There’s something effortlessly happy about a dessert that’s layered in a glass. These mixed berry yogurt parfait cups are fresh, colorful, and quietly comforting—the kind of treat that feels just as right for a slow morning as it does for a light dessert after dinner. With creamy vanilla yogurt, juicy mixed berries, and a little optional crunch, they’re simple, beautiful, and endlessly satisfying.

I love how these parfaits feel both special and everyday at the same time. They’re perfect for brunch spreads, baby showers, summer gatherings, or easy meal prep when you want something sweet waiting in the fridge. Served in mason jars, they’re charming and practical, with those vibrant berry layers peeking through the glass. It’s the kind of dessert people notice—and then immediately want to make themselves.

Tips for Perfect Results

Because this recipe is all about simple ingredients, a few small details really make it shine.

Use thick vanilla yogurt. A thicker yogurt (especially Greek-style) keeps the layers defined and prevents watery parfaits.
Pat the berries dry. After washing, gently dry them so excess moisture doesn’t thin the yogurt.
Chop strawberries evenly. Bite-sized pieces layer better and make each spoonful balanced.
Layer gently. Spoon the yogurt down the side of the jar to keep the glass clean and the layers neat.
Add walnuts last. If you love crunch, add them just before serving so they stay crisp.
Clear jars are key. The beauty of these parfaits is in the layers—let them show.

Before You Begin – Here’s What You’ll Need :

Variations and Serving Ideas

These parfait cups are wonderfully flexible and easy to customize.

Extra sweetness: Drizzle honey or maple syrup between the layers.
More crunch: Swap walnuts for granola, sliced almonds, or pecans.
Berry swap: Use raspberries, extra strawberries, or whatever berries are in season.
Dessert-style parfaits: Add a layer of cookie crumbs or white chocolate shavings.
Kid-friendly version: Skip the nuts and let the berries shine.

They’re perfect served chilled, with a small spoon that scoops through all the layers at once.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These parfaits are ideal for planning ahead.

Refrigerator: Store sealed jars in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Meal prep: Make several at once for quick breakfasts or grab-and-go snacks.
Crunch control: Keep walnuts or granola in a separate container until ready to eat.
On-the-go friendly: Mason jar lids make these easy to transport for work or outings.

The flavors stay fresh, and the layers hold up beautifully over a few days.

Banana Oat Snack Bars

Author: not just recipe
Total Time: 2 hours (includes cooling)
Yield: 16 bars 1x

Print Recipe

Description

These quick and easy peanut butter banana oatmeal bars are adaptable in many different ways. See my blog post above and recipe notes below. They’re a more solid form of my delicious baked oatmeal.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper with enough overhang on the sides to easily remove the bars from the pan. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl or in the bowl of your stand mixer, mash the bananas. On medium speed, beat or whisk in the remaining ingredients in the order listed. Batter will be a little thick, but still pourable.

3. Pour/spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-28 minutes or until the center is set (it will still look relatively soft!).

4. Remove from the oven and cool in the pan at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. After that, place the pan in the refrigerator for 1 hour until chilled. The bars are difficult to cut if they haven’t been chilled.

5. Remove bars from the pan using the overhang on the sides then cut into bars. Sometimes I drizzle melted peanut butter over each, but that’s optional. (Note: the parchment paper is always a little moist from soaking up some moisture from the bars.)

6. Cover leftover bars tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Final Encouragement

Mixed berry yogurt parfait cups are proof that simple ingredients can still feel special. They’re creamy, fruity, and colorful—just the kind of treat that brightens your day without feeling heavy. Whether you’re serving them to guests or lining them up in the fridge for yourself, they always feel like a little act of care.

If you’re looking for an easy, beautiful recipe that works for both everyday moments and special gatherings, this one is absolutely worth saving. Sometimes the simplest desserts are the ones we come back to again and again 🫐🍓🥄