Cranberry Apple Pie Parfait with Shortbread Crust and Vanilla Yogurt Recipe
This Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic dessert by combining tart cranberries with sweet, spiced apples. Served in individual cups layered with creamy vanilla Greek yogurt and a crunchy shortbread cookie crumble, this no-bake treat is perfect for entertaining or a quick festive dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Filling
- 4 medium apples, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cranberry Mixture
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt or whipped cream
- 1 sleeve shortbread cookies, crushed
- 6–8 clear plastic cups or mason jars
- Mini cinnamon sticks or leaf-shaped sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the sugar has dissolved, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Cook the Cranberries: In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and optional orange juice. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Assemble the Layers: In each clear plastic cup or mason jar, start with a layer of the cooled apple filling at the bottom. Add a layer of the cooked cranberry mixture on top of the apples.
- Add the Cream Layer: Spoon a generous layer of vanilla Greek yogurt or whipped cream over the cranberry layer in each cup.
- Top with Cookie Crumble and Garnish: Sprinkle crushed shortbread cookies on top of the cream layer to add crunch. Garnish each cup with a mini cinnamon stick or leaf-shaped sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cups for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a refreshing and elegant dessert.
Notes
- You can substitute vanilla Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- For a sweeter dish, increase the sugar in the apple or cranberry layers to taste.
- Use fresh cranberries when in season for the best flavor, but frozen cranberries work well too.
- Ensure apples are chopped evenly to cook uniformly.
- Adjust the cinnamon quantity based on your preference for spice.
Keywords: cranberry apple pie, no bake dessert, layered dessert cups, fall dessert, apple cranberry recipe