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These Protein Caramel Apple Yogurt Parfaits are made with crisp apples, creamy Greek yogurt and a creamy date caramel. With over 20 grams of protein they’re a delicious breakfast, snack or healthier dessert that tastes like a caramel apple in a bowl.
If you love caramel apples but want something a little more balanced and filling, you’re going to love these! The combination of sweet apples, thick and creamy Greek yogurt, and creamy date caramel is so good, especially with a little crunch from chopped pecans, walnuts, or granola.
An Apple and Caramel Dessert Made Healthier
If you love caramel apples but want something a little more balanced and filling, you’re going to love these! The combination of sweet apples, thick and creamy Greek yogurt, and rich date caramel is so good, especially with a little crunch from chopped pecans, walnuts, or granola. Here’s why I love them:
- High protein and fiber. Each parfait has 21 grams of protein to keep you full and satisfied. Thanks to apple and dates, one of these parfait jars has 8 grams of fiber!
- Simple, nutritious ingredients. These are made with super simple ingredients like apples, yogurts and dates but have huge flavor payoff without any refined sugar.
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert. They’re sweet enough to feel like a treat but balanced enough to enjoy any time!
Ingredients
For full recipe instructions and complete list of ingredients, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Greek yogurt: I recommend using plain Greek yogurt or sugar-free vanilla Greek yogurt, but any kind will work.
- Apple: Honeycrisp apple or Granny Smith apples are my favorite to use here!
- Nuts and granola: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch and healthy fats, and a little sprinkle of granola is also delicious but optional.
- Date caramel: A creamy homemade caramel is made with Medjool dates, a little bit of milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. It’s more nutritious than classic caramel but tastes surprisingly similar to the real thing.
- Cinnamon: Just a little sprinkle brings all of those cozy caramel apple flavors together.
How To Make Protein Caramel Apple Parfaits
- Make the date caramel. In a food processor combine dates, almond milk, vanilla extract and salt.
- Blend. Blend on high until fully smooth, resembling caramel. Add 1-2 tbsp of extra milk if needed to thin and blend. Store in the fridge for up to a week in a small jar in the fridge.
- Layer. In a large jar, bowl or deli container layer diced apple, Greek yogurt, 1-2 tbsp of date caramel, pecans, granola, and pinch of cinnamon. Enjoy layered or mixed up!
Variation Ideas
- Use pears instead. You can easily swap apples for pears to make a pear caramel version.
- Make it chocolate caramel: Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or mini chocolate chips if you like a chocolate element to your caramel apples.
- Warm up your apples. For a cozier twist, lightly sauté your diced apples with cinnamon until they’re slightly softened. Cool them slightly before adding them to the yogurt.
- Higher protein. To make it higher protein, choose a yogurt that has extra protein added or you can add a 1/2 scoop of vanilla protein powder.
How To Store
- Date caramel: Store leftover date caramel in the fridge for up to a week. You can use it on top of desserts, oatmeal, or use it to make my Healthy Twix Cups.
- To prep parfaits ahead: These caramel apple yogurt parfaits are best enjoyed shortly after you assemble them so that the apples stay crisp. If you need to prep ahead:
- Layer the yogurt and caramel in jars and store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Portion out nuts and granola in an airtight container at room temperature so that you can add them right before serving.
- Chop the apples right before serving. If you need to prep them several hours ahead, toss them with a tiny squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.
More Apple Recipes
If you’ve made and loved these High Protein Caramel Apple Yogurt Parfaits or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and comments below!
Protein Caramel Apple Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients
- 1 large green or honeycrisp apple, diced
- 3/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt (or plain), sugar-free or regular
- 1-2 tbsp date caramel
- 2 tbsp walnuts or pecans, chopped
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 2 tbsp granola or chopped pretzels, optional
Date Caramel (makes about 1 cup)
- 15 medjool dates
- 2/3 cup almond milk, or oat milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt, more to taste
Instructions
- Start by making the date caramel. In a food processor combine dates, almond milk, vanilla extract and salt. Blend on high until fully smooth, resembling caramel. Add 1-2 tbsp of extra milk if needed to thin and blend. Store in the fridge for up to a week in a small jar in the fridge.
- In a large jar, bowl or deli container layer diced apple, Greek yogurt, 1-2 tbsp of date caramel, pecans, granola, and pinch of cinnamon.
- Enjoy layered or mixed up.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an estimate.
Food photography by Marie-Catherine Dubé.
