Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits – light and healthy Halloween dessert

Okay, picture this: Halloween night, the house dimly lit with flickering pumpkins, and a batch of these *spooky* yet oh-so-light Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits waiting on the kitchen counter. I whip these up not just because they’re adorable (they totally look like little ghosts!), but because they’re a healthy dessert that even my candy-crazed nephew digs into without complaint. Creamy yogurt swirled with a touch of vanilla, layered with crunchy granola, and topped off with little “ghostly” decorations — these parfaits have just the right balance of sweet and fresh. Plus, they’re quick to make, so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the fun. Trust me, these are the dessert your Halloween party guests will rave about without feeling guilty!

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (or vanilla-flavored for extra sweetness)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup granola (your favorite crunchy variety)
• 1 cup fresh berries (blueberries, blackberries, or sliced strawberries)
• Mini chocolate chips or small dark chocolate buttons (for eyes)

For the Sauce / Garnish (if applicable):

• Optional: 2 tbsp pumpkin puree mixed with a pinch of cinnamon (for a festive layer!)

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This adds a lovely natural sweetness and makes the parfait base dreamy and light.

Step 2:

In your serving glasses or jars, spoon a layer of the yogurt mixture on the bottom—about 1/4 cup per glass. Then add a generous sprinkle of granola for crunch. You want a nice contrast of creamy and crunchy in every bite.

Step 3:

Layer some fresh berries over the granola. These add bursts of juiciness and a hint of tartness that brighten the parfait.

Step 4:

If you’re using the optional pumpkin cinnamon layer, dollop a spoonful here for a seasonal twist—it gives a subtle fall flavor and a gorgeous orange layer.

Step 5:

Repeat layering with the remaining yogurt, granola, and berries, finishing with a smooth layer of yogurt on top.

Step 6:

Now for the fun part: create little “ghost faces” by carefully placing two mini chocolate chips for eyes on the top layer of yogurt. If you want to be extra creative, use a toothpick dipped in melted chocolate to add tiny mouths!

Variations & Tips

• Swap granola for crushed cookies or nut clusters if you want extra indulgence.
• Use flavored Greek yogurts but decrease added sweeteners accordingly.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute the yogurt with coconut or almond milk yogurt.
• Add a layer of chia seed pudding for thicker texture and extra nutrients.
• If you don’t have fresh berries, frozen ones work fine—just thaw and drain excess liquid before layering.
• Can’t find mini chocolate chips? Cut regular chips in quarters for smaller “eyes.”

How I Like to Serve It

I love serving these parfaits right before the Halloween costume parade, so guests can enjoy a treat that’s light but festive. They’re perfect for kids and adults alike—bonus points for being naturally gluten-free and packed with protein. If you’re hosting a party, set up a “parfait bar” with different toppings, letting everyone create their own ghostly masterpiece.

Notes

• Store parfaits covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours; granola is best added right before serving to keep crunch intact.
• If prepping ahead, keep the chocolate chips separate until just before serving so they don’t melt or sink into the yogurt.

Closing: These Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits are my go-to easy, healthy dessert because they bring the fun and flavor without any fuss—perfect for a Halloween treat everyone can feel good about!