Apple Pie Parfaits

A warm, spiced fall breakfast layered in a glass.

Some mornings just call for something extra cozy. This parfait is one of my favorite things to make when I want something that feels a little indulgent in the morning. It’s like eating apple pie for breakfast — only a bit lighter, and layered in a cute footed glass. Of course, this makes a perfect healthier dessert as well!

At the bottom is a spoonful of cookie butter — warm, spiced, and creamy. On top of that go the caramelized apples, soft and glossy with cinnamon and maple syrup. Then comes vanilla yogurt, a handful of crunchy granola, and a drizzle of caramel sauce over everything. I like to serve them with the apples still warm so the yogurt slightly melts and everything gets that just-out-of-the-oven feel.

This is one of those breakfasts that feels like a treat but is easy enough to throw together on a slow weekend morning. And if you’re hosting brunch or just want to impress someone — they look beautiful in glass cups or mini jars. I top mine with a tiny chamomile flower to make it feel even more special.

This parfait is basically a deconstructed apple pie — just layered instead of baked. You still get the warm spiced apples and the sweet crunch from the granola (which totally stands in for a pie crust). Plus it's layered with cookie butter, my favorite secret ingredient. It’s the perfect fix for a sweet morning craving when you want something cozy and satisfying without all the work.

🛒 What You’ll Need:

• Cookie butter (my favorite is the one from Trader Joe's)

• 4 apples (I like Honeycrisp or Gala)

• Butter

• Maple syrup or brown sugar

• Ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

• Vanilla Greek yogurt (or any yogurt you love)

• Your favorite granola

• Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• Optional: chamomile flowers or thin apple slices for garnish

• Footed glasses, jars, or small cups for layering

How To Caramelize Apples

To caramelize apples, start by peeling and chopping them into small, even pieces so they cook uniformly. In a skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter, then add the apples along with a drizzle of maple syrup or a spoonful of brown sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt. Stir everything together and let the apples cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft, golden, and glossy. They should smell warm and sweet, almost like the inside of an apple pie. Keep them warm until you're ready to layer — the heat will gently melt the yogurt and bring everything together.

Why Cookie Butter?

Because it tastes like the best part of fall — warm spices, brown sugar, and that almost graham cracker flavor that instantly feels cozy. It adds richness to the bottom of the parfait and acts like a shortcut pie crust, but creamier. When you scoop down through the layers, the cookie butter melts slightly from the warmth of the apples and blends into every bite. It ties the whole parfait together, giving it that buttery, spiced base that makes it feel indulgent — like dessert for breakfast, in the best way.

🍎 Apple Pie Parfaits (Serves 4)

Ingredient List

• 1 jar cookie butter (I love the one from Trader Joe's) No exact measurements here! You can spread to your desire!

• 4 apples, peeled and chopped

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

• 2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt

• ½ cup granola

• Caramel sauce, for drizzling

• Chamomile flowers or apple slices, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Apples:In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add chopped apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and glossy. Keep warm.

2. Layer the Parfaits:In two footed glasses or small jars, add 1 tablespoon of cookie butter to the bottom of each. Spoon in a layer of warm apples, followed by vanilla yogurt. Add granola on top, then finish with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce.

3. Garnish & Serve:Top with a chamomile flower or a thin apple slice if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately while the apples are still warm.

Apple Pie Parfaits

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

8–10 mins

Chill Time

—

Total Time

15–20 mins

Yield

4 servings

Category

Breakfast / Dessert

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

• Cookie butter
• 4 apples, peeled & chopped
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt
• ½ cup granola
• Caramel sauce
• Chamomile flowers or apple slices (optional)

Instructions

1. In a skillet, melt butter; add apples, maple/brown sugar, cinnamon, pinch of salt. Cook 8–10 min until soft & glossy.
2. Layer in glasses: cookie butter → warm apples → yogurt → granola → caramel drizzle.
3. Garnish with chamomile or apple slice; serve while apples are warm.

Print Copy Recipe

These taste like a hug in breakfast form — and they’re one of my favorite ways to slow down and romanticize fall mornings.

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