Cherry season is one of my absolute favorite times of the year, but I’m always looking for ways to enjoy those deep, sweet flavors even when fresh cherries aren’t in season. That’s where these black cherry yogurt parfaits come in! I created this recipe as a solution to my year-round cherry cravings, using frozen cherries to make a quick homemade jam that tastes like summer in a jar. The best part? These parfaits take just 20 minutes to put together, but feel like such a treat, whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or as a healthier dessert option. The combination of tart-sweet cherries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have you making these on repeat!
Making Black Cherry Yogurt Parfaits
These parfaits couldn’t be easier to make, which is why they’ve become a staple in my weekly meal prep routine. The homemade cherry jam is the star of the show, and it comes together in just about 15 minutes on the stovetop.
First, you’ll make the black cherry jam by combining frozen dark sweet cherries with a bit of monk fruit sweetener in a saucepan. I love using monk fruit as a lower-calorie sweetener option, but you could absolutely substitute it with honey, maple syrup, or regular sugar if you prefer. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook down until the cherries start to break apart and release their gorgeous ruby-colored juices. This usually takes about 10 minutes of occasional stirring. Then, you’ll add a simple cornstarch slurry to thicken the jam to the perfect consistency. The cornstarch is key here – it transforms the cherry mixture from a thin sauce to a spoonable jam that won’t immediately soak into your yogurt layers. Be sure to mix your cornstarch thoroughly with water before adding it to avoid any clumps!
Once your cherry jam is ready, let it cool while you gather your other ingredients. I like to use plain Greek yogurt for the extra protein boost, but vanilla Greek yogurt works beautifully too if you prefer something a bit sweeter. For the granola, use whatever you have on hand – homemade or store-bought both work great. I personally love one with almonds and a hint of cinnamon to complement the cherries. Purely Elizabeth makes a great cleaner granola that I can’t get enough of.
Assembly is the fun part! In a mason jar or glass, create alternating layers of yogurt, granola, and your homemade cherry jam. I usually start with yogurt on the bottom, then granola, then cherries, and repeat until I reach the top of the jar. The layering not only looks beautiful but ensures you get a bit of each component in every spoonful.
If you’re meal prepping these parfaits, I recommend storing the components separately and assembling just before eating to keep the granola crunchy. The cherry jam will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week, making this a perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings or when you need a quick sweet treat!
Looking for more easy breakfast ideas? Try my Healthier Greek Yogurt Pancakes, Blueberry Cinnamon Greek Yogurt Muffins, or Spinach & Feta Egg Bake!
Black Cherry Yogurt Parfaits
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Mason Jar
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen dark sweet cherries
- 1.5 tbsp monk fruit
- 1/2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water
- 1 ⅓ cup granola of choice 1/3 cup for each parfait
- 4 cups yogurt of choice 1 cup for each parfait – I used greek yogurt, plain or vanilla
Instructions
- Combine cherries and sweetener in saucepan over medium heat, bring to a boil, and stir until cherries release their juices and are falling apart (about 10 minutes).
- Combine cornstarch and water and mix into the cherries and stir to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a jar, layer yogurt, granola, and cherries, alternating as you go (you’ll use about ⅓ cup of granola, 1 cup of yogurt, and ½ cup of the cherry mixture in each parfait).
- Enjoy immediately!
- Store leftovers in airtight jars in the fridge – store ingredients separately so your granola doesn’t get soggy.
