Cranberry Apple Pie Parfait with Shortbread Crust and Vanilla Yogurt Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you love desserts that feel like a warm hug in a bowl—and that’s exactly what this Cranberry Apple Pie Parfait with Shortbread Crust and Vanilla Yogurt Recipe delivers. It’s like all the best parts of a classic apple pie turned into a fresh, fruity parfait that’s perfect for any season. What makes it so special? The balance of tart cranberries with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples layered over buttery shortbread crust crumbs and creamy vanilla yogurt—it’s the kind of treat that’s impressively simple but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

This recipe works wonderfully for casual get-togethers, holiday brunches, or even a quick but elegant dessert after a weeknight meal. Plus, it’s super forgiving and customizable, so whether you’re new to making parfaits or a seasoned pro, you’ll find success here. I’ve made these parfaits for family and friends, and they always ask for seconds—trust me, once you try this Cranberry Apple Pie Parfait with Shortbread Crust and Vanilla Yogurt Recipe, it’ll be a staple in your dessert rotation, too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Apple Pie Parfait with Shortbread Crust and Vanilla Yogurt Recipe plays a key role in layering flavors and textures that make the dessert sing. When you shop, I recommend getting fresh apples that are crisp and tart for that perfect bite, and good-quality vanilla Greek yogurt for that creamy tanginess. The shortbread cookies bring a lovely buttery crunch, so pick something flavorful!

• Apples: I find Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best—they hold their shape and give a nice balance of sweet and tart.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt and flavor perfectly in the fruits.
• Brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth, especially paired with the cinnamon.
• Ground cinnamon: A pinch goes a long way in boosting that cozy apple pie vibe.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash brightens the fruit mixture beautifully.
• Cranberries: Fresh or frozen is fine; they add a wonderful tartness and vibrant color.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cranberry mixture without overpowering it.
• Water: Helps soften the cranberries and create a lovely sauce.
• Orange juice (optional): I like this touch of citrus to brighten the cranberry sauce—it’s especially nice if you prefer a bit more zing.
• Vanilla Greek yogurt or whipped cream: Greek yogurt offers creaminess with a healthy twist, but whipped cream makes it extra decadent.
• Shortbread cookies: Crushing these provides the buttery, crumbly crust element—it’s my favorite part!
• Mini cinnamon sticks or leaf-shaped sprinkles: Perfect for garnish and making your parfaits feel festive.

Variations

I love how easily you can personalize this Cranberry Apple Pie Parfait with Shortbread Crust and Vanilla Yogurt Recipe to fit different tastes or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to swap in ingredients or add your own twist—the perfect parfait is the one you enjoy most!

• Dairy-free: I’ve tried using coconut or almond yogurt instead of vanilla Greek yogurt, and it adds a lovely, subtle flavor while keeping things creamy.
• More crunch: Sometimes I toss in a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for extra texture.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or even ground ginger alongside the cinnamon really amps up the warmth of the apple pie flavors.
• Seasonal fruits: Feel free to swap cranberries for pomegranate seeds in winter or fresh berries in summer for a different fruity pop.
• Whipped cream swap: If you want to keep it lighter, Greek yogurt is perfect, but for special occasions, topping with lightly sweetened whipped cream makes it feel like a party.

How to Make Cranberry Apple Pie Parfait with Shortbread Crust and Vanilla Yogurt Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by melting your butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the peeled, chopped apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla extract. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the apples are just tender but still hold their shape—usually about 7-10 minutes. Don’t overcook them or they’ll turn mushy, and that’s not the texture you want for your parfait layers.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry Sauce

While the apples are cooling, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and optional orange juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly—around 8 minutes. It should be sauce-like but still have some texture. Let this cool before layering.

Step 3: Crush the Shortbread Cookies

Grab the shortbread cookies and crush them into fine but slightly chunky crumbs. I like to use a zip-top bag and roll over it with a rolling pin—makes cleanup a breeze. These crumbs act as the crumbled crust that gives the parfait that signature buttery crunch.

Step 4: Assemble Your Parfaits

In your serving glasses or jars, layer a spoonful of the crushed shortbread, followed by some vanilla yogurt, then a layer of glazed apples, cranberry sauce, and back to yogurt again. I usually make three layers in each cup so every bite gets a bit of everything. Finish with a final sprinkle of shortbread crumbs and a pretty garnish on top.

How to Serve Cranberry Apple Pie Parfait with Shortbread Crust and Vanilla Yogurt Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of mini cinnamon sticks as a garnish—they look festive and add a hint of spice aroma that gets everyone excited before the first bite. If you want something simpler, leaf-shaped sprinkles bring a cute, seasonal touch without much effort. Fresh mint leaves also brighten it up nicely if you’re serving in warmer months.

Side Dishes

This parfait is pretty much a dessert on its own, but if I’m serving it at brunch, I like to pair it with warm cinnamon rolls or a simple cheese plate. If it’s a holiday dinner, some spiced coffee or chai tea makes a lovely companion to the sweet-tart flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas, I sometimes serve this Cranberry Apple Pie Parfait with Shortbread Crust and Vanilla Yogurt Recipe in mini mason jars with rustic twine tied around the rim. It’s such a charming way to present dessert and makes guests feel like you went the extra mile. Another fun idea I’ve tried is layering in clear mini glasses so the colorful layers really pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover parfaits covered tightly with plastic wrap or lids in the fridge for up to 2 days. I find the shortbread crumbs stay crisp enough if you don’t leave them too long, so it’s best to enjoy sooner rather than later. If the crumbs soften a bit, just add a fresh sprinkle before serving again—it revives the texture nicely.

Freezing

I haven’t had much luck freezing this parfait because the yogurt and fresh fruit don’t thaw well—the texture can get watery or icy. For best results, I recommend making the components ahead (like the apple filling and cranberry sauce) and assembling fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

If you want to warm up the apple and cranberry layers before assembling, just heat them gently in the microwave or on the stove until warm but not hot—about a minute or two is usually enough. Then let cool slightly before layering so the yogurt stays creamy and cool. This little step makes it feel extra comforting, especially on chilly days.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Apple Pie Parfait with Shortbread Crust and Vanilla Yogurt Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration every time you take a bite. It’s comforting, bright, and versatile—things I truly value in a homemade dessert. I love sharing this recipe with friends because it’s approachable and always gets rave reviews, no matter the occasion. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to this parfait again and again, just like I do.

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