Blueberry parfait

This blueberry parfait is a simple combination of creamy yogurt, crunchy granola and a flavorful blueberry compote. With the compote prepared ahead, it takes no time to enjoy this deliciousness for breakfast or a snack whenever the mood takes you.

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Particularly in warmer months, I'm all about light and easy breakfasts. I've started to get in the habit of preparing some fruit ahead to make things even easier but without skimping on flavor.

In the summer, I like keeping some stewed plums or cherry compote in the fridge. My youngest and I then enjoy some with yogurt and granola for breakfast. This blueberry combination is another great choice, too. As an added bonus, this version look extra pretty to put out for guests on a breakfast bar.

What is a parfait?

The term parfait can be used to mean a few different things and some depends where you are. The word "parfait" is French meaning "perfect" and in France, where it originates, it's a dessert that's a bit like frozen custard made with cream, egg and sugar. It's typically served in slices or moulded.

In the UK, parfait generally refers to the French dessert but can also be used in a savory sense. It's more about the texture being very smooth and whipped, so can be used for example for smooth pates (like chicken liver parfait).

Then in the US, while you do get the French dessert, more typically it means a layered dessert a bit like a sundae. An American-style parfait is typically a combination of creamy and crunchy, often with fruit as well. The creamy part can be ice cream, yogurt and/or cream.

Japanese parfaits are based on the American style though you can see things like cubes of jelly in the mix, too, which would be less typical in the US.

While some American-style parfaits are very much dessert, others made with yogurt and granola, like this, fit in perfectly for breakfast. And not only is it a tasty way to start the day, the fact they come together so easily is an added bonus. Quick and easy is definitely key for our mornings, at least!

Components in this blueberry parfait

This dish has three components, and each can be adapted a little to taste:

• Blueberry compote - this one to me is less flexible, as it's how you get all that delicious blueberry flavor. The compote is simply blueberries cooked with a little sweetener, water and lemon to make a sauce. Cooking brings out the flavor and juiciness in the berries, and the touch of lemon helps the flavor pop. If you don't manage to make the compote ahead, you can use fresh blueberries, gently sweetened if needed, though personally I recommend the compote if at all possible.
• Yogurt - this is the creamy layer. I like to use a creamy, plain yogurt so you get maximum blueberry flavor shining through, but vanilla or lemon would also work well. I'd recommend a Greek or Icelandic style yogurt that's creamy without being too heavy or too sweet, but use as you have and prefer.
• Granola - to add some crunch! You can use pretty much any type of granola you have or prefer. Though I'd say keep it simple rather than one loaded with chocolate, for example. If you don't have granola, you could use some chopped nuts and/or crumbled plainer cookies like a shortbread or ginger nut. Though not quite as healthy if it's breakfast.

You typically serve this in a glass jar or stemmed glass so you can see the layers, but really any dish works. Even if you more serve the components alongside each other in a bowl, it will still look and taste great.

Preparing ahead

I would recommend making the blueberry compote ahead of time so it is cooler before you use it. It also makes things really quick when you are ready to put it together. That said, it won't be bad if the compote is warm if you make it there and then.

If you want to make the whole thing ahead of time, you can store them in the fridge made up in glasses/jars for a few hours. Just be aware that the granola will gradually soften over time.

You could also make them in a jar and seal with a lid and take with you for later. If so, I'd recommend filling it as close as you can to the top to avoid it mixing too much. Though it will still taste just as good even if it does. And keep it chilled unless it will only be out the fridge briefly before eating.

This blueberry parfait is such a simple yet delicious combination of creamy, fruity and crunchy. It's super quick to put together yet looks and tastes so good. A great way to start any day or enjoy as a snack when the mood takes you.

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