Pumpkin Parfait with Greek Yogurt

This creamy pumpkin parfait combines Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, mascarpone, and warm spices for an easy fall dessert that takes just 5 minutes to mix.

A 5-Minute Pumpkin Yogurt Parfait 

Yogurt was a constant in my childhood. My mom regularly made a fresh batch for baking cakes, topping with fruit and honey, or turning into savory marinades and sauces like tzatziki.

As an adult, I’ve found even more ways to experiment with the yogurt dishes I grew up with. When the cool fall days arrive and I start craving pumpkin pie, this pumpkin yogurt parfait gives me those warm, spiced flavors without any baking.

Pumpkin puree and Greek yogurt form the creamy base, while just a few tablespoons of mascarpone round out the yogurt’s tang and give the parfait a velvety texture. Cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and vanilla bring the pumpkin pie flavor. It takes about 5 minutes to mix, then a short rest in the refrigerator helps it thicken.

Serve the parfaits in small glasses for a casual treat, a special holiday brunch, or a lighter finish to Thanksgiving dinner. Add the honey or molasses, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts just before serving so every spoonful is creamy with a little crunch. That is a win in my book!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Yogurt Parfait 

You need only a handful of ingredients to make this quick pumpkin parfait: 

• Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not sweetened pumpkin pie filling. One 15-ounce can provides the pumpkin flavor and gives the parfait its beautiful fall color.
• Greek yogurt: The tangy, creamy base of the parfait. Its thicker consistency also gives the mixture more body than regular yogurt.
• Mascarpone: This mild Italian cream cheese adds richness, softens the yogurt’s tang, and makes the pumpkin mixture velvety without turning it into a heavy cheesecake filling.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the pumpkin and spices.
• Brown sugar: Sweetens the tart yogurt and pumpkin mixture. The recipe card provides the tested amount, with the option to adjust the sweetness after tasting.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: These warming spices give the pumpkin parfait its pumpkin pie character. A little nutmeg goes a long way.
• Honey or molasses: Mix it into the parfait and save a little for drizzling over the top. If you use molasses, avoid blackstrap, which is too bitter and intense for this recipe. Greek honey gives the parfait a more delicate floral sweetness.
• Chocolate chips: A small handful of dark or semisweet chocolate chips adds a bittersweet finish.
• Chopped nuts: Hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans all work well with pumpkin. Add them immediately before serving so they stay crunchy.

More Pumpkin Parfait Topping Ideas 

Chocolate and chopped nuts are my go-to toppings, but you can dress up the parfait with any of the options already used in this recipe: 

• A drizzle of honey or molasses
• Dark or semisweet chocolate chips
• Chopped hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans
• A spoonful of homemade granola for extra crunch

You can also set out the toppings separately and let everyone finish their own parfait. Just wait to add anything crunchy until you are ready to serve. 

How to Make Pumpkin Parfait 

This pumpkin yogurt parfait takes about 5 minutes to mix. Allow another 30 minutes for it to chill and thicken before serving.

• Combine the ingredients. Add one 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree, 1 1/4 cups Greek yogurt, 3 to 4 tablespoons mascarpone, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons honey or molasses to a large mixing bowl.
• Mix until smooth. Use an electric hand mixer on low speed or a whisk to blend the ingredients into a smooth, evenly combined mixture.
• Taste and adjust. Taste the pumpkin mixture before portioning it. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar or molasses. You can also add more cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste, then mix again.
• Portion and chill. Divide the pumpkin parfait mixture among six small 3-ounce glasses or mason jars. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight.
• Garnish and serve. Just before serving, finish each parfait with a drizzle of honey or molasses, chocolate chips, and chopped hazelnuts or walnuts.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Parfait 

This is a simple recipe, but these small details make a difference: 

• Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The recipe adds its own sugar and spices, so sweetened, pre-spiced pie filling would change the intended flavor.
• Mix until completely smooth. The mascarpone should be fully incorporated into the pumpkin and yogurt mixture, with no visible streaks remaining.
• Taste before filling the glasses. Greek yogurt and pumpkin puree can vary in tanginess and flavor. The recipe intentionally allows you to adjust the sweetness and spices before serving.
• Give it time to chill. You can eat the parfait immediately, but refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes gives it a thicker, creamier texture.
• Use small serving glasses. This recipe makes six servings in 3-ounce goblets or jars. The small portions work particularly well after a holiday meal.
• Wait to add the toppings. Add the chocolate and nuts just before serving so the nuts retain their crunch.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Parfait

These individual pumpkin parfaits make an easy ending to a fall dinner or Thanksgiving feast. They are cool, creamy, and gently spiced, so they are particularly nice after a rich holiday meal.

You can also serve them as part of a special brunch with banana walnut bread or add them to a fall dessert table with easy baked apples, red wine poached pears, or Italian apple olive oil cake.

Make Ahead

You can prepare the pumpkin yogurt mixture one night in advance. Keep it tightly covered in one container or divide it among individual mason jars for easy serving.

Before serving, give the mixture a quick stir if needed. Wait until the last minute to add the honey or molasses drizzle, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts.

More Easy Fall Desserts to Try

Desserts

Easy Baked Apples (Two Ways)

Desserts

Italian Apple Olive Oil Cake (w/ Video)

Breads

Banana Walnut Bread

Desserts

Tahini Brownies Recipe

*This post first appeared on The Mediterranean Dish in November 2015 and has been recently updated with new information for readers’ benefit.