If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s both wholesome and indulgent (yes, it’s possible!), these Strawberry-Banana Granola Parfaits are exactly what you need. Imagine creamy Greek yogurt layered with sweet, crunchy homemade granola, fresh bananas, and juicy strawberries—each bite is a burst of flavor and texture. It’s an easy breakfast idea that feels like a treat, but it’s packed with good-for-you ingredients that’ll keep you satisfied all morning long. Best of all, it’s quick to prep and comes together in just a few steps. Let’s dive into this deliciousness!
Ingredients:
- 6 large dates, pitted
- 3 tablespoons natural almond butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 2 large bananas, sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven & Prep the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave a bit of overlap on the sides so it’s easier to lift out your granola later.
- Make the Date Mixture:
- In a high-powered blender or food processor, combine the pitted dates, almond butter, honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this will form the base of your granola!
- Mix the Granola Ingredients:
- Transfer the date mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, salt, chopped almonds, and sunflower seeds. Mix everything together until the oats and nuts are nicely coated with the sticky, sweet date mixture.
- Bake the Granola:
- Pour the granola mixture into your prepared baking pan and pat it down into an even layer. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the granola is lightly golden brown and toasted on top. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking!
- Cool & Crumble:
- Once the granola is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool to room temperature. It will crumble as you remove it from the pan, creating larger chunks that are perfect for layering.
- Assemble the Parfaits:
- To assemble, alternate layers of Greek yogurt, granola, sliced bananas, and fresh strawberries in parfait glasses or mason jars. Layer it as you like—more granola? More yogurt? You do you!
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Once your parfaits are layered to perfection, dig in and enjoy! These make for a perfect breakfast or a healthy snack that feels like a treat.
Why You’ll Love These Parfaits:
- Homemade Granola: Skip the store-bought stuff and make your own granola with wholesome ingredients. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite nuts and seeds.
- Naturally Sweetened: The dates, honey, and coconut oil naturally sweeten the granola, so you’re not adding any refined sugars.
- Packed with Protein: The Greek yogurt and nuts give these parfaits a good dose of protein, perfect for keeping you full and energized throughout the morning.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can switch up the fruits based on what’s in season or what you have on hand—blueberries, peaches, or even a dollop of nut butter would all work wonderfully!
These Strawberry-Banana Granola Parfaits are the ultimate combo of creamy, crunchy, and fresh, making them a breakfast (or snack!) you’ll crave every day. The homemade granola adds so much flavor and texture, while the yogurt and fruit layers keep things light and refreshing. Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in some healthy ingredients without sacrificing taste. So, whether you’re making them for a busy morning or just a mid-day pick-me-up, you’re going to love this delicious, nutritious treat! Enjoy! 🍓🍌🥄
Feel free to get creative with your layers! Happy parfait-making! 😊