This apple maple parfait is packed full of vanilla, apple, and maple flavor. Sweet layers of yogurt, granola, and maple cinnamon apples are the perfect breakfast.
The weather is changing. Fall is just around the corner and I could not be happier! I was super excited when I was asked to put together a dessert course for this month’s Progressive Party over at Kitchen Play. The U.S. Apple Association was looking for a delicious apple dessert that would be easy for the busy parent. I had several ideas floating around in my head but I finally settled on an Apple Maple Parfait. It’s easy, delicious and packed full of flavor. Even better, it can be eaten as breakfast too!
Luckily for me I only live 3 miles away from an apple orchard. While it’s not the peak picking season there are a few early varieties that were available. I opted to try the Paula Red because I liked its sweet flavor and (when fresh) firm texture. It can get very soft while cooked but I knew I wasn’t going to cook them for very long so I was not worried. If you cannot find Paula Red in your area a great replacement would be McIntosh, Granny Smith (If you want a nice tart flavor), Empire or Jonathan.
I flavored my apples with cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar. I let them simmer gently on the stove top until they were just soft enough to easily eat. For my parfait I used store-bought Greek vanilla yogurt and store-bought granola. I took a clean mason jar and made layers of tangy vanilla yogurt, sweet maple syrup and spiced apples. Once I reached the top I made sure to top it with plenty of granola.
Apple Maple Parfait
This apple maple parfait is packed full of vanilla, apple and maple flavor. Sweet layers of yogurt, granola and maple cinnamon apples are the perfect breakfast.
Yield: 4 half pint parfaits
Prep Time: 50 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 small to medium apples - peeled, cored and chopped into 1 1/2 inch cubes (apple count will depend on the size of your apples. Mine were a little on the smaller side)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 (8 ounce) containers vanilla flavored Greek yogurt
- Maple syrup
- Granola
Source: Nutmeg Nanny
Directions:
Take chopped apples and put in large bowl. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice and vanilla paste, stir and let sit for 30 minutes. The apples should now be sitting in a bowl of sugary liquid. Take apples and juice and put into saucepot on the stove. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the apples are soft but not falling apart. The sugar mixture should thicken up a bit too. Remove from heat and let cool. In a 1/2 pint glass mason jar add a spoon full of the cooled apple mixture, drizzle of maple syrup and a large spoonful of yogurt - continue until you reach the top of your jar, then sprinkle with granola and enjoy!
Fuji Mama
Thursday 15th of September 2011
I love how simple and elegant these parfaits are! I love how you are combining flavors to highlight and accentuate the flavors of the apple instead of overcomplicating things and thus losing the essence of the apple. Cannot wait to make some apple maple parfaits for my family!
Lisa Frank
Monday 12th of September 2011
Since apples vary wildly in size, approx. how many cups of apples would you say you used? I can't wait to make this! :)
grace
Monday 12th of September 2011
breakfast, snack, or dessert--this is a triple threat! i like everything about it, brandy--nice work!
Suzanne
Thursday 8th of September 2011
This sounds perfect for breakfast on the go, I love this kind of stuff. The maple syrup is a great addition too :)
Melissa@IWasBornToCook
Thursday 8th of September 2011
I love this - totally puts me in the mood for fall :)