Patriotic Berry Yogurt Parfait
Celebrate the vibrant colors of the season with this Refreshing Patriotic Berry Yogurt Parfait, a deliciously light and satisfying treat perfect for festive gatherings or a delightful breakfast. Featuring juicy strawberries and blueberries layered with crunchy cookie crumbs and a creamy yogurt blend, this parfait is both visually appealing and flavorful. Simple to prepare, it offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh strawberries
8 ounces (capped and cut into bite-size pieces)
sugar
1/4 cup (sprinkled over strawberries)
pecan sandies
4 ounces (crushed into crumbs)
Cool Whip Lite
1/2 cup (blended with yogurt and set aside)
Cool Whip Lite for garnish
4 teaspoons (dolloped on top before serving)
low-fat vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup (blended with whipped topping)
fresh blueberries
8 ounces (scattered over yogurt layer)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the strawberries: cap them and cut into bite-size pieces. Place them in a small mixing bowl.
2
Sprinkle the sugar over the strawberries and gently stir. Use a spoon to slightly crush the berries, allowing them to release their natural juices. Set aside to macerate.
3
In a zipper-top plastic bag, place the pecan sandies and use a rolling pin to finely crush them into crumbs. Set aside.
4
In another small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of Cool Whip Lite with the low-fat vanilla yogurt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Set aside.
5
Begin assembling the parfaits: distribute the crushed cookie crumbs evenly across the bottom of 4 parfait glasses or dessert dishes.
6
Evenly spoon the strawberry mixture over the cookie crumbs in each glass.
7
Next, layer the yogurt and whipped topping mixture over the strawberries in each glass.
8
Top each parfait with a generous layer of fresh blueberries.
9
Optionally, cover each dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve, for up to 3 hours.
10
Before serving, add a dollop of 1 teaspoon Cool Whip Lite as a garnish on each parfait.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Patriotic Berry Yogurt Parfait?
It is a layered breakfast or dessert dish featuring red strawberries, white yogurt cream, and blue blueberries, designed to celebrate festive summer holidays.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include fresh strawberries, blueberries, pecan sandies cookies, low-fat vanilla yogurt, Cool Whip Lite, and sugar.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 individual servings.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular vanilla yogurt?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat vanilla yogurt with Greek yogurt for a thicker texture and higher protein content.
What kind of cookies are used for the base layer?
Pecan sandies are used to create a crunchy, buttery cookie crumb base for the parfaits.
How do I prepare the strawberries?
Cap the strawberries, cut them into bite-size pieces, sprinkle with sugar, and gently crush them to release their juices.
What does it mean to macerate the strawberries?
Macerating is the process of softening the fruit and drawing out its liquid by letting it sit in sugar.
How do I crush the pecan sandies?
Place the cookies in a zipper-top plastic bag and use a rolling pin to finely crush them into crumbs.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, this recipe is entirely no-bake and requires no heat or cooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the parfaits and refrigerate them for up to 3 hours before serving.
Why is it called a Patriotic Parfait?
It is called 'Patriotic' because it uses red strawberries, white yogurt, and blue blueberries to represent the colors of the American flag.
Can I substitute the Cool Whip Lite?
You can use regular whipped cream or a dairy-free whipped topping as a substitute for Cool Whip Lite.
What is the order of the layers in the glass?
The order is cookie crumbs at the bottom, followed by the strawberry mixture, then the yogurt blend, and topped with blueberries.
Is this recipe considered a breakfast or a dessert?
It is versatile enough to be served as either a light breakfast or a festive dessert.
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Fresh berries are recommended for the best texture, but frozen berries can be used if they are thawed and drained well first.
What type of dish should I serve these in?
You should use clear parfait glasses or dessert dishes to showcase the beautiful red, white, and blue layers.
How long should I let the strawberries sit with the sugar?
Allow them to sit long enough to release their juices while you prepare the cookie crumbs and yogurt mixture.
Can I use Graham crackers instead of Pecan Sandies?
Yes, Graham crackers or vanilla wafers make excellent substitutes for the cookie crumb layer.
Is there a specific garnish for this dish?
Before serving, you can add a dollop of Cool Whip Lite on top of the blueberry layer as a final garnish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free yogurt (like almond or coconut yogurt) and a plant-based whipped topping.
What holidays is this dish perfect for?
It is perfect for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, or any summer gathering.
How many ounces of strawberries are needed?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of fresh strawberries.
Do I need to mix the yogurt with anything?
Yes, the 1/2 cup of vanilla yogurt is blended with 1/2 cup of Cool Whip Lite to create a light, creamy layer.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, children usually enjoy the sweet flavors, crunchy cookies, and bright colors of this parfait.
Can I add nuts to the parfait?
While the cookies already contain pecans, you can add extra chopped nuts between layers for more crunch.
How much sugar is added to the strawberries?
1/4 cup of sugar is sprinkled over the strawberries to help them macerate.
What happens if I refrigerate the parfaits longer than 3 hours?
If left too long, the cookie crumbs may become soft or soggy from the moisture of the fruit and yogurt.
Is there a specific way to layer the blueberries?
Blueberries should be added as the final fruit layer on top of the yogurt mixture.
Can I use different fruits?
You can, but using red and blue fruits is what gives the dish its 'Patriotic' theme.
What is the difficulty level of this recipe?
This recipe is considered very easy and is suitable for beginners or quick meal prep.