Pin My neighbor brought over a jar of homemade guava paste one afternoon, and I was standing in my kitchen wondering what to do with it when the answer hit me suddenly—layer it into something. The result was this parfait, which became my go-to when I wanted something that tasted like vacation but took barely longer than pouring cereal. Now whenever I make it, people ask if it's complicated, and I laugh because the secret is just knowing how to stack things prettily.
I made this for my daughter's sleepover, and the girls devoured four parfaits before I could even finish setting out napkins. What stuck with me wasn't just how fast they disappeared, but how one of her friends said it tasted like being on an island, which somehow made my five-minute prep feel like the best kind of magic.
Ingredients
- Plain Greek yogurt (2 cups): The tangy base that keeps this from being too sweet and adds protein that actually makes it feel filling despite being light.
- Guava preserves or guava jam (1 cup): This is your star ingredient, so don't skip it for something cheaper—quality makes the difference between nice and memorable.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, hulled and sliced): The brightness here cuts through richness, and slicing them fresh instead of using frozen keeps the texture alive.
- Fresh kiwi (1 cup, peeled and diced): Kiwis add tartness that plays beautifully against sweet guava, plus their tiny seeds give you another texture layer.
- Granola (1 cup): Choose something you actually enjoy eating plain, because you'll taste every bit of it here.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut (2 tablespoons, optional): Toasting this slightly before adding gives you a deeper flavor that whispers rather than shouts.
- Fresh mint (2 tablespoons chopped, optional): A small handful feels fancy but mint is just there to make your brain register tropical and cool.
Instructions
- Loosen your preserves:
- Stir the guava preserves gently until they're spreadable but still thick enough to layer—this takes about a minute and saves you from frustration later. If they're too stiff, a splash of warm water helps without diluting the flavor.
- Build the first layer:
- Spoon 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt into each of your four glasses, using the back of the spoon to create a thin, even base. This anchors everything that comes next and prevents the preserves from sliding around.
- Add your guava moment:
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of guava preserves gently over the yogurt in each glass, resisting the urge to stir—you want distinct layers, not a swirl. The preserves will start breaking down slightly once they hit the yogurt, which is exactly what should happen.
- Introduce the crunch:
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granola over the guava layer in each glass, and listen for that satisfying sound of cereal hitting jam. This is where the texture magic begins.
- Layer in fresh fruit:
- Divide the sliced strawberries and diced kiwi evenly among the glasses, pressing gently so they nestle into the granola. The fruit's natural juice will start mingling with everything below, which creates flavor you can't plan.
- Repeat and build height:
- Add another round of yogurt (2 tablespoons), guava preserves (1 tablespoon), granola (2 tablespoons), and fruit to each glass. This second layer creates visual drama and ensures every spoonful has all the flavors meeting at once.
- Finish and serve:
- Top each parfait with a pinch of coconut and a few mint leaves if you're using them, then serve immediately while the granola is at its crunchiest. If you need to make these ahead, refrigerate up to 1 hour, though the granola will soften slightly as it sits.
Pin My partner grabbed one of these from the fridge one morning and told me it tasted like dessert disguised as breakfast, which I think is the highest compliment a parfait can receive. It became our weekend ritual, this small thing that made ordinary mornings feel like an occasion.
Choosing Your Fruit
Strawberries and kiwi are my anchors here because their flavors don't fight guava, but this is where you can get creative without breaking anything. I've tried adding diced mango, fresh pineapple chunks, and even pomegranate seeds depending on the season, and each one shifts the whole dish in subtle ways. The rule I follow is picking fruits that have natural acidity—it prevents the whole thing from tasting one-note and cloying.
The Granola Question
This is the component that divides parfait lovers into camps—some want theirs crunchy all the way through, others don't mind it softening slightly. I learned early on that serving immediately is key if crunch is your love language, but if you're prepping ahead and refrigerating, the granola will absorb moisture and transform into something almost cookie-like, which isn't bad, just different. The texture of the granola you choose matters too; jumbo clusters stay crunchier longer than dusty bits.
Making It Your Own
Once you understand the layering principle, you can substitute almost anything and still land somewhere delicious. I've made versions with passion fruit curd instead of guava jam, tried almond yogurt when I was out of Greek yogurt, and even swapped granola for crushed pistachios on nights when that's what I had on hand. The formula works because you're balancing creamy, sweet, tangy, and textured elements in proportions that actually taste good together.
- Mango or passion fruit jam works beautifully if you can't find guava, or mix guava with a little lime juice for extra brightness.
- Coconut yogurt or almond yogurt makes this dairy-free without sacrificing that creamy contrast that makes it feel indulgent.
- This keeps refrigerated for about an hour before the granola begins surrendering to moisture, so plan your timing based on whether you like crunch or softness.
Pin This parfait taught me that breakfast doesn't need to be complicated to feel special, and that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that let you work with what you have. Make it once and it becomes automatic, the kind of thing your hands know how to build without thinking.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this parfait ahead of time?
For best texture and crunch, assemble within 1 hour of serving. The granola softens as it sits, so if you prefer it crunchy, add it just before serving. You can prep the fruit and yogurt components separately up to 24 hours in advance.
- → What other fruits work well in this parfait?
Mango, pineapple, papaya, or bananas complement the guava flavors beautifully. Mixed berries also add lovely color and tartness that balances the sweet guava preserves.
- → Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek?
Regular yogurt works but tends to be thinner. Greek yogurt's thicker consistency holds the layers better and provides more protein, which helps keep you satisfied longer.
- → How do I make this dairy-free?
Swap the Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt, almond yogurt, or your preferred plant-based alternative. Ensure your granola is dairy-free and use maple syrup or agave if you need extra sweetness since plant-based yogurts vary in flavor.
- → Can I use homemade guava preserves?
Absolutely. Homemade guava jam or preserves work wonderfully and let you control the sweetness level. If making your own, cook guava pulp with sugar and lime juice until thickened and spreadable.
- → What granola works best for this parfait?
A lightly sweetened granola with nuts or seeds adds great texture. Tropical-themed granola with coconut or macadamia nuts enhances the guava flavors. For extra crunch, look for granola clusters rather than loose oats.