Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: None | Servings: 2 | Difficulty: Easy
This pumpkin parfait is one of those recipes that looks like you put in a lot more effort than you actually did. Layer spiced pumpkin yogurt with Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Cinnamon Ancient Grain Granola, top with toasted pecans and pumpkin seeds, and you've got a fall-ready snack or breakfast that comes together in under 10 minutes with zero cooking required.
The filling is just vanilla yogurt stirred together with pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and a warm blend of cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg — it tastes like pumpkin pie filling in the best possible way. The granola adds the crunch and the whole grain base that makes this genuinely satisfying rather than just a pretty bowl. It works as a quick weekday breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a lighter dessert when you want something seasonal without the fuss.
Ingredients
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2 cups vanilla yogurt of choice
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¼ cup pumpkin puree
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1 tbsp maple syrup
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp allspice
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⅛ tsp nutmeg
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Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Cinnamon Ancient Grain Granola
Optional toppings:
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Toasted pecans
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Toasted pumpkin seeds
Directions
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Divide the yogurt into two equal portions (1 cup each). Set one portion aside as the plain yogurt layer.
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In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of yogurt with the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Whisk together until the spices and pumpkin are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
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To assemble: add a layer of Pumpkin Cinnamon Granola to the bottom of each glass or jar. Spoon a layer of the pumpkin yogurt on top, followed by a layer of plain vanilla yogurt. Repeat the layers — granola, pumpkin yogurt, plain yogurt.
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Finish with a final layer of granola on top, and add toasted pecans and pumpkin seeds if using. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Make It with Purely Elizabeth
The granola is doing double duty here — it adds crunch between the yogurt layers and reinforces the warm pumpkin spice flavor already in the filling. Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Cinnamon Ancient Grain Granola is made with ancient grains, chia seeds, and coconut sugar, so it brings real texture and substance rather than just sweetness. It's the ingredient that turns this from a yogurt cup into an actual meal.
→ Shop Pumpkin Cinnamon Ancient Grain Granola
Tips & Variations
Make it ahead. Assemble the parfaits in sealed jars and refrigerate overnight — the yogurt layers get even creamier as they sit. Add the granola right before eating to keep the crunch.
Make it dairy-free. Use a coconut or almond-based vanilla yogurt in place of regular yogurt. The pumpkin spice filling works just as well with a dairy-free base.
Add a protein boost. Stir a scoop of vanilla protein powder or a tablespoon of collagen peptides into the yogurt mixture before assembling. It blends in seamlessly and makes this even more sustaining.
Serve it as dessert. A drizzle of maple syrup and a few extra toasted pecans on top turns this into a perfectly respectable fall dinner party dessert. Serve in clear glasses so the layers show.
Swap the spices. If you have pumpkin pie spice on hand, use ¾ tsp in place of the cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg — it's a one-to-one shortcut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pumpkin parfait gluten-free? Yes — this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Cinnamon Ancient Grain Granola is certified gluten-free, and all other ingredients (yogurt, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, spices) are gluten-free as well.
Can I make this pumpkin parfait dairy-free? Yes. Swap the vanilla yogurt for a coconut or almond-based yogurt alternative. The texture and flavor hold up well — just look for a variety that's thick and not too watery for the best layering results.
Can I make pumpkin parfait the night before? Yes — this is a great make-ahead recipe. Assemble in sealed jars and refrigerate overnight. Store the granola separately and add it just before serving so it stays crunchy.
What yogurt works best for a pumpkin parfait? Thick vanilla yogurt gives the best result — Greek yogurt, skyr, or a thick coconut yogurt all work well. Thinner yogurts can make the layers run together, so if that's what you have, strain it through a cheesecloth for 30 minutes first.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree? You can, but canned 100% pumpkin puree is more consistent and much easier to work with. If using fresh pumpkin, roast and blend it until completely smooth before adding it to the yogurt mixture. Make sure it's fully cooled first.
How long does pumpkin parfait keep in the fridge? The yogurt mixture keeps for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Assembled parfaits (without granola) keep for up to 2 days — add the granola fresh each time for the best texture.
Topics: Fall Recipes · Pumpkin Recipes · Parfait Recipes · Gluten-Free Breakfast · No-Cook Recipes · Make-Ahead Snacks · Dairy-Free Option
