Indulgent Breakfast Parfaits: Homemade Dark Chocolate Granola with Fresh Strawberries & Creamy Greek Yogurt

Imagine starting your day with a breakfast that feels like a dessert, yet offers the goodness of whole grains, fresh fruit, and protein. These decadent breakfast parfaits are precisely that – the perfect excuse to enjoy chocolate in the morning, though let’s be honest, do we ever truly need an excuse? Featuring layers of luscious fresh strawberries, crunchy homemade dark chocolate granola, and velvety creamy Greek yogurt, these parfaits offer a sweet, satisfying, and utterly delightful way to kickstart your day. Who could possibly resist the allure of chocolate for breakfast?

Elevate Your Morning: Why These Breakfast Parfaits Are a Must-Try

Many consider breakfast the most important meal of the day, and we wholeheartedly agree. If it’s so important, why not make it truly special? Forget the mundane, everyday breakfast options. These aren’t your typical, run-of-the-mill fruit and yogurt concoctions. Oh no, these parfaits introduce a touch of delightful indulgence, transforming a simple meal into an experience. The combination of textures and flavors makes every spoonful an absolute treat, elevating your breakfast routine from routine to remarkable.

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Crafting Your Own Dark Chocolate Granola: The Foundation of Flavor

The secret to these sensational parfaits lies in the irresistible homemade dark chocolate granola. While store-bought granola can be convenient, making your own ensures you control the quality of ingredients, the level of sweetness, and the depth of chocolate flavor. Plus, there’s an undeniable satisfaction that comes from creating something so delicious from scratch. This granola isn’t just a topping; it’s a star in its own right, boasting a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with incredible crunch and rich chocolate notes.

It all begins with a simple mix of wholesome ingredients: old-fashioned oats provide a hearty base, brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness, and a touch of ground cinnamon offers a warm, aromatic spice. Slivered almonds introduce a delightful nuttiness and extra crunch, while a hint of kosher salt perfectly balances the sweet elements. These dry ingredients are then coated with a luscious blend of honey, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, creating clusters of golden perfection when baked.

But the true magic happens when generous dark chocolate chips are sprinkled over the warm, freshly baked granola. As the residual heat melts the chocolate, it creates a glorious, gooey coating that envelops every oat and almond, solidifying into magnificent dark chocolate clusters once cooled. The aroma alone is enough to tempt you to grab a handful before it even makes it into your parfait!

Granola Essentials You’ll Need:

Old Fashioned Oats (for the best texture)
Brown Sugar (adds depth and moisture)
Ground Cinnamon (for warmth and spice)
Kosher Salt (enhances all flavors)
Honey (natural sweetener and binder)
Vegetable Oil (helps with crispness)
Vanilla Extract (for aromatic sweetness)
Dark Chocolate Chips (the star of the show!)
Slivered Almonds (optional, for added crunch and nutrition)

This homemade dark chocolate granola keeps beautifully in an airtight container for up to a week. However, we’d be surprised if it lasts that long! Its addictive chocolaty-sweet and crunchy profile makes it an irresistible snack, and every bite will leave you craving more until it mysteriously disappears.

The Perfect Harmony: Fresh Strawberries and Creamy Greek Yogurt

While the granola is undoubtedly incredible, it truly shines when paired with the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries and the tangy creaminess of Greek yogurt. Some pairings in life are simply meant to be – like Rhett and Scarlett, Romeo and Juliet, or Mickey and Minnie. Strawberries and chocolate? Absolutely, check! This classic combination is celebrated for a reason, and it takes center stage in these parfaits.

Fresh strawberries, with their juicy sweetness and slight tartness, cut through the richness of the dark chocolate granola, offering a refreshing burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of color. They add essential vitamins and a natural sweetness that complements the entire dish.

The plain Greek yogurt acts as the perfect canvas, offering a smooth, creamy texture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness from the fruit and granola. Not only does it provide a delightful contrast, but Greek yogurt is also packed with protein, helping you feel fuller and more energized throughout your morning. Choosing plain yogurt allows the natural flavors of the chocolate and strawberries to truly shine, though a hint of vanilla or a touch of honey can be added to the yogurt if you prefer a sweeter base.

Assembling Your Decadent Breakfast Parfaits: A Layered Masterpiece

The beauty of these breakfast parfaits isn’t just in their taste, but also in their stunning visual appeal. Creating layers of contrasting colors and textures makes them truly irresistible. Best of all, once your granola is made, assembling these parfaits is incredibly quick, making them an ideal solution for busy mornings or elegant brunches.

Imagine the joy of waking up and effortlessly putting together a breakfast that looks like it came from a gourmet cafe. By preparing the dark chocolate granola ahead of time, these parfaits can be whipped up in mere minutes during the week. Just grab your favorite glasses, and you’re ready to layer your way to breakfast bliss.

The layering process is simple yet effective: a generous spoonful of creamy Greek yogurt forms the base, followed by a crunchy layer of homemade dark chocolate granola. Next, a vibrant scattering of fresh strawberry slices adds a burst of color and fruitiness. Repeat these layers until your glass is full, finishing with a final dollop of yogurt and a few artfully placed strawberry slices for garnish. Each spoonful promises a delightful mix of cool yogurt, crisp granola, and sweet, juicy berries. It’s truly what we call a breakfast of champions!

