Save to Pinterest My neighbor handed me a jar of homemade guava preserves one afternoon, insisting I'd regret not using it immediately. I stood in my kitchen wondering what to do with something so distinctly tropical when all I had on hand was Greek yogurt and granola. That moment of improvisation led to this parfait—layers that somehow felt both elegant and effortless, like summer decided to visit my breakfast bowl.
I made four of these for my sister's surprise birthday breakfast, and watching her face when she tasted that first spoonful of guava through the yogurt made me realize this wasn't just a quick bowl—it was a moment. She's requested it every time she visits now, which means I've perfected the art of layering while half-asleep.
Ingredients
- Greek yogurt (2 cups): Thick, creamy, and tangy enough to balance the sweetness of guava—this is your foundation, so don't skimp on quality.
- Guava preserves (1 cup): The star ingredient that transforms ordinary yogurt into something that tastes like a vacation; if yours is too thick, a gentle stir loosens it up beautifully.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, hulled and sliced): Their tartness cuts through the richness perfectly, and slicing them ahead of time means assembly is genuinely stress-free.
- Fresh kiwi (1 cup, peeled and diced): Bright, slightly tart, and their little black seeds add visual interest that makes each spoonful feel special.
- Granola (1 cup): The textural hero that stays crunchy for about 30 minutes before softening; choose one you actually enjoy eating because it deserves attention.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut (2 tbsp, optional): A whisper of tropical flavor that makes people ask what that subtle something is.
- Fresh mint (2 tbsp chopped, optional): A small handful transforms this from pleasant to memorable, adding brightness that feels almost unexpected.
Instructions
- Prepare your preserves:
- If your guava jam is on the thicker side, give it a good stir to loosen it slightly—you want it spreadable, not concrete. Set it within arm's reach.
- Start the first layer:
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of yogurt into the bottom of each glass or jar, creating an even base layer. This prevents the guava from pooling at the bottom and keeps everything stable.
- Add the guava moment:
- Dollop roughly 1 tablespoon of guava preserves over the yogurt and spread it gently with the back of your spoon—you're creating swirls here, not a thick wall. The guava should peek through when you look from the side.
- Crunch layer:
- Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of granola over the guava, letting some pieces settle into the preserves and others sit on top. This layer is your insurance policy against soggy textures.
- Fresh fruit scattered:
- Add a handful of mixed strawberries and kiwi on top, distributing them roughly evenly so each spoonful has fruit in it. Don't overthink the arrangement—casual looks better anyway.
- Build the second level:
- Repeat the entire sequence: another 2 tablespoons yogurt, then guava, then granola, then fruit. The second layer should feel generous and abundant.
- The final touch:
- If you're using them, scatter a pinch of coconut and some mint leaves across the top, treating it like you're finishing a small edible artwork. This is purely optional, but it changes everything about how it tastes and feels.
- Serve and time it right:
- Eat immediately if you want maximum granola crunch, or cover and refrigerate for up to an hour if you prefer softer textures and deeper flavor mingling. Either way, it's ready when you are.
Save to Pinterest There's something about layered food that makes people slow down and actually pay attention to their breakfast, instead of scarfing it down while scrolling. This parfait became my secret weapon for making ordinary mornings feel intentional and nourishing.
Why This Works as Both Breakfast and Dessert
The beauty of this parfait lives in its duality—it's nutritious enough for morning fuel thanks to the protein-rich yogurt and fruit fiber, but it tastes decadent enough to feel like dessert. I've served it at brunch and spooned it into bowls after dinner, and both times people acted like I'd done something complicated. The secret is that balance between tart, sweet, and creamy that makes your palate feel satisfied without that heavy feeling.
Customizing Your Layers
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how it invites experimentation without losing its essential character. Mango or passion fruit preserves work beautifully if guava feels too unfamiliar, and if you're dairy-free, coconut yogurt mimics the creaminess so well you'd never know the difference. The fruit can shift with seasons—blueberries and raspberries in summer, pears and apple in fall, whatever makes your kitchen smell like possibility that particular day.
Storage and Make-Ahead Strategy
You can prep components the night before—slice your fruit, measure out yogurt, have granola ready—but don't assemble until you're ready to eat or within an hour of serving. I learned this the hard way after constructing parfaits for a dinner party two hours early and watching the granola surrender to moisture. For the best results, keep everything refrigerated until the final moment, and remember that the joy of this dish is honestly in how quickly it comes together.
- If you're making these for guests, lay out ingredient bowls and let people assemble their own—it becomes interactive and everyone gets exactly the texture ratio they crave.
- Leftover guava preserves work wonderfully swirled into plain yogurt throughout the week, or warmed and drizzled over ice cream when you need something sweet.
- The fruit and yogurt components stay fresh for about 3 days when stored separately, giving you flexibility without commitment.
Save to Pinterest This parfait lives in that sweet spot where it feels special enough for guests but simple enough for everyday self-care. Make it once and you'll find yourself reaching for guava preserves again and again.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this parfait ahead of time?
Yes, though the granola will soften over time. For best texture, assemble up to 1 hour before serving and keep refrigerated. If making further ahead, add granola just before serving to maintain crunch.
- → What other fruits work well with guava?
Mango, pineapple, and papaya complement guava's tropical profile beautifully. Berries like strawberries and raspberries also work, providing tart contrast to guava's sweetness.
- → Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek?
You can substitute regular yogurt, though it's thinner and may create less distinct layers. Greek yogurt's thicker consistency provides better structure and higher protein content.
- → How do I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt as a Greek yogurt substitute. Both provide creamy texture, though coconut yogurt adds subtle tropical flavor that complements guava perfectly.
- → What's the best way to layer the parfait?
Start with yogurt at the bottom to create a stable base, then add preserves, granola, and fruit. Repeat layers ending with fruit on top for visual appeal. This keeps granola from getting soggy too quickly.
- → Can I use homemade granola?
Absolutely. Homemade granola allows you to control sweetness and add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. Just ensure it's cooled completely before layering to prevent condensation from making it soggy.