Description

This Easy Cranberry Apple Pie Parfaits recipe layers warm, baked cinnamon-spiced apples with tart cranberry compote, creamy vanilla Greek yogurt, and crunchy shortbread cookies to create a delightful, no-bake dessert that captures the flavors of a classic apple pie in a convenient parfait format.

Ingredients

Scale

Baked Apples

4 medium apples, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cranberry Compote

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon orange juice (optional)

Assembly

2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt or whipped cream
1 sleeve shortbread cookies, crushed
6–8 clear plastic cups or mason jars
Mini cinnamon sticks or leaf-shaped sprinkles for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Baked Apples: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until foaming. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes or until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Make the Cranberry Compote: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and optional orange juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Assemble the Parfaits: Begin by spooning a layer of the baked apples into the bottom of each cup or jar, followed by a layer of cranberry compote. Add a layer of vanilla Greek yogurt or whipped cream, and sprinkle a layer of crushed shortbread cookies on top. Repeat the layers once more, finishing with crushed shortbread cookies.
Garnish and Serve: Top each parfait with a mini cinnamon stick or leaf-shaped sprinkles for a festive presentation. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving for a chilled effect.

Notes

Use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener alternative for the cranberry compote if preferred.
The parfaits can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated until serving to enhance the flavors.
For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free yogurt.
The crunch of the shortbread cookies can soften if left too long; for maximum crispness, add the cookies layers just before serving.
If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries work perfectly for the compote.

Keywords: cranberry apple pie parfaits, easy dessert, layered parfait, holiday dessert, baked apples, cranberry compote, shortbread cookie dessert