The Best Brown Sugar Apple & Wheat Berry Yogurt Parfait Recipe

I don’t know about you, but my mornings can get a little hectic. Between getting everyone ready and out the door, breakfast sometimes feels like an afterthought. That’s why I’m always searching for meals that feel special but are secretly simple. This yogurt parfait recipe is my delicious solution. It layers tangy yogurt, nutty wheat berries, and warm, caramelized apples into a breakfast that tastes like a decadent dessert. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to sit down and savor every spoonful. Let’s make something you’ll be excited to wake up for.

Quick Recipe

• Preparation Time: 10M
• Cooking Time: 1H
• Total Time: 1H10M
• Type of dish: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Recipe Yield: 2 servings
• Calories: 540 kcal per serving

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Yogurt Parfait Recipe

This isn’t just another bowl of yogurt and fruit. It’s a thoughtful combination of textures and flavors that truly elevates your morning routine. The foundation is thick, creamy Greek yogurt, which provides a tangy contrast to the other layers.

Then come the apples. We gently sauté them with a little butter and brown sugar until they’re tender but still have a slight bite. They become coated in a light, cinnamon-spiced caramel sauce that is just heavenly. Finally, the chewy wheat berries add a wonderful, nutty texture and wholesome goodness that makes this a truly satisfying and healthy breakfast. It’s become a staple in my house for a reason!

The Magic is in the Layers: What You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are. You’re taking a few humble pantry staples and turning them into something special.

For the Brown Sugar Apples:

• Apples: You’ll want 2 medium, firm apples. I love using Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith because they hold their shape and have a great sweet-tart flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Just 1 tablespoon to create that rich, caramelized flavor.
• Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons (packed) for the perfect amount of sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: A heaping ½ teaspoon for that classic warm spice.
• Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon. This is my secret weapon! It brightens the flavor of the apples and keeps them from browning too much while you work.

For the Chewy Wheat Berries:

This is the simplest wheat berry recipe you’ll ever need. Wheat berries are whole, unprocessed wheat kernels that have a wonderfully nutty flavor and satisfyingly chewy texture when cooked.

• Hard Red Wheat Berries: ½ cup, rinsed.
• Water: 1 ½ cups.
• Salt: A small pinch.

For the Creamy Yogurt & Assembly:

• Plain Greek Yogurt: 2 cups. I always go for full-fat or 5% Greek yogurt. Its thick consistency is perfect for creating distinct layers that don’t get watery.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon.
• Maple Syrup or Honey (Optional): 1-2 tablespoons, or to your taste.

Essential Tools

You don’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe, which is another reason I love it.

• Medium saucepan (for the wheat berries)
• Small skillet (for the apples)
• Cutting board & knife
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Two large glass jars or parfait glasses

Let’s Build a Masterpiece: Step-by-Step Instructions

I like to break this down into three simple parts: cooking the grains, preparing the fruit, and then the fun part—assembly!

Step 1: Cook the Wheat Berries

You can do this step a few days in advance to make this a true make-ahead breakfast.

1. Combine & Boil: In your medium saucepan, combine the rinsed wheat berries, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
2. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 45-60 minutes. They’re done when they are chewy but tender.
3. Drain: Drain any excess water and set the wheat berries aside to cool. They will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Step 2: Sauté the Brown Sugar Apples

This part makes your kitchen smell absolutely incredible.

1. Prep the Apples: Peel, core, and dice your apples into small, ½-inch pieces.
2. Sauté: Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir to coat everything evenly.
3. Cook: Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the apples to be tender but not mushy. The sugar will dissolve and create a lovely, light syrup.
4. Finish: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let the apples cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Yogaurt Base

While the apples cool, quickly mix up your yogurt. In a small bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and optional maple syrup until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble Your Parfaits

Now for the best part! Grab your glasses or jars and let’s layer.

1. First Layer: Spoon about ¼ cup of the cooked wheat berries into the bottom of each glass.
2. Second Layer: Gently spoon about ½ cup of the vanilla yogurt mixture over the wheat berries. Use the back of the spoon to spread it evenly to the edges for a clean look.
3. Third Layer: Top the yogurt with half of the cooked apple mixture, dividing it between the two glasses.
4. Repeat: Add another layer of yogurt, followed by the remaining apples. I like to finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

My Pro Tips for Perfect Parfaits Every Time

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this simple yogurt parfait recipe from good to great.

Choosing the Right Apple

The type of apple you use really does matter. Softer apples like Red Delicious can turn to mush when cooked. You want a firm variety that holds its shape, like a Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Gala. Their balance of sweetness and tartness is perfect against the brown sugar.

Make-Ahead Magic

This is the ultimate secret for a stress-free morning. Prepare all three components—the wheat berries, the apples, and the sweetened yogurt—and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. When you’re ready for breakfast, all you have to do is layer them in a glass. It takes less than two minutes!

Customization is Key

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own!

• Add a Crunch: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds would be a delicious final topping.
• Switch the Grain: If you don’t have wheat berries, cooked quinoa, farro, or even leftover brown rice can work.
• Change the Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the apples for an even warmer flavor.

A Breakfast Worth Celebrating

This Brown Sugar Apple & Wheat Berry Yogurt Parfait is more than just a recipe; it’s a simple way to bring a little joy and calm to your mornings. It proves that a wholesome, healthy breakfast can also feel incredibly indulgent. I hope you and your family love it as much as mine does. Happy cooking!

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