Lemon Peach Parfaits are the perfect dessert when you want something light, refreshing, and beautiful to look at. These elegant layered treats combine sweet caramelized peaches with tangy lemon cream and crunchy granola for a delightful mix of flavors and textures in every spoonful. The brightness of fresh lemon pairs wonderfully with juicy summer peaches, while creamy yogurt and whipped cream create a luscious base that ties everything together. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a quick weeknight dessert, or want something healthier than cake, these parfaits deliver on taste and presentation. They look fancy enough for company but are incredibly simple to put together.
Serving Quantity: 6 parfaits
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
1. Ingredients
- 4 large ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups granola
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Extra lemon zest for garnish
2. Nutrition Information Per Serving
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 95mg
3. Caramelize the Peaches
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced peaches and brown sugar. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring gently occasionally, until the peaches are soft and the sugar has melted into a thick syrup. The peaches should be tender and golden. Stir in the vanilla extract and remove from heat. Let the peaches cool to room temperature.
4. Make the Lemon Cream
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey. Stir until everything is well mixed and smooth. The yogurt mixture should be tangy and sweet with a bright lemon flavor. Set this aside while you prepare the whipped cream.
5. Whip the Cream
Pour the heavy whipping cream into a cold mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the cream until it starts to thicken. Add the powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes total. Be careful not to overbeat or it will turn into butter.
6. Combine the Creams
Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon yogurt mixture using a rubber spatula. Use a folding motion rather than stirring to keep the mixture light and airy. Fold until no white streaks remain and everything is evenly combined. The final mixture should be fluffy and creamy.
7. Prepare Your Glasses
Choose six clear glasses or glass jars for assembling your parfaits. Clear containers show off the beautiful layers. You can use wine glasses, mason jars, or any transparent serving dish. Having them ready makes assembly quick and easy.
8. Layer the Parfaits
Start with a spoonful of the lemon cream mixture at the bottom of each glass, about 2 to 3 tablespoons. Add a layer of the caramelized peaches on top of the cream, about 2 tablespoons. Sprinkle a layer of granola over the peaches, about 2 tablespoons. Repeat these layers one more time, cream then peaches then granola. Finish with a final dollop of lemon cream on top.
9. Chill the Parfaits
Cover each parfait with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the granola to soften slightly. You can make these up to 4 hours ahead of time, just add the final granola layer right before serving to keep it crunchy.
10. Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, add a final sprinkle of granola on top of each parfait for extra crunch. Garnish with a small sprig of fresh mint and a pinch of lemon zest. Serve chilled with a long spoon so your guests can get all the layers in one bite.
11. Tips for Success
Choose ripe but firm peaches for the best flavor and texture. If peaches are hard to peel, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds then plunge into ice water and the skins will slip right off. You can substitute frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available, just thaw and drain them first. For a lighter version, use all Greek yogurt and skip the whipped cream. Add a splash of bourbon or amaretto to the caramelized peaches for an adult version. If you want to make these ahead, assemble without the granola and add it just before serving so it stays crunchy. Store-bought granola works perfectly but homemade adds a special touch. Try adding fresh blueberries or raspberries between the layers for extra fruit. The lemon cream can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. For a fun twist, crush some vanilla wafers or graham crackers to use instead of granola. These parfaits work beautifully for breakfast too, just reduce the sugar slightly. If your peaches aren’t very sweet, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar when caramelizing them.
