Use leftover cranberry sauce to create these gorgeous make-ahead Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Yogurt Parfaits! These protein packed breakfast jars are full of the best Fall flavors and perfect for your post-holiday meal prep!
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Reader Love
Made these for breakfast after the holiday weekend. So easy to put together and the flavor combo is amazing! I would definitely make these again, might even have to make more cranberry sauce to have more. 😊
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Note from Danielle
Here is what could possibly be my favorite use of holiday cranberry sauce ever. Meaning I would quite definitely buy cranberry sauce just to make this recipe. You heard me.
This recipe quickly went from an attempt at a simple leftover cranberry sauce recipe to one of my favorite holiday flavor combinations around. Huge shoutout to that extra orange I had on the counter!
By the way – here in the post content, you’ll find detailed information on the ingredients used, possible substitutions, and helpful tips for successful results based on my experience with this recipe.
For the printable recipe card with a list of ingredients followed by concise instructions, please keep scrolling down or hit the ‘Jump to Recipe’ button at the top of the page. Frequently asked questions are located below the recipe card.
Recipe Overview
Total Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Method: No Heat
Prep: Make-Ahead Friendly
What’s in the Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Yogurt Parfaits?
These make-ahead breakfasts are created with just a few seasonal ingredients that go SO WELL together, it will actually shock you. I love Greek yogurt – I’ve tried many a store-bought and homemade kinds, but this one is by far my favorite flavor combination of all.
Here’s what’s in the Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Yogurt Parfaits:
- Greek yogurt – I prefer the thickness of 2% Greek yogurt, but full fat or nonfat would also work just fine. When I’m not making my own Greek yogurt, I use Fage because there’s no added sweetener (just live cultures and milk). If you don’t like Greek yogurt, I do think a regular plain yogurt would also work.
- cranberry sauce – Use up leftover cranberry sauce in this recipe! It’s great for small leftover amounts. More on that below. I prefer the whole berry kind over the canned jelly kind, but I think either would work.
- orange juice – Juice from one fresh orange will work, but store-bought orange juice from the store will also work here.
- cinnamon – Cinnamon is the magic ingredient that bring this whole thang together, and in my opinion, gives it a solid step up from just yogurt + cranberries.
- maple syrup – In case you want it sweeter, go for a teaspoon or two of the pure stuff. If your cranberries are way sweet, you could skip the extra sweetener.
- granola, nuts, etc – Everyone likes crunchy bits in their parfaits! Go with some crushed pecans for a seasonal number, or just use your favorite granola. I recommend not adding granola until you’re about the eat the parfait.
How much leftover cranberry sauce does this recipe use?
Each parfait uses about 2 heaping tablespoons of leftover cranberry sauce. More or less if you want! The whole recipe, which makes 2 parfaits, uses about 1/4 cup cranberry sauce, but it’s easy to customize.
This recipe is a great way to use up any small amount of cranberry sauce!
More cranberry sauce recipes…
How do you make the Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Yogurt Parfaits?
First, mix up the Greek yogurt with the cinnamon, orange juice, and maple syrup if you’re adding any. Stir until it’s smooth and light. The recipe makes enough yogurt for two parfaits, but it’s easy to make only one parfait (half the recipe), or more than two.
If you want the layered parfait effect, add a couple spoonfuls of yogurt to a small container, one spoonful of cranberries, and then a bit more yogurt. This creates a very lovely bright red layer between the cinnamon speckled Greek yogurt.
For storing these parfaits, I used Half Pint Wide Mouth Mason Jars (affiliate link!) which I believe I purchased from my local grocery store – link is provided to show you exactly what I’m talking about.
How long do the Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Yogurt Parfaits last?
These parfaits will last 4-5 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator. If you used older cranberry sauce from 3-4 days ago, I would consume your parfaits sooner rather than later!
What are some other uses for leftover cranberry sauce?
While it’s only around for a short time, cranberry sauce is SO versatile, and the leftovers can be used in a variety of ways! If you want to try something other than these Greek yogurt parfaits, here are some ideas for you:
Can you freeze these fall breakfast parfaits?
These cranberry yogurt parfaits would not freeze well. I do not recommend putting them in the freezer. In fact, the Greek yogurt container says “Do Not Freeze”. I think it’s because it won’t thaw well.
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Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Yogurt Parfaits
Use leftover cranberry sauce to create these gorgeous make-ahead Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Yogurt Parfaits! These protein packed breakfasts are full of Fall flavors and perfect for your post-holiday meal prep!
- Total Time5 minutes
- Yield2 parfaits 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt (I used 2%)
- juice of 1 orange (3–4 tablespoons)
- 1–2 teaspoons pure maple syrup (optional*)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (I prefer whole berry)
- optional toppers: granola, crushed pecans, etc
Instructions
- Mix up the yogurt: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt (1 1/2 cups), orange juice (3-4 tablespoons), optional maple syrup (1-2 teaspoons), and cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon) until the yogurt is smooth and creamy. Omit the maple syrup if your cranberry sauce is super sweet.
- Portion: Layer into parfaits by adding two large spoonfuls of yogurt into small mason jars or other containers, then add a large spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the yogurt. Divide remaining yogurt into the jars on top of the cranberry layer. If enjoying now, top with granola and or nuts!
- Store: Wait to add granola until just before eating. Store in the fridge for 4-5 days if your cranberry sauce was fresh! I do not recommend freezing.
Notes
Maple syrup: If your cranberry sauce is super sweet, you can omit the extra sweetener. Nutrition information estimated with My Fitness Pal and does not include any toppings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfasts
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parfait
- Calories: 203
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 17g
Did You Make This?
I love seeing what you made! Leave a review below, and be sure to tag me at @ProjectMealPlan when you share a photo!
Made these for breakfast after the holiday weekend. So easy to put together and the flavor combo is amazing! I would definitely make these again, might even have to make more cranberry sauce to have more. 😊
Hi Steph!! This review made my morning 🙂 Thank you for trying this recipe and thank you even more for leaving this wonderful review and rating. I appreciate it so much!! Hope we can meet up at another conference in the future! -Danielle