Save My neighbor handed me a jar of homemade guava preserves last summer, the kind that tastes like biting into the tropics on a regular Tuesday morning. I had no idea what to do with it at first, so I stood in my kitchen stirring it into yogurt, watching the pink swirl through the white, and suddenly realized I was holding something magical. That single moment of curiosity turned into this parfait, which has since become the breakfast I make when I want to feel like I'm somewhere warm and unhurried.
I made this for my book club once on a whim, worried it seemed too simple for people expecting something more elaborate. Instead, three of them asked for the recipe before leaving, and one admitted she'd been eating the same plain yogurt for years without realizing how much a little guava could change her mornings. That's when I understood this wasn't about being fancy—it was about permission to enjoy something bright and easy.
Ingredients
- Greek yogurt (2 cups): The thick, creamy base holds everything together while adding protein that keeps you satisfied; regular yogurt works but won't have the same luxurious mouthfeel.
- Guava preserves (1 cup): This is your star ingredient, so taste it first and don't skip the stirring step if it's been sitting—thick preserves need loosening so they layer beautifully.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, sliced): Choose berries that are fragrant and slightly soft rather than rock hard; they add brightness and a gentle tartness that plays against the guava's sweetness.
- Fresh kiwi (1 cup, diced): The acidity cuts through richness while the pale green color makes each glass look intentional and beautiful.
- Granola (1 cup): This provides the textural contrast that makes every bite interesting; buy the chunky kind or make your own if you want that toasted, wholesome flavor.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut (2 tbsp, optional): A whisper of coconut amplifies the tropical feeling without overwhelming anything else.
- Fresh mint (2 tbsp chopped, optional): A small handful of mint transforms this from simple to memorable, so don't skip it if you have access to fresh leaves.
Instructions
- Loosen your preserves:
- Stir the guava preserves with a spoon until it moves like honey rather than a brick. If it's really thick, a splash of warm water helps without diluting the flavor.
- Build your first yogurt layer:
- Spoon 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt into the bottom of each glass, using the back of your spoon to gently press it into an even base. You'll feel how thick it is compared to regular yogurt—that's exactly what you want.
- Add the guava layer:
- Dollop about 1 tablespoon of preserves over each yogurt base, then spread it gently across the surface with a small spoon or the back of a knife. Don't worry about making it perfect; the layers will shift slightly and that's part of the charm.
- Sprinkle granola:
- Add 2 tablespoons of granola to each glass, letting some pieces fall where they may. The granola will stay crunchy on top and soften slightly where it touches the yogurt.
- Add fresh fruit:
- Scatter a mix of sliced strawberries and diced kiwi over each granola layer. The fruit juices will start mingling with everything below, creating small flavor surprises.
- Repeat for the second layer:
- Now build again in the same order: yogurt, guava preserves, granola, and fresh fruit. This second layer is where you really see the beauty of the parfait coming together.
- Top with finishing touches:
- If using coconut and mint, sprinkle a little coconut across the top and tuck fresh mint leaves into the gaps. This last moment of garnishing feels intentional and generous.
- Serve or chill:
- Eat immediately if you love that contrast between crunchy granola and creamy yogurt, or cover loosely and refrigerate up to an hour for a more integrated, spoon-friendly consistency.
Pin it One morning, my daughter watched me assemble these and asked if she could make her own version. She rearranged the layers in a completely different order, added way too much granola, and somehow created something even better than my original. That's when I realized this recipe isn't precious—it's an invitation to play with flavors and textures in your own kitchen, without apology.
Why Guava Works So Well
Guava is one of those flavors that tastes exotic but familiar, tropical but not heavy. It has just enough tartness underneath the sweetness to keep this from feeling cloying, and it pairs with creamy yogurt in a way that feels almost designed. The preserves mellow as they sit with the yogurt, creating this subtle, almost floral sweetness that evolves with each bite.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of a parfait is that it's essentially a template you're invited to riff on. Mango preserves work just as well as guava if that's what your market has, and coconut yogurt makes this dairy-free without sacrificing that creamy richness. Some mornings I add a drizzle of honey because my guava jam ran out, and other times I've swapped the kiwi for diced pineapple because that's what was ripe.
Timing and Storage Notes
This is genuinely a ten-minute breakfast, which means you can assemble it on a weekday morning without rushing or feeling like you've sacrificed something. The only consideration is that granola slowly softens in contact with the yogurt and fruit juice, so if you prefer that crunch, eat within twenty minutes of assembly. If you're prepping ahead, you can keep the components separate in your fridge and assemble just before eating.
- Make the parfait up to an hour ahead and refrigerate loosely covered for a softer, more integrated texture.
- Store leftover guava preserves in a sealed jar in the fridge for other uses—swirl into smoothie bowls or oatmeal.
- Toast your own granola the day before if you want it fresher and more flavorful than store-bought.
Pin it This parfait is proof that simple doesn't mean boring, and that sometimes the best kitchen moments come from standing still long enough to let good ingredients speak for themselves. Make it once exactly as written, then make it again your way.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this parfait ahead of time?
Assemble up to 1 hour before serving to maintain granola crunch. The yogurt layer may become slightly soft if refrigerated longer.
- → What other fruits work well with guava?
Mango, pineapple, papaya, and passion fruit complement guava beautifully. Berries like blueberries or raspberries also pair nicely.
- → How can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or almond yogurt. Ensure granola is certified dairy-free, as some varieties contain milk powder.
- → Can I use homemade granola?
Absolutely. Homemade granola with coconut flakes, almonds, and tropical spices like cinnamon enhances the guava flavor profile.
- → What type of glass works best for presentation?
Clear glass jars, wine glasses, or parfait glasses show off the colorful layers. Any transparent vessel with straight sides works well.
- → How do I prevent the granola from getting soggy?
Layer granola between yogurt and fruit rather than directly under wet ingredients. Serve immediately or refrigerate no longer than one hour.