Guava Flavored Yogurt Parfait

The first time I encountered guava anything was at a tiny breakfast spot in Miami where the owner insisted I try her homemade pastelitos. That sweet floral flavor stuck with me for years until I realized I could capture that same magic in something as simple as a yogurt parfait. Now it has become my go to when I want breakfast to feel like a vacation.

I started making these for weekend brunches back when I had friends over regularly. There was something magical about watching people discover that first spoonful the way the guava hits the tang of yogurt and the granola still has that perfect crunch. Someone actually asked me for the recipe while still chewing their first bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt: The thick creamy texture holds up beautifully against the fruit layers and provides that perfect tangy balance to sweet guava
• 1 cup guava preserves: This is the star of the show bringing that tropical floral sweetness that makes this parfait feel special
• 1 cup fresh strawberries sliced: Fresh berries add bright acidity and gorgeous red color that pops against the pink guava
• 1 cup fresh kiwi diced: Kiwi brings another layer of tropical flavor and beautiful green contrast in the layers
• 1 cup granola: Use your favorite kind here just make sure it is crunchy because that texture contrast is everything
• 2 tbsp shredded coconut: Totally optional but adds that beachy vibe and a little more texture
• 2 tbsp fresh mint: A little chiffonade of mint on top makes it look restaurant worthy and brightens every bite

Instructions

Prep your preserves:

Give that guava jam a good stir to loosen it up especially if it has been sitting in the fridge. This makes layering so much easier and helps it spread beautifully between the yogurt.

Start building:

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of yogurt into the bottom of each serving glass. You want a nice solid base to support all the gorgeous layers coming next.

Add the guava layer:

Drop about 1 tablespoon of those loosened preserves on top of the yogurt. Do not overthink this it does not need to be perfectly even the imperfect swirls look stunning.

Sprinkle the crunch:

Add roughly 2 tablespoons of granola over the guava layer. This creates that essential texture contrast between smooth and crunchy that makes parfaits so satisfying.

Fresh fruit time:

Scatter a mix of those sliced strawberries and diced kiwi over the granola. Press them gently into the yogurt so they stay in place.

Repeat those layers:

Go back through with yogurt then guava then granola then fruit until your glasses are full. Two or three layers usually looks the most impressive.

The finishing touch:

Top each parfait with a pinch of shredded coconut and those fresh mint leaves. Take a second to admire how pretty they look before diving in.

Serve smart:

These are best right away when the granola still has its signature crunch but they will hold up in the fridge for about an hour if you need to prep ahead.

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My aunt texted me at 11 PM one night after making these for her book club. She said three people asked for the recipe and someone actually took a photo of her parfait to post on Instagram. Sometimes the simplest recipes become the ones people remember most.

Make It Your Own

Mango or passion fruit preserves work beautifully if you cannot find guava. I have even made a version with raspberry preserves when I was craving something more berry forward. The magic is really in that combination of tangy creamy yogurt sweet preserves and fresh fruit.

Serving Suggestions

These parfaits shine alongside a tropical fruit smoothie or a lightly brewed green tea which cuts through the richness. I have also served them as a light dessert after dinner when I want something sweet but not heavy.

Storage and Prep

You can absolutely prep the components ahead of time. Slice your fruit store the yogurt and preserves separately and keep the granola in an airtight container. Then assembly takes literally two minutes when you are ready to serve.

• Assembled parfaits will hold their texture for about an hour before the granola starts softening
• If you need to prep further ahead keep the granola separate and add it right before serving
• Leftover fruit and yogurt make for a quick unlayered breakfast the next morning

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There is something about eating something this pretty that makes the whole day feel a little more special. Even on a Tuesday.

Questions & Answers

→ Can I make guava parfaits ahead of time?

Assemble up to 1 hour before serving to maintain granola crunch. For longer storage, keep layers separate and combine just before enjoying.

→ What fruit substitutes work well in this parfait?

Mango, pineapple, or passion fruit preserves offer similar tropical sweetness. Fresh berries, bananas, or diced papaya make excellent fruit layer alternatives.

→ How do I make this dairy-free?

Swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt or almond yogurt alternatives. Ensure your granola is certified dairy-free, as some varieties contain milk powder or honey.

→ Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

Frozen fruit works but should be thawed and drained thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the granola soggy. Pat dry with paper towels before layering.

→ What's the best way to layer parfaits?

Start with yogurt at the bottom, followed by preserves, granola, then fresh fruit. Repeat layers ending with garnishes on top. Use clear glasses to showcase the beautiful stripes.