Essential Kitchen Tools for Granola & Parfait Perfection

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your kitchen endeavors. For these parfaits, a few basic items will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience:

Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining your granola ingredients thoroughly.
Cooling Rack: Crucial for allowing your granola to cool evenly and crisp up perfectly after baking.
Baking Sheet: A large, sturdy baking sheet ensures your granola spreads out in an even layer for consistent baking.
Airtight Container: Perfect for storing your delicious homemade granola, keeping it fresh and crunchy for days.

Customizing Your Parfait: Endless Possibilities

One of the best things about these parfaits is their versatility. While the strawberry and dark chocolate combination is undeniably divine, you can easily customize them to suit your preferences or whatever seasonal fruits you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Fruit Variations: Instead of strawberries, try sliced bananas (especially good with chocolate!), raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or even diced peaches or mangoes when in season. A mix of berries works beautifully too.
Nut & Seed Boosts: While the granola contains almonds, you could sprinkle in extra chopped pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds for added texture and nutritional benefits.
Sweetener Swaps: If you prefer, a drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey in the granola, or be added as an extra topping to your parfait.
Yogurt Alternatives: While plain Greek yogurt is recommended for its protein and tang, feel free to use vanilla Greek yogurt for a sweeter profile, or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative if needed.
Extra Indulgence: A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, a dollop of whipped cream, or a light dusting of cocoa powder can make these parfaits even more luxurious for a special occasion.

Full Recipe: Strawberry & Dark Chocolate Granola Parfaits

A close up photo of breakfast parfaits with strawberries and dark chocolate granola.

Breakfast Parfaits with Strawberries & Dark Chocolate Granola

Servings: 12 (granola) / 4 (parfaits)

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Author: Amanda Davis

IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

Ingredients for Homemade Dark Chocolate Granola:

3 cups old fashioned oats
⅓ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 ounces slivered almonds (optional, but recommended)
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup honey
¼ cup vegetable oil
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup dark chocolate chips

Ingredients for Assembling Parfaits (per 4 servings):

6-8 fresh strawberries, sliced
15 ounces plain Greek Yogurt

Before You Begin:

The granola recipe yields approximately 12 servings. You can use all of it for parfaits, or save the delicious leftovers for snacking, topping oatmeal, or even as a delightful sprinkle over vanilla bean ice cream for a quick dessert.

The suggested ingredient amounts for the parfaits (strawberries and Greek yogurt) are enough to create approximately four individual parfaits.

Instructions:

For the Granola: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, slivered almonds (if using), and salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is thoroughly coated.
Spread the granola mixture out in a single, even layer on a large baking sheet or pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven, give the granola a good stir with a spatula, and then return it to the oven to bake for another 15 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and immediately place it on baking racks. While the granola is still warm, sprinkle the dark chocolate chips evenly over the top. Allow the chocolate to sit for a few minutes until it becomes glossy and melted.
Once melted, stir the chocolate into the granola until it’s well combined and coated. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, the chocolate will set, creating delicious clusters. If making ahead, once cooled, store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
To Make the Parfaits: Begin by spooning a few tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt into the bottom of each serving glass or jar.
Top the yogurt layer with a generous few tablespoons of your homemade dark chocolate granola.
Next, arrange a layer of fresh, sliced strawberries over the granola.
Repeat these layers: another scoop of Greek yogurt, more granola, and a final layer of strawberries. Finish each parfait with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.
Garnish with a few extra strawberry slices or a sprinkle of granola for a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy your sinfully delicious breakfast!

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More Delicious Breakfast Inspiration You Might Like:

If you’re always on the lookout for new and exciting breakfast ideas, here are some other recipes that are sure to delight:

For an truly indulgent breakfast, Strawberries & Cream Stuffed French Toast is an absolutely delicious top choice that feels like a special occasion.
Make your mornings a little bit easier with this Breakfast Quinoa in the Slow Cooker! Prepare it the night before and wake up to a warm, comforting breakfast.
You simply must try this invigorating Mocha Smoothie Bowl – a fantastic way to energize your morning with rich flavors.
If you’re often rushing out the door, ensure you power up first with a Loaded Coffee Smoothie. It’s a meal in a glass!
Parents will love these Homemade Freezer French Toast Sticks. Perfect for a quick pop in the microwave on those hectic school mornings.

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The recipes on this blog are typically tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. Please note that oven performance can vary, especially with older models, leading to inconsistent cooking and baking. We highly recommend using an inexpensive oven thermometer to verify that your oven is consistently reaching the correct temperature. If you opt for a toaster oven or countertop oven, be aware that their heat distribution might differ from a full-sized conventional oven, potentially requiring adjustments to your cooking or baking times. For recipes involving appliances like pressure cookers, air fryers, or slow cookers, a link to the specific appliances we use is often provided within the respective recipe. When baking, if measurements are given by weight, please understand that using volume measurements (cups) instead may lead to different results, and we cannot guarantee success with such substitutions.