Save A festive brunch parfait bar featuring layers of creamy yogurt, spiced Christmas pudding, fruit compotes, and crunchy toppings—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I enjoy preparing this parfait bar during the holiday season as it brings a refreshing twist to traditional Christmas flavors and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- Parfait Base: 500 g thick Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative), 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Christmas Pudding Layer: 250 g Christmas pudding (store-bought or homemade), crumbled
- Fruit Compote: 200 g mixed berries (fresh or frozen), 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Toppings: 100 g granola, 50 g toasted nuts (such as pecans or almonds) chopped, 50 g dried cranberries or raisins, 1 apple diced, 1 orange segmented, 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit compote:
- In a small saucepan, combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until berries soften and the mixture thickens. Let cool to room temperature.
- Mix yogurt base:
- In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with vanilla extract and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth.
- Set up parfait bar:
- Arrange the yogurt, crumbled Christmas pudding, cooled fruit compote, and all toppings in separate bowls.
- Assemble parfaits:
- Layer yogurt, Christmas pudding, and fruit compote in glasses or jars. Top with a selection of granola, nuts, dried fruit, apple, orange, pomegranate seeds, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and fresh mint.
- Serve:
- Let guests build their own parfaits according to their preferences.
Save This parfait bar became a family favorite during our Christmas brunch, sparking joy and fun memories as everyone customized their own servings.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, small saucepan, parfait glasses or jars, spoons
Allergen Information
Contains milk (yogurt), nuts (optional), gluten (in Christmas pudding and granola). Check labels for eggs and gluten if serving guests with allergies. Use appropriate substitutes for gluten-free or dairy-free versions.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 320, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 52 g, Protein 10 g
Save This parfait bar is the perfect festive finish that brings holiday cheer to any brunch table.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I prepare the berry compote in advance?
Yes, the berry compote can be made ahead and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before assembling the parfait bar for best flavor.
- → What are suitable alternatives to Christmas pudding?
Try gingerbread or fruitcake crumbles as flavorful alternatives that complement the yogurt and toppings well.
- → How can I make this suitable for dairy-free diets?
Use a thick dairy-free yogurt alternative such as coconut or almond milk-based yogurt to maintain creamy texture.
- → What toppings add the best crunch?
Granola, toasted nuts like pecans or almonds, and dried cranberries or raisins offer a satisfying crunch to balance creamy layers.
- → Is this parfait bar suitable for gluten-free options?
Check that the Christmas pudding and granola are gluten-free or replace them with gluten-free substitutes to accommodate dietary needs.