Description
Patriotic Parfaits with Fresh Berries are a vibrant, refreshing, and easy-to-make dessert featuring layers of fresh strawberries, blueberries, creamy Greek yogurt or whipped cream, and crunchy granola or nuts. Perfect for summer celebrations like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, these parfaits combine natural sweetness, colorful presentation, and nourishing ingredients for a crowd-pleasing treat that requires no baking.
Ingredients
Fruits
- Fresh strawberries, ripe and firm, sliced (about 1 to 2 cups)
- Fresh or frozen blueberries (about 1 cup)
Creamy Layers
- Greek yogurt or whipped cream (about 2 cups)
- Honey or maple syrup, to taste (1-2 tablespoons)
Crunchy Texture
- Granola or crushed nuts (about 1 cup)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh mint leaves
- Edible flowers
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash all fresh berries thoroughly and pat dry to prevent sogginess. Slice strawberries into bite-sized pieces to ensure even layering alongside blueberries.
- Sweeten the Yogurt or Cream: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt or whipped cream with honey or maple syrup to your preferred sweetness, balancing the tartness of the fruit.
- Layer the Parfait: Begin with a spoonful of sweetened yogurt at the bottom of your glass or jar. Add a layer of sliced strawberries, followed by granola, then blueberries. Repeat these layers until your container is filled, finishing with a layer of berries on top.
- Garnish and Chill: Add a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top for color and flavor. Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors and keep granola crunchy.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe berries for optimal flavor and appearance.
- Alternate textures and colors thoughtfully for the most attractive parfait.
- Chill parfaits before serving to enhance flavor combination and maintain crunchiness.
- Avoid over-sweetening as berries and yogurt provide natural sweetness.
- Serve in clear glasses to showcase the red, white, and blue layers.
- Granola can be replaced with crushed nuts, toasted oats, or cookie crumbs.
- For dairy-free versions, use coconut cream or almond yogurt and replace honey with maple syrup or agave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parfait (approximate)
- Calories: 180-220 (varies by ingredients and portion sizes)
- Sugar: 15g (natural from berries and added sweeteners)
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: patriotic parfaits, fresh berries dessert, no bake dessert, summer dessert, easy parfait recipe, healthy dessert, gluten-free dessert