These apple walnut parfaits offer a quick, wholesome breakfast layered with creamy yogurt, crisp apples, and crunchy walnuts, ready in just minutes. They deliver a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them an ideal choice for busy mornings. This no-cook recipe works beautifully for meal prep, satisfying both your cravings and nutritional needs.

I first assembled these parfaits during an autumn trip to Vermont, inspired by the local orchards and their tradition of simple, hearty breakfasts. There’s something truly special about how the crisp apples, creamy yogurt, and toasted walnuts come together, creating a morning ritual that feels both nourishing and indulgent. I now make these for my family regularly, often pairing them with warm cinnamon swirl apple bread on weekends or serving them alongside a cozy slow cooker cran apple cobbler for brunch gatherings.

Why This Apple Walnut Parfait Shines

Wholesome Ingredients: This recipe uses fresh, simple components like apples, yogurt, and walnuts for a nutritious start.
Quick & Easy: You can assemble these healthy breakfast parfaits in just minutes with no cooking required.
Make-Ahead Ease: Prepare the components ahead for effortless morning meal prep that stays fresh.
Family Favorite: The combination of sweet honey and warm cinnamon appeals to both adults and children.

What You Need for Apple Walnut Parfaits

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Fresh apples: Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture.
Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt provides protein, but any yogurt variety works beautifully.
Walnuts: Raw or toasted walnuts add crunch and healthy fats to your parfait.
Honey: A natural sweetener that complements the apples and cinnamon perfectly.
Cinnamon: This warm spice enhances the apple flavor and adds aromatic depth.

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Try these delicious apple walnut parfaits with layers of yogurt, fresh apples, and crunchy walnuts – a perfect quick breakfast or healthy snack in just 5 minutes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

oven
baking sheets
parchment paper
medium bowl
large bowl
electric mixer
whisk
spatula
wire rack
measuring cups
measuring spoons

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
2 large eggs at room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt until well combined.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the room-temperature eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed until the mixture is smooth.
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula until they are evenly distributed.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear soft and slightly underdone.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Keyword baking, chocolate chip, cookies

Ways to Customize Your Parfait

Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut or almond-based yogurt for a vegan alternative.
Extra Protein: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the yogurt before layering.
Seasonal Twist: Substitute apples with pears or peaches when they’re in season.

My Best Apple Walnut Parfait Tips

Apple Preparation: Dice apples uniformly for even distribution and consistent texture throughout.
Yogurt Texture: Use slightly thickened Greek yogurt to prevent layers from blending together.
Walnut Crunch: For enhanced flavor, toast your walnuts lightly before adding them.
Layering Technique: Press each layer gently to create distinct, beautiful stripes in your glass.

How to Keep Your Parfaits Fresh

Store: Keep assembled parfaits in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freeze: Freezing isn’t recommended as yogurt becomes grainy upon thawing.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare components separately and assemble just before serving for best texture.
Meal Prep: Store diced apples with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make apple walnut parfaits the night before?

Yes, you can prepare components separately and assemble in the morning. Keep apples tossed with lemon juice to prevent browning, and store yogurt and walnuts in separate containers. This ensures your walnut yogurt parfait maintains perfect texture and freshness.

What type of yogurt works best for parfaits?

Greek yogurt provides the thickest consistency for distinct layers, but any yogurt variety works. For healthier breakfast parfaits, I prefer plain Greek yogurt sweetened naturally with honey. The thickness helps support the apple and walnut layers beautifully.

How can I prevent apples from browning in parfaits?

Toss diced apples with a teaspoon of lemon juice before assembling. The acid creates a protective barrier against oxidation. For apple cinnamon parfaits, the lemon flavor complements the other ingredients without overpowering the natural apple taste.

Are walnut parfaits healthy for breakfast?

Absolutely! These parfaits offer protein from yogurt, healthy fats from walnuts, and fiber from apples. They make nutritious quick breakfast ideas that keep you satisfied until lunch. Adjust sweetness levels by controlling the amount of honey you drizzle.

More Apple Treats You’ll Love

Why These Apple Walnut Parfaits Win Hearts

With their perfect balance of creamy yogurt, crisp apples, and crunchy walnuts, these parfaits make morning routines special. They come together in minutes yet feel indulgent enough for weekend brunches. I hope this homemade parfait recipe becomes a cherished part of your breakfast rotation, offering both nourishment and delight in every layer.

Apple Walnut Parfait Recipe