Pear Yogurt Parfait
Recipe by Nicole Hopper // EatingWell (February 17, 2026)
Sometimes the simplest recipes are exactly what we need. With our kitchen still under construction, I’m continuing to lean into meals that are easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor or nourishment. This Pear Yogurt Parfait immediately caught my eye because it checks all the boxes—simple, wholesome, satisfying, and packed with fiber.
Warmly spiced pear compote layered with creamy Greek yogurt, crunchy maple-toasted nuts and seeds, and bright pops of pomegranate sounds like the perfect breakfast or light lunch. It feels a little special while still being practical enough for a busy weekday.
If you’re looking for a delicious way to add more fiber to your day, this recipe just might become a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in fiber to help keep you satisfied.
- A wonderful balance of creamy, crunchy, and juicy textures.
- Naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup.
- Packed with protein from Greek yogurt.
- Easy to prepare ahead for quick breakfasts or lunches throughout the week.
Recipe
Ingredients
Pear Compote
- 3 medium red or d’Anjou pears, unpeeled, chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 2½ tablespoons pure maple syrup, divided
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Crunchy Topping
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon hemp hearts
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
To Assemble
- ⅓ cup pomegranate arils
- 2½ cups plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the pears, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, water, lemon juice, cornstarch, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and salt. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pears are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the pear mixture to a heatproof bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. (Or refrigerate until chilled.)
- While the pears cool, combine the pecans, hemp hearts, sesame seeds, remaining maple syrup, and remaining cinnamon in a small skillet.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly toasted, about 3–5 minutes. Spread onto a plate or parchment paper and let cool until crisp.
- Layer Greek yogurt with the pear compote, toasted nut mixture, and pomegranate arils.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- The pear compote can be made a day or two ahead.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding a little extra maple syrup if your pears aren’t especially ripe.
- Any variety of pear works well, but ripe d’Anjou or Bartlett pears will create an especially soft, flavorful compote.
- Store the toasted topping separately to keep it crisp until serving.
Recipe Link
Serving Ideas
- Enjoy as a satisfying breakfast.
- Pack it for an easy high-protein lunch.
- Layer it into mason jars for meal prep.
- Serve in small glasses for a healthy brunch parfait.
- Add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup before serving if desired.
Nourishing Highlight – Hemp Hearts
Don’t let their small size fool you—hemp hearts are tiny nutritional powerhouses. These soft, nutty seeds add a boost of nutrition without overpowering the flavor of a dish.
Hemp hearts are:
- A complete plant protein, providing all nine essential amino acids.
- Rich in heart-healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
- A good source of magnesium, which supports muscle, nerve, and heart function.
- Packed with minerals like iron, zinc, and phosphorus that help support energy production and immune health.
One of my favorite things about hemp hearts is how easy they are to incorporate into everyday meals. Sprinkle them over yogurt, oatmeal, salads, smoothies, or even roasted vegetables for an effortless nutritional boost.
Paired with protein-rich Greek yogurt, fiber-filled pears, crunchy pecans, and antioxidant-rich pomegranate arils, this parfait is a delicious way to nourish your body while enjoying every bite.
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