A jar with cherry yoghurt chia parfait topped with halved cherries and crushed walnuts

Cherry Yogurt Chia Parfait – With Love From Summer

This Cherry Yogurt Chia Parfait Jar is everything I love about summer: bright, juicy, naturally sweet, and packed with nutrition. This no-bake jar delivers the perfect balance of nutrients and deliciousness with a fibre-rich almond pulp base, layers of sweet fresh cherries, and creamy chia yoghurt.

Why Cherries Make This Parfait Special

Cherries are in season from June to August in the UK, and their deep red colour is a giveaway—they’re full of anthocyanins. These powerful antioxidants help reduce inflammation and support the body’s recovery process.

They’re also rich in vitamin C, potassium, and melatonin, which support restful sleep. I recommend eating this delicious jar as a dessert after dinner—it might help you fall asleep quickly.

Additionally, eating seasonal fruit, such as cherries, means enjoying the best flavor and nutrients while also having a reduced environmental impact. Their natural tart-sweet profile makes this jar beautifully balanced without any added sugar.

This recipe is similar to my Strawberry Chia Parfait and Blackberry Yogurt Chia Pudding. All of them are based on an almond pulp base, chia yoghurt, and seasonal summer fruits.

This cherry yogurt chia parfait is one of those recipes that looks fancy but is truly fuss-free. It reminds us that healthy eating can be joyful, colourful, and incredibly satisfying—especially when seasonal fruit is centre stage.

If you want to create something crowd-pleasing, try this no-bake yogurt pie with chocolate ganache—yummy!!!

cherry parfait in jars next to fresh cherries in a bowl

A Sweet Cherry Summer Memory

I have a very special bond with cherries.


As a little girl, I spent long summers at my grandparents’ village house, surrounded by a vast garden of fruit trees.

I can’t describe how eagerly I waited for the cherries to ripen. I’d often (rather impatiently) climb the cherry tree and pick them early, only to end up with a bit of digestive trouble, lol.

I fell out of that tree more than once as a branch snapped beneath me. But nothing could stop me from eating cherries straight off the tree. Sweet memories from such a carefree time… when the clock never rushed and the sun felt like it shone just for me.

Still, all these years later, the very first cherry of summer floods those memories. Every time I eat cherries—or make something sweet—I become that little girl again, wearing a summer dress, up in that tree.

So come, let’s travel back in time together.

Vibrant close-up of fresh red cherries, ideal for cherry yogurt chia parfait recipe, showcasing their juicy and sweet appearance.

Cherry Yogurt Chia Parfait Ingredients & Substitutions

Almond pulp – Leftover from homemade almond milk, almond pulp gives this base fibre, texture, and a sustainable touch.

Banana – Naturally sweet and softens the base mixture. Use ripe for best results.

Pumpkin seeds – Add crunch, protein, magnesium, and healthy fats.

Date paste – Rich in potassium and fibre, it naturally sweetens without the crash of refined sugar. You can use homemade date paste, store-bought one, or simply soak 7-8 large Medjool dates in warm water and blend with the other ingredients.

Desiccated coconut – Adds texture and gentle flavour. Sub with flax or oats if needed.

Greek or plant-based yogurt – Your choice of yoghurt will define the creaminess. I use my homemade Bulgarian-style yogurt.

Chia seeds – Key to the pudding layer—great for digestion, fibre, and texture. Find out more about chia seeds’ amazing health benefits in this article.

Honey – Adds gentle fruity sweetness with digestive enzymes. Substitute with maple syrup for a vegan option.

Psyllium husk – Just a teaspoon helps thicken the blended cherry layer for a spoonable texture.

Fresh cherries: Pit and slice. For contrast, use dark cherries, Rainier cherries, or sour cherries.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Jar – 370ml)

  • Calories: ~300 kcal
  • Protein: ~13–15g
  • Fibre: ~9g
  • Sugars: ~23–25g (all naturally occurring)
  • Saturated fat: ~2.5g

This parfait is rich in fiber, plant-based protein, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s a feel-good jar that satisfies without weighing you down.

Cherry Yogurt Chia Parfait Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the base:
In a food processor, blend almond pulp, banana, date paste, pumpkin seeds, and coconut. Divide the mixture between the jars and press firmly into the base.

