Sweet Potato Pie Parfaits (Gluten-Free + Make-Ahead Friendly)
Published: October 16, 2022
These Sweet Potato Pie Parfaits are the perfect treat for the autumn season! Imagine all the cozy flavors of classic sweet potato pie transformed into an elegant, make-ahead dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious. These parfaits make a stunning dessert for fall gatherings, a lighter alternative to traditional pie, or a sweet addition to your autumn brunch spread.
Whether you're team sweet potato pie or pumpkin pie, this gluten-free recipe will make all your autumn days feel like an extraordinary celebration!
Why You'll Love These Parfaits
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for entertaining - assemble hours or even a day before serving
Lighter Than Pie: All the flavors you love without the heavy crust
Naturally Gluten-Free: No special substitutions needed
Customizable: Easy to adjust sweetness and spice levels to your taste
Beautiful Presentation: Instagram-worthy layers that impress every time
Seasonal Perfection: Captures the essence of fall in every spoonful
The Perfect Flavor Combination
The magic happens in the layers: silky and smooth, subtly tart Whipped Yogurt paired with rich and creamy Spiced Sweet Potato Butter, all nestled over crunchy and chewy Carrot Turmeric Garden Granola and topped with buttery pecans. As the French would say, c'est parfait!
Ingredients
Serves: 6 parfaits | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour
Sweet Potato Butter
1 can (15 oz) sweet potato puree (can substitute pumpkin puree)
¼ cup pure maple syrup
½ cup unsweetened apple juice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Heavy pinch of sea salt (1/16 to 1/8 teaspoon)
Whipped Yogurt
8 oz (1 cup) plain Greek yogurt
6 oz (¾ cup) heavy cream
¼ cup pure maple syrup
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract or paste
Pinch of sea salt (1/16 to 1/8 teaspoon)
Toppings
½ cup chopped pecans
1½ cups Garden Granola Carrot Turmeric
Extra pecans and granola for garnish
Instructions
Make the Sweet Potato Butter
Combine ingredients: Add all sweet potato butter ingredients to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
Simmer and reduce: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Cool completely: Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before assembling parfaits.
Prepare the Whipped Yogurt
Whip to perfection: Add all whipped yogurt ingredients to a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.
Build volume: Starting on low speed, gradually increase to high and beat for approximately 5 minutes until light, fluffy, and holds soft peaks.
Chill: Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
Assemble the Parfaits
Create the base: Add 2-3 tablespoons of Garden Granola Carrot Turmeric and chopped pecans to the bottom of each glass jar or parfait glass.
Layer with care: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of sweet potato butter over the granola, followed by a generous dollop of whipped yogurt.
Repeat and garnish: Add another layer of granola, sweet potato butter, and yogurt. Top with additional granola, chopped pecans, and a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice if desired.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Make-Ahead Tips
Sweet Potato Butter: Can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator
Whipped Yogurt: Best made day-of, but can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead
Assembled Parfaits: Can be fully assembled up to 24 hours before serving - just add the final granola garnish right before serving to maintain crunch
Recipe Notes
Sweetness: Adjust maple syrup in both components to your taste preference
Spice Level: Love extra warmth? Add a pinch of cardamom or extra cinnamon to the sweet potato butter
Texture: For an ultra-smooth sweet potato butter, blend the cooled mixture in a food processor
Substitutions: Coconut cream can replace heavy cream for a dairy-free version
Storage
Store assembled parfaits covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The granola will soften slightly over time, so these are best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture.
We hope you delight your friends and family with these delicious parfaits all autumn long!
Shop the Star Ingredient
More Cozy Recipes for Slow Autumn Mornings
Embrace the season with these warming breakfast creations that pair beautifully with your homemade pumpkin chia jam. From comforting French toast to nourishing grain bowls, these recipes capture the essence of fall's most delicious flavors:
Gluten-Free Crepes with Orange & Passion Fruit Compote and Garden Granola - Delicate crepes filled with bright citrus flavors and topped with crunchy granola for the perfect textural contrast.
Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Cottage Cheese Bowl - A protein-packed breakfast bowl featuring caramelized squash, creamy cottage cheese, and a drizzle of pure maple syrup.
Broiled Persimmons with Labneh and Granola - Sweet, jammy persimmons paired with tangy labneh and crunchy granola for an elegant morning treat.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin French Toast with Cherry Almond Granola - Thick slices of pumpkin-spiced French toast topped with tart cherries and toasted almonds for the ultimate fall comfort food.
Each of these recipes celebrates seasonal ingredients and pairs wonderfully with a dollop of your freshly made pumpkin spice chia jam for an extra touch of autumn magic.