Yogurt Parfaits with Granola & Orange-Soaked Cranberries

This layered yogurt parfait is creamy, crunchy, and bright with citrusy fruit. It’s ideal for brunch, a light dessert, or an easy make-ahead breakfast when entertaining for business or pleasure.

Ingredients

For the granola:

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

• 1 cup sliced almonds

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or another neutral oil)

• ¼ cup local honey (such as Capital Hill Honey 😉)
  

For the parfait:

• 1 quart vanilla Greek yogurt

• ⅔ cup prepared granola

• ¼ cup dried apricots, diced

• ½ cup roasted almonds and cashews, chopped

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• Zest and juice of 1 orange

Instructions

Prepare the Granola

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Mix the granola. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, shredded coconut, and sliced almonds. Pour in the oil and honey, then stir well with a wooden spoon or spatula until everything is evenly coated.

3. Bake. Spread the mixture into an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 10–12 minutes to ensure even browning and prevent burning.

4. Cool completely. Once the granola reaches your desired level of golden brown, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. The granola will continue to crisp as it cools.

5. Store. Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
   

Prepare the Orange-Soaked Cranberries

1. In a small saucepan, combine the dried cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice.

2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

3. Reduce heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes, until the cranberries are plump and the liquid becomes slightly syrupy.

4. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
   

Assemble the Parfaits

1. Choose clear glasses or small bowls to show off the layers.

2. Spoon a layer of yogurt into the bottom of each glass.

3. Sprinkle with a small amount of granola, followed by diced apricots, chopped nuts, and a spoonful of the orange-soaked cranberries with their syrup.

4. Repeat the layering process until the glasses are nearly full.

5. Finish with a final topping of granola and a spoonful of the cranberries and syrup.
   

Make-Ahead & Serving Tips

• Parfaits can be assembled up to a few hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve.

• For extra crunch, add the final granola layer just before serving.

• Serve chilled and enjoy immediately.

And just like that, you have a parfait that feels a little special without being complicated. Creamy yogurt, crunchy granola, and those bright, orange-soaked cranberries come together in the perfect balance of texture and flavor. It’s a beautiful reminder that entertaining doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful—sometimes it’s just a thoughtful layer or two in a simple glass. Whether you’re serving these for brunch, a business meeting, dessert, or a quiet moment for yourself, this parfait is proof that even in a small kitchen, you can create something truly memorable.