Ingredients
This yummy Banana Parfait recipe, for breakfast or dessert, needs simple ingredients: Bananas, yogurt (plain or vanilla), honey, and granola. It’s easy to make, too. Just whip it up in a few minutes! Let’s take a look at what we need:
- Bananas
- Yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- Honey
- Granola
Ripe Bananas
Ripe Bananas are a must-have for this yummy, layered parfait recipe. High in fiber and full of flavor, they also give you potassium and B-6 vitamins. When picking ripe bananas, go for yellow or yellow with brown spots. Avoid any with bruises or cuts – these will ruin the taste.
Before you buy, check for black freckles – they show the banana is overripe. Use them soon after buying, as overly ripe bananas can change the look and taste of your parfait.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a favorite! It’s often used in savoury and sweet dishes. For this parfait, it adds sweetness without making it too sugary. It also brings creaminess. Greek yogurt is popular as it is full of protein, calcium and other important vitamins and minerals. Some brands have added probiotics too – great for your gut health. Opt for an unflavored kind for the best result. If you want to experiment, try vanilla or honey flavored Greek yogurt!
Granola
Granola is to be used for layering between the Greek yogurt and sliced bananas in this recipe. Select an unsweetened granola with no sugar added for a healthier choice. If you prefer sweeter tastes, there are many types of granola that can be used. At least 1 cup is needed for the desired texture.
For an extra crunch, add a few tablespoons of chopped nuts or seeds to the top layer of granola when making the parfait.
Directions
This Ripe Banana Parfait is ideal! It’s a layered breakfast or dessert. A few ingredients? Super easy to make! In minutes you can have a yummy and nutritious breakfast or dessert.
To start, let’s review the ingredients and steps. Get ready for this parfait!
Slice the bananas into thin slices
Serve a group? Get ripened bananas and let each person cut theirs into thin, equal circles. Layer the ingredients in a container like this:
- Put banana slices on bottom.
- Spread yogurt over them.
- Sprinkle granola or nuts for crunch.
- Optional: Add extra layers of banana, yogurt and granola/nuts.
- Chill and enjoy!
Layer the ingredients in a bowl
Mix together the ingredients for the banana layer. Mash a ripe banana in a bowl and stir in two tablespoons of honey. Add 1/4 cup of rolled oats and mix.
Layer the ingredients in a tall glass bowl or cup. Start with 1/3 cup of granola, followed by half of the banana mixture and one tablespoon of dark chocolate chips. Cover with 1/3 cup of granola, then the remaining banana mixture. Top with a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt and sliced strawberries (or other fruit). Serve chilled or at room temperature!
Top with a drizzle of honey
Once the banana parfait is ready, top it with a drizzle of sweet honey! Honey can replace sugar in many recipes as a natural sweetener. Its richness makes it a great choice for this parfait. Pick honey that is locally sourced or raw, unpasteurized, and unprocessed for the best flavor and nutrition.
People allergic to bees should use an alternative sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar instead.
Serving Suggestions
This delectable, simple-to-prepare parfait is a scrumptious mix of crunchy granola, creamy Greek yogurt, and ripe banana slices. You can customize it however you like! Enjoy it as a nutritious breakfast or as a sweet dessert.
Here’s some of the best ways to serve this irresistible parfait!
Serve with fresh berries
Fruit is a must for a delicious parfait. To add tartness, colour and nutrition, try these popular fresh berries:
- Raspberries: Vitamin C and polyphenols packed in these juicy red berries
- Blueberries: Sweet, plump and full of vitamins A and C plus manganese
- Strawberries: Vitamin C, antioxidants and polyphenols in abundance
- Blackberries/black raspberries: Polyphenols with antioxidant value
Give the berries a quick rinse before adding to your parfait. For an interesting texture, add edible flowers or slivered almonds. Serve cold for best results. Enjoy!
Top with a dollop of whipped cream
Create the perfect banana parfait by topping with luxurious whipped cream! It adds a velvety texture that unites the milky, crunchy and creamy elements. Preparing this topping is easy and only takes minutes.
Get a chilled bowl and add 1-2 tablespoons sugar to 1 cup chilled heavy whipping cream. Beat on high until soft peaks form. Serve while airy or cover and refrigerate.
To make it extra special, add a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg or cocoa powder. You can also dress it up with fresh raspberries and chopped nuts for crunch!
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon
Give your ripe banana parfait a sprinkle of cinnamon! Its warmth and sweetness will make the dish even more enjoyable. It’ll balance any acidity and provide health benefits. For extra flavor, add some chopped walnuts or honey. Make it as tasty and beautiful as you like!
