Cherry Vanilla Parfaits
Creamy cherry vanilla parfaits combine tart cherry filling, smooth vanilla yogurt, and crunchy pecans, offering a delightful dessert perfect for casual gatherings or everyday treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt oleo in a small skillet over low heat; add chopped pecans.
- Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla wafers and cinnamon; set aside.
- Layer the vanilla yogurt with cherry pie filling and pecan mixture in serving glasses or bowls.
- Repeat layers as desired and serve chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using toasted pecans instead of raw. If you need a nut-free option, substitute with granola. The low-fat vanilla yogurt can be swapped with Greek yogurt for added creaminess. You can also play around with flavors by adding a splash of almond extract or using a different fruit filling like peach. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the cherry pie filling by half.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Vanilla Parfaits make an excellent dessert after a hearty meal or can be served as a refreshing snack. Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of additional crushed vanilla wafers on top for added texture. They also complement well with a cup of coffee or tea. For a lovely breakfast treat, serve alongside Low-Fat Apple Walnut Muffins.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the texture of the layers, it's best not to freeze the parfaits, as the yogurt can become watery upon thawing. When ready to serve, simply scoop out the desired amount and enjoy chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Vanilla Parfaits contains roughly 1889 calories, with 22g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 155g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), protein (44% of the Daily Value), and calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 614mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these parfaits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these parfaits ahead of time. Just layer the ingredients in serving glasses, cover them, and store in the fridge. For best results, assemble no more than 6 hours in advance to keep the layers fresh and prevent the wafers from becoming too soggy.
What can I substitute for cherry pie filling?
If you don't have cherry pie filling, you can easily substitute it with other fruit fillings like blueberry or strawberry. Alternatively, fresh fruit such as sliced strawberries or peaches can be layered with yogurt for a lighter option. You can also make your own fruit compote by simmering fresh or frozen fruit with a bit of sugar and water.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Cherry Vanilla Parfaits recipe is suitable for a vegetarian diet. All the ingredients used, including the yogurt and pecans, are plant-based. Just ensure that your yogurt does not contain gelatin or any animal-derived ingredients to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).