When I was a kid, the smell of apple pie meant someone in the family was about to feel extra loved. These days, I’ve swapped pie crusts for something lighter and healthier but kept all the cozy goodness.
This apple pie parfait is my little tribute to those warm memories, with a gluten-free twist. You get all the flavors of a classic pie without the sugar crash.
And the best part?
It’s simple enough to whip up any time, whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a weekday treat.
Chef’s Tips
- Use fresh, local apples for the best flavor. Farmers’ markets are your friend!
- For maximum crunch, keep the granola dry and layer it just before serving.
- If you want a bit of spice, add a tiny pinch of cayenne to the apple mixture—trust me, it works!
Variations
- Swap the granola for crushed gluten-free cookies for a more dessert-like vibe.
- Use almond butter instead of nuts for a creamy topping twist.
- Try pears instead of apples for a seasonal variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your parfaits in clear glasses for a fancy presentation. Add a cinnamon stick or drizzle of extra maple syrup on top for a “wow” factor. These are perfect for brunch, dessert, or a mid-afternoon snack.
Gluten-Free Apple Pie Parfait
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A light, healthy twist on a classic apple pie, layered with granola and yogurt for a simple, delicious treat.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji are perfect), peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Parfait Base:
- 1 cup gluten-free granola (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
For the Topping:
- 2 tbsp crushed pecans or walnuts
- 1 tsp coconut sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions
Make the Apple Filling:
Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and cook for about 5–7 minutes, until the apples are soft but not mushy. Let them cool slightly.
Layer the Parfaits
Grab your favorite glasses or jars. Start with a layer of granola at the bottom, then add a dollop of yogurt, followed by a generous spoonful of the cooked apples. Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the glass.
Add the Toppings:
Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, add a pinch of coconut sugar for an extra pop of sweetness.
Notes
Keep granola fresh by storing it in an airtight container. Best served immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert or Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parfait
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
