There’s something comforting about a smoothie and something cheerful about a parfait. One is creamy and cool, the other is layered and colorful. Put them together, and you get a smoothie parfait—light, refreshing, and made for mornings that need a little boost or afternoons that call for something sweet but simple.
Unlike dense breakfasts or sugary desserts, a smoothie parfait is built from fresh fruit, yogurt, and just a touch of crunch. It’s cold, but not icy. Sweet, but not heavy. It takes a few minutes to make and looks like something you’d find in a cafe. You don’t need to follow strict rules for the layers—just good fruit, smooth yogurt or blended smoothie, and something crisp like granola, seeds, or crushed nuts to give it a little bite.
This recipe keeps the flavors classic and clean: strawberries, bananas, blueberries, and a smooth base of vanilla yogurt blended into a light smoothie. You’ll layer it with more fruit and granola, building it in a glass so the layers are visible and inviting.
Ingredients for Smoothie Parfait
For the smoothie layer:
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1 ripe banana
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1 cup frozen strawberries
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½ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
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¾ cup vanilla yogurt
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½ cup milk or non-dairy milk
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1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
For the layers:
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1 cup granola (store-bought or homemade)
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½ cup fresh strawberries, sliced
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½ cup fresh blueberries
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Extra yogurt for layering, if desired
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Chia seeds or shredded coconut (optional topping)
How to Make a Smoothie Parfait
Start by making the smoothie. In a blender, combine the banana, frozen strawberries, blueberries, yogurt, milk, and honey. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more milk until it reaches a pourable consistency. You want it thick enough to sit between layers but not too stiff to pour.
Choose a tall glass or jar to show off the layers. Begin by spooning a bit of granola into the bottom. Next, pour or spoon in a layer of smoothie. Follow with a few slices of fresh fruit. Then add a layer of yogurt or more granola. Keep building until the glass is full, ending with fruit and a sprinkle of granola or chia seeds on top.
Let it sit for a few minutes if you like the granola to soften slightly, or eat it right away for maximum crunch.
You can make these parfaits in advance—just keep the granola separate until serving so it stays crisp. They’re great for breakfast on the go, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert after dinner.
The smoothie parfait is one of those recipes that doesn’t ask for much but gives a lot. It’s a quick mix of fruit, yogurt, and crunch, but when you take the time to build the layers and serve it in a clear glass, it feels special. Not because it’s fancy, but because it’s made with care. And sometimes, that’s exactly what a good meal needs.
