Fluffy Yogurt Lemon Parfait (Print Version)

Creamy yogurt with tangy lemon curd and crisp sourdough crumb topping delivers refreshing texture and taste.

# Ingredient List:

→ Yogurt Layer

01 - 2 cups Greek yogurt, full-fat or 2%
02 - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Lemon Curd

04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
07 - 1 tablespoon lemon zest
08 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

→ Sourdough Crumb Topping

09 - 1 cup sourdough bread, torn into small crumbs
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
12 - Pinch of sea salt

→ Garnish

13 - Fresh berries, optional
14 - Lemon zest, optional
15 - Fresh mint leaves, optional

# Recipe Steps:

01 - In a heatproof bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water using a double boiler method. Stir constantly until mixture thickens, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth. Allow to cool completely.
02 - In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add sourdough crumbs, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Toast while stirring frequently until golden and crisp, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
03 - In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt with honey and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
04 - In 4 glasses or jars, layer yogurt mixture, followed by a spoonful of lemon curd, then a sprinkle of sourdough crumbs. Repeat layers as desired, finishing with crumb topping.
05 - Top with fresh berries, additional lemon zest, and mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The contrast between cool, creamy yogurt and warm, buttery crumbs is genuinely addictive.
  • Everything can be made ahead except assembly, so you look prepared even when you're not.
  • That bright lemon flavor cuts through the richness in a way that makes you want another spoonful immediately.
02 -
  • If your lemon curd breaks or looks grainy, you've either overcooked it or the heat was too high—strain it through a fine mesh sieve and start fresh next time, keeping that water at a gentle simmer.
  • Don't assemble these more than 30 minutes ahead or the crumbs soften from the yogurt's moisture; make the components earlier and layer right before serving.
  • The curd actually gets better after a day in the fridge as the flavors meld, so make it the night before if you're planning ahead.
03 -
  • If you don't have a double boiler, set a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water—just make sure the bowl doesn't touch the water, which is the whole point of the double boiler anyway.
  • Taste the yogurt mixture before layering; Greek yogurt can vary in tartness, so you might need to adjust the honey depending on your brand.
Go Back