and I am certain that this particular granola is sensational. Ripe cherries, greek yogurt and the crunchy flavor of the granola – win win.
I am forwarding this recipe to my college age daughter who loves preparing her own dishes. Thank you Marisa…
Hi Paula, a friend of mine from India first introduced me to cardamom years back and I fell in love with it. She would make these delicious fritters rolled in sugar and cardamom, they were so yummy!
I’m sure your daughter will love the granola, it’s so addictive! Thanks for dropping by ??
The “perfect” breakfast and at my house sometimes it is also lunch! Beautiful photos Marisa.
Hi Teresa, it’s become a new favourite for me. I’ve been an oatmeal and banana gal for a while, so this makes a yummy change. Thanks so much for your comment?
Oh yum! I’ve been making my own granola for years now – this, especially the cardamom, will provide a wonderful summery cherry-lovers twist on my usual blend once my current batch is empty~! Thanks for sharing this 🙂
Granola’s definitely a favourite go to snack and the best part we can mix and match our own flavours and ingredients. Thanks Nahdala?
I love homemade granola:)
Feel free to visit my blog 🙂 I just updated it.
http://Www.thecookingart.com
Sara
Me too and the best part is that its so easy to make your own! Thanks for dropping by 🙂