Save Last summer, I was waiting for a friend at a café when their kitchen timer went off—they'd been candying oranges since morning. The smell alone made me understand why she'd been so excited about this parfait idea. That afternoon, we assembled the most beautiful breakfast bowls together, layering creamy yogurt with those jewel-like orange slices still warm from their syrup, and I realized this dish wasn't just about taste; it was about that satisfying moment when something simple becomes elegant.
I made these for my partner's birthday brunch, and watching them light up when they saw the candied oranges piled on top reminded me that food is really just an excuse to show people you're thinking about them. That morning felt less about executing a recipe perfectly and more about the fact that someone would actually savor every bite.
Ingredients
- Medium oranges (2), thinly sliced: Use a mandoline if you have one—it creates those thin, translucent slices that candy beautifully and look professionally done.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup / 200 g): This is what transforms the orange rinds into something almost candy-like; don't skip this step thinking you can just use honey.
- Water (1 cup / 240 ml): Brings everything together into a light syrup that coats the oranges perfectly.
- Greek yogurt (2 cups / 500 g), plain or vanilla: The creaminess here is non-negotiable—regular yogurt will separate and feel too thin by comparison.
- Honey or maple syrup (2 tbsp), optional: Add only if your yogurt tastes too tart or if you want extra sweetness without changing the texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A whisper of vanilla lifts everything; don't overdo it.
- Granola (1 1/2 cups / 120 g): Buy good stuff or make your own—stale granola defeats the whole purpose.
- Chopped toasted almonds (1/4 cup / 30 g), optional: These add a sophisticated nuttiness and stay crunchy longer than granola alone.
- Fresh mint leaves, optional: A single leaf on top is all you need for color and a hint of freshness.
Instructions
- Start your candied oranges:
- Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer—you're looking for that moment when the sugar dissolves completely and the liquid becomes clear. The kitchen will smell incredible almost immediately.
- Candy those orange slices:
- Lay your orange slices in a single layer and let them simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes, turning them occasionally so they candy evenly and the rinds turn translucent. You'll see them transform from opaque to almost glowing, which is your signal they're ready.
- Cool and set aside:
- Carefully transfer the slices to a parchment-lined tray using a slotted spoon, and let them cool completely—about 10 minutes. They'll firm up as they cool, so don't rush this part.
- Prepare your yogurt:
- Stir together your Greek yogurt with honey (if using) and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and even. If it feels too thick, a splash of milk can help, but resist the urge to thin it too much.
- Build your parfaits:
- Start with a spoonful of yogurt in the bottom of each glass, then add granola, then a few candied orange pieces. Layer again—yogurt, granola, orange—and finish with a final yogurt layer on top.
- Finish and serve:
- Arrange your prettiest candied orange slices on the very top, sprinkle with extra granola and almonds if you're using them, and add a mint leaf for color. Serve right away if you want maximum crunch, or chill for up to an hour.
Save There's a quiet magic in watching someone eat something you made for them, especially when you can hear the crunch of granola mixed with the soft clink of a spoon. These parfaits have a way of making ordinary mornings feel a little more intentional.
Why Candied Oranges Change Everything
Candying the oranges yourself might seem fussy, but it's honestly the moment that separates this from just dumping yogurt and granola into a bowl. The process takes maybe 20 minutes total, and you end up with something that tastes and looks like it came from a pastry shop. Plus, once you've made candied oranges once, you'll find yourself making them for other dishes—they're that useful.
Playing with Flavors and Variations
I've made this with blood oranges in winter (the deep red color is stunning), tangerines in spring, and even grapefruit when I wanted something less sweet. The formula stays the same, but each citrus brings its own personality. You can also swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt if you want it dairy-free, though the texture will be slightly thinner.
The Assembly Moment
There's something meditative about layering these parfaits, especially if you're making them for more than one person. The repetition of yogurt, granola, fruit becomes almost rhythmic, and you end up with four identical beautiful things that somehow still feel personal. This is also where you can be flexible—if your granola is chunkier, use less; if you love citrus, add extra candied oranges.
- Make the candied oranges the night before so morning assembly takes five minutes flat.
- Chill your glasses in the freezer while you're candying the oranges for an elegant touch.
- If you're serving these to guests, assemble them right before serving to keep the granola at peak crunch.
Save This parfait has become my go-to when I want to make breakfast feel special without spending my whole morning in the kitchen. It's the kind of dish that reminds you why cooking for people matters.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → How do I make the candied oranges translucent?
Simmer thinly sliced oranges gently in a sugar-water syrup for about 12-15 minutes until the rinds become soft and translucent.
- → Can I use flavored yogurt for the parfait?
Yes, vanilla or plain Greek yogurt works well, adding subtle creaminess that complements the citrus and granola layers.
- → What alternatives can I use for granola?
Store-bought or homemade granola both work; for gluten-free options, choose certified gluten-free granola to suit dietary needs.
- → How can I add crunch without almonds?
Omit almonds if needed and increase the granola quantity, or add toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for extra texture.
- → Is it better to serve this parfait immediately or chilled?
Serving immediately ensures maximum granola crunch, but chilling up to 1 hour lets flavors meld while maintaining pleasant texture.