2. Prepare the chia yoghurt:
Mix yoghurt, chia seeds, psyllium husk, and honey (or maple syrup). Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.

3. Blend the cherry layer:
Blend half of the yoghurt mix with pitted cherries until smooth.

4. Assemble:
Layer as follows:

  • Almond base
  • Sliced fresh cherries
  • Blended cherry yoghurt
  • Plain chia yoghurt

5. Chill:
Place jars in the fridge for at least half an hour to set.

Tips for Perfect Layers

  • Let each layer set slightly before adding the next for clean lines.
  • Use a piping bag for precision.
  • Don’t skip the psyllium husk—it helps the cherry yoghurt layer hold beautifully.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the cherry blend if it tastes too sweet.

Storage & Meal Prep

These jars can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. They’re ideal for prepping ahead for breakfast or dessert. However, due to the yoghurt and chia texture, they are not freezer-friendly.

Cherry Yogurt Chia Parfait Variations & Swaps

  • Use apricots, peaches, or blackberries instead of cherries.
  • Add crushed almonds or sunflower seeds on top for crunch.
  • For a nut-free version, swap almond pulp for cooked quinoa or oat flour.
  • Make it vegan with plant yogurt and maple syrup.

FAQs

Can’t find an answer? Get in touch →

Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes—thaw and drain them well first to avoid excess moisture.

Is this sweet enough without syrup?

Absolutely. Many testers preferred bananas, date pastes, and cherries without added honey.

How can I naturally thicken the cherry layer?

A teaspoon of psyllium husk or a tablespoon of ground chia works wonders.

Can kids eat this?

Yes—it’s naturally sweet and packed with fiber and antioxidants.

What’s the best way to pit cherries?

Use a cherry pitter, or insert a metal straw through the stem hole to remove the pit.

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A jar with cherry yoghurt chia parfait topped with halved cherries and crushed walnuts

🍒 Cherry Yogurt Chia Parfait – With Love From Summer

Dani
A refreshing no-bake parfait made with a creamy chia yogurt layer, juicy cherries, and a naturally sweetened almond pulp base. Gluten-free, lactose-free, and refined sugar-free.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 30 minutes
Chilling time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Healthy, Summer
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

1 Mixing bowl large
1 cherry pitter optioanal

Ingredients
  

For the base:

  • 100 g almond pulp wet
  • 1 ripe banana medium
  • 40 g pumpkin seeds
  • 100 g date paste
  • 3 tbsp desiccated coconut

For the Chia Yoghurt Layer:

  • 500 g yoghurt homemade or lactose-free
  • 4 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tsp psyllium husk
  • 3 tbsp Honey

Fruit Layer:

  • 200 g fresh cherries pitted and sliced – blended into the yoghurt chia mix

Toppings:

  • strained yogurt or any thick Greek-style or Skyr
  • 100 halved cherries as decoration
  • Walnuts

Instructions
 

Make the almond base:

  • In a food processor, blend banana, almond pulp, pumpkin seeds, date paste, and coconut until smooth.
  • Divide into 6 jars and press firmly into the base.

Prepare chia cherry yoghurt:

  • Stir together yogurt, chia seeds, psyllium husk, and honey/maple syrup.
  • Let sit for 10–15 minutes to thicken.
  • Blend the chia yogurt with 200g of the pitted cherries.

Assemble the jars:

  • Layer: almond base → cherry slices → cherry yogurt cherry blend → strained yoghurt.
  • Decorate with reserved cherries and crushed walnuts on top.

Chill:

  • Refrigerate for at least half an hour before serving.
  • Best enjoyed within 4 days.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Dani’s Notes:

This recipe is a great way to use leftover almond pulp from homemade almond milk.
It’s high in fiber, naturally sweetened, and loaded with seasonal flavor.
You can prep it in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

YourDani  x x

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal
Keyword cherry chia parfait, cherry recipes, gluten-free yoghurt jar, no-bake dessert
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Thank you for stopping by! I’m Dani!

nutrition student | Healthy Live Promoter | Gluten-free recipe developer

Welcome to DeGlutenista Nutrition

Your visit really means the world to me. I’m happy to share simple, nourishing gluten-free recipes and practical food tips focused on gut health and clean eating, all with an emphasis on reducing ultra-processed ingredients.

My approach is simple: practising mindful eating, regardless of food sensitivities, can be both tasty and healthy.

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