Vegan Apple Breakfast Parfaits – A Bright, Crunchy Start to Your Morning

Sweet apples, creamy dairy-free yogurt, and a crisp granola crunch—this parfait checks every breakfast box. It’s quick to assemble, easy to customize, and feels a little bit special even on a busy weekday. You get warm cinnamon notes, fresh fruit, and satisfying textures in every spoonful.

Make it for a light breakfast, a snack, or even a simple dessert that doesn’t weigh you down. If you like make-ahead mornings, this one’s a keeper.

Vegan Apple Breakfast Parfaits - A Bright, Crunchy Start to Your Morning

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

• 2 medium apples, chopped (Honeycrisp, Gala, or your favorite)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave, to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup dairy-free yogurt (coconut, almond, or soy)
• 1 cup vegan granola (look for certified vegan and low added sugar if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts or seeds (walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed (optional, for extra fiber)
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

 

• Prep the apples: Toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt. Add maple syrup to taste. You can use them fresh, or warm them in a small skillet for 3–4 minutes to soften slightly.
• Stir the yogurt: Give your dairy-free yogurt a quick stir for a smooth texture. If you like it sweeter, add a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Mix your crunch: Combine the granola with nuts or seeds. Stir in chia or ground flax if using.
• Layer the parfaits: In two glasses or jars, add a spoonful of yogurt, then a layer of apples, then granola. Repeat the layers until you reach the top.
• Finish and serve: Top with a final sprinkle of granola and an extra dash of cinnamon. Enjoy right away for max crunch.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• Balanced texture: Creamy yogurt, soft spiced apples, and crunchy granola make it interesting from first bite to last.
• Simple ingredients: Everything is easy to find, budget-friendly, and pantry-ready.
• Naturally vegan: No dairy, no eggs—just plant-based goodness that tastes like comfort.
• Customizable sweetness: Choose your favorite sweetener and control how sweet you want it.
• Meal-prep friendly: Assemble ahead or prep the components and layer when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients

• 2 medium apples, chopped (Honeycrisp, Gala, or your favorite)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave, to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup dairy-free yogurt (coconut, almond, or soy)
• 1 cup vegan granola (look for certified vegan and low added sugar if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts or seeds (walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed (optional, for extra fiber)
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Prep the apples: Toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt. Add maple syrup to taste.

   You can use them fresh, or warm them in a small skillet for 3–4 minutes to soften slightly.

2. Stir the yogurt: Give your dairy-free yogurt a quick stir for a smooth texture. If you like it sweeter, add a drizzle of maple syrup.
3. Mix your crunch: Combine the granola with nuts or seeds. Stir in chia or ground flax if using.
4. Layer the parfaits: In two glasses or jars, add a spoonful of yogurt, then a layer of apples, then granola.

   Repeat the layers until you reach the top.

5. Finish and serve: Top with a final sprinkle of granola and an extra dash of cinnamon. Enjoy right away for max crunch.

Keeping It Fresh

• Prevent soggy granola: Store granola separately and add just before eating if you’re prepping in advance.
• Refrigeration: Parfaits keep well for up to 2 days in the fridge if you layer yogurt and apples only. Add the granola right before serving.
• Make-ahead apples: Cooked or marinated apples last 3–4 days in an airtight container.

  They actually taste better after a day.

• Jar tip: Use a wide-mouth jar for easy layering and spoons that actually reach the corners.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Fiber-rich: Apples, chia/flax, and granola support digestion and help keep you full longer.
• Balanced fuel: Carbs from fruit and granola paired with fat and protein from yogurt and nuts create steady energy.
• No dairy: Gentle on lactose-sensitive stomachs while still creamy and satisfying.
• Antioxidants: Apples and cinnamon bring natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Kid-friendly: Sweet, familiar flavors make it an easy win for picky eaters.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-sweetening: Many granolas are already sweet. Taste as you go and add syrup slowly.
• Skipping the lemon: A splash of acidity keeps the apples bright and balances sweetness.
• Using watery yogurt: Choose a thicker vegan yogurt for better layering and texture.
• Adding granola too early: It softens quickly in the fridge. Keep it separate if you’re not eating right away.
• Only one texture: Nuts or seeds make a big difference.

  That extra crunch matters.

Alternatives

• Yogurt swaps: Use coconut yogurt for richness, almond for lightness, or soy for extra protein.
• Fruit swaps: Pears, peaches, berries, or a mix of frozen and fresh fruit work well. If using frozen, thaw and drain first.
• Sweetener options: Maple syrup, agave, date syrup, or a mashed Medjool date blended into the yogurt.
• Spice variations: Try apple pie spice, cardamom, or a little ginger for warmth.
• Grain-free option: Use nut-and-seed clusters or toasted coconut flakes instead of granola.
• Protein boost: Stir a scoop of vanilla or unflavored plant protein into the yogurt, or add hemp seeds between layers.
• Warm parfait: Gently warm the apples and use room-temperature yogurt for a cozy version.

FAQ

Can I make these parfaits the night before?

Yes. Layer the yogurt and apples, then store in the fridge.

Add the granola just before eating so it stays crunchy.

What apples work best?

Crisp, slightly sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady hold their texture and balance the spices nicely.

Is store-bought granola always vegan?

Not always. Some brands use honey or add dairy-based chocolate. Check the label for certified vegan or read the ingredient list closely.

How can I reduce the sugar?

Use unsweetened yogurt, a low- or no-added-sugar granola, and skip the maple syrup.

The apples and cinnamon still deliver great flavor.

Can I use cooked apples instead of raw?

Absolutely. Sauté apples with a little water, cinnamon, and maple syrup for 3–5 minutes. Let them cool slightly before layering.

What’s the best yogurt for thick layers?

A coconut-based yogurt is usually the thickest.

If your yogurt is thin, strain it briefly through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.

How long do the parfaits keep?

Without granola, they keep 2 days in the fridge. Add the crunchy topping right before serving.

Can I make this nut-free?

Yes. Use a nut-free granola and swap nuts for seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, or hemp.

Wrapping Up

Vegan Apple Breakfast Parfaits are simple, flexible, and genuinely satisfying.

They’re easy to prep, easy to personalize, and taste great whether you keep them classic or switch up the fruit and spices. Keep a batch of spiced apples and granola on hand, and breakfast practically makes itself. A wholesome, cozy start to your day is just a few layers away.