Make-Ahead Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt with Berries
Transform store-bought plain Greek yogurt with rich vanilla beans and a touch of honey. These layered berry parfaits are great to have on hand for busy weeks. So easy to throw together and you can customize them however you like.
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I love having items like this in my refrigerator during busy weekdays so we have something easy to grab when we’re in a rush. These are simple to make and fun to put together. This is also an uncomplicated recipe so it’s perfect for getting the kids involved. Lay out different kinds of fruit and let your kiddos build their own!
Store-bought vanilla Greek yogurt vs semi-homemade:
The main differences between the two is convenience and sugar quality. While both are equally good, sometimes store-bought yogurts can have a lot of added refined sugar. This semi-homemade version is sweetened with pure honey which has important antioxidants. Honey can also help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol, and so much more. When I’m eating yogurt on a daily basis, I feel better about making my own semi-homemade version so I can control the amount of sweetener that goes in.
Here are a few store brands that I feel good about buying that have great flavor if you want to skip flavoring and sweetening your own. They are low in added sugar and have plenty of flavors to choose from.
- Two good
- icelandic provisions
- Chobani
Can I use vanilla extract instead of fresh vanilla beans?
Yes! Using pure vanilla extract is flavorful and delicious however, fresh vanilla beans are slightly more intense. Plus, it always looks pretty to see those hundreds of dark flecks scattered throughout the yogurt. After all, we eat with our eyes first! š You can swap out 1 whole vanilla bean for 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract.
Is there any use for the vanilla pod after the seeds have been removed?
Thankfully, yes! Fresh vanilla beans can be expensive so if you want to make the most of it, little green dot is a great resource for ideas on how to use every part of the bean!
This is the brand of vanilla beans I buy from Amazon and love. They have a strong vanilla scent (which is important) and the pods are plump and shinny; also important. They come vacuumed packed and they’re affordable! Click on the image to check them out!
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Vanilla Greek yogurt topping and mix-in ideas:
- Fresh, canned, or dried fruit
- My quick and easy honey vanilla granola
- Chopped nuts and nut butters: peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter
- Chia seeds
- Fruit puree
- Applesauce
- Honey for extra sweetness
Note: You can use frozen fruit just make sure to add it right before serving.
How to layer make-ahead yogurt with berries:
- Use an 8 or 4 oz size mason jar or small container you can layer the yogurt and fruit in.
- Add roughly 3-4 tablespoons of yogurt to the bottom of the container.
- Scatter 2 tablespoons or so of fruit over the yogurt.
- Add another 3-4 tablespoons of yogurt over the fruit.
- Top with more fruit.
- Cover tightly with lid and store for up to 5 days.
Top with granola and additional toppings when you’re ready to enjoy!
I like using these mason jars for making ahead yogurt parfaits. They hold the perfect amount plus I like that you can see what’s inside. Click on the image to check them out!
Let’s eat!š¤
Make-Ahead Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt with Berries
Ingredients
- 2 cups Plain Greek yogurt, 2% or 4% Or use store-bought vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 vanilla bean pod, split down the middle and scrape out the seeds with the tip of a knife or use 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 3-4 tbsp pure honey add more honey if you like it sweeter
Berries – fresh, or canned
- strawberries cut in small pieces
- raspberries
- blueberries
- blackberries
- peaches fresh or canned, cut in small pieces
Instructions
- In a medium bowl add yogurt and vanilla seeds from pod or use vanilla extract. Stir until well combined, then add the honey. Stir until yogurt is smooth and creamy. Taste and add more honey if you want it sweeter.
Storing yogurt
- Store yogurt in airtight container or glass jar in refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Layering vanilla Greek yogurt and berries.
- Use a 4-8 oz mason jar or small container.
- Add 3-4 tablespoons of yogurt to the bottom of the container.
- Scatter a few berries and/or fruit of your choice on top of yogurt.
- Layer on another 3-4 tablespoons of yogurt.
- Top with more berries and/or fruit. Secure with lid and store in refrigerator for 5-6 days.
- When ready to eat you can add additional toppings like granola, chopped nuts additional honey, and more…
Notes
- Fresh, canned, or dried fruit
- My quick and easy honey vanilla granola
- Chopped nuts and nut butters: peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter
- Chia seeds
- Fruit puree
- Applesauce
- Honey for extra sweetness
- Two good
- icelandic provisions
- Chobani