Besides adding flavor, cinnamon reduces inflammation, manages blood sugar, boosts memory, and decreases cholesterol. So, don’t forget the cinnamon to get the most out of your parfait!
Nutrition
A yummy and protein-filled ripe banana parfait! Not only is it sugary and sweet, but it also contains so many nutrients! Fiber, potassium, Vitamin A, B6 and C. Plus, it’s low in fat, sodium and sugar.
Let’s dive into the nutrition facts of this mouthwatering parfait!
Calories
A ripe banana parfait is a great breakfast or dessert! It has layers of high-fiber whole wheat cereal and a ripe banana. Calories depend on the type and amount of ingredients. On average, it has 420 calories per serving.
Nutrients per one serving:
- Calories: 420cal
- Carbs: 57g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 14g
It’s tasty and nutritious! The high-fiber cereal and protein-rich milk offer sustained energy for the day. Enjoy your banana parfait for breakfast or dessert!
Protein
Bananas are a great source of energy-producing carbs and fiber, plus they contain B6, potassium, polyphenols, and manganese. Though not a main source of dietary protein, they still have some. Half a medium banana (70g) has around one gram of protein. This fruit is an excellent source of essential amino acids, which help the body grow and repair cells.
Adding bananas to your diet is a brilliant way to get more protein. Other great protein sources are dairy, fish, eggs, chicken, and turkey. You can pair banana proteins with others from food and make a balanced meal. Ripe banana parfaits are a yummy breakfast option if you want more protein but don’t want to compromise on taste. To make it even better, use Greek yogurt or natural sources such as nuts.
Fat
Fat is important for good health. It provides energy and carries vitamins A, D, E, and K. It also helps the brain and absorbs fatty acids.
Parfait has some health benefits.
- Ripe banana slices are low in saturated fat. They have monounsaturated fat, which lower bad cholesterol without lowering the good.
- One serving of parfait has 1-3 grams of fat from natural yogurt. This yogurt gives calcium, which helps bones, builds muscle and helps nerves.
- There is also honey or agave nectar. Honey has anti-bacterial properties and antioxidants.
Parfait is a tasty breakfast or dessert. You’ll get the nutrition you need!
Carbs
Bananas are a great source of energy-rich carbs. One large one gives 27 grams of natural sugars like fructose, sucrose, and glucose. Plus, 3 grams of dietary fiber, 1 gram of protein, and almost no fat. That’s why they’re perfect as a pre- or post-workout snack for those trying to build muscle or lose weight. Active individuals get a boost of energy before or after physical activity.
Vitamin B6 in bananas helps with proper immune system function and red blood cell production. Potassium is also in them, helping to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. It also normalizes heart rate, blood pressure, and reduces muscle cramps during exercise. Ripe bananas contain manganese, which helps protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals during intense physical activity.
Tips
Yum! Banana parfait! Making it’s easy and fun. This recipe will give you a delicious breakfast or a nice light dessert. Here’s some tips and tricks to keep in mind. Let’s check them out!
Use ripe bananas for the best flavor
Ripe bananas are perfect for parfaits. The skin blackens and sugar content softens when left on the counter for several days. This process leads to an intense taste and a pleasant banana flavor that stands out!
When it’s time to assemble,
- peel and break the banana into small pieces.
- Use a spoon, fork, or food processor.
- If using frozen banana chunks, defrost them at room temp for 15 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
Mash the banana, then fold in other ingredients like honey, granola, or nuts. Layer the parfait with yoghurt or cream topping into glasses or containers. Enjoy!
Adjust the ingredients to your taste
Go wild with this recipe! Layer as many or as few ingredients as you like. Try peaches, apples, or mangoes. Instead of plain vanilla yogurt, try Greek yogurt or strawberry or peach yogurt. For an extra twist, use less oats and add crushed graham crackers, granola, or other types of cereal.
Sprinkle some pistachios, almonds, or peanuts on top. Finish it off with a drizzle of honey for sweetness and crunch. You won’t get bored with so many tasty options!
Substitute yogurt for other dairy alternatives
For those trying to stay away from traditional dairy, a banana parfait can be adapted. Substitute non-dairy yogurt for the Greek yogurt and you’ll still get a creamy base. Almond milk, coconut milk, and soy yogurt are available in most stores and offer unique taste profiles. For example, almond-coconut blended yogurt gives a subtle sweetness to the dish. You can also go for vegan or plant-based yogurts.
If you don’t need to go dairy-free but still want to experiment, try different kinds of regular yogurt. Greek yogurt is thicker than other versions. If you want something lighter, low fat or flavored yogurts work just as well. For something creamier, substitute kefir or pureed cottage cheese. It all comes down to personal preference – experiment until you find your favorite!
