Recipes, Photography, Musings

Mango Banana Parfaits

These mango banana parfaits taste like sunshine in a jar.  As nutritious as they are delicious, each bite is full of fruity sweetness of mangoes, the creamy goodness of yogurt and banana, and the crunch of granola.  These mango banana parfaits are a great way to make a breakfast more exciting, and yet they taste good enough to be used as a dessert.  Either way, you get a natural, fruity flavor and lots of vitamins, minerals, and protein.

This is one of those recipes that can just barely be classified as a recipe because it is so simple.  Yet it is worth posting because it is so incredibly tasty, and sometimes we just need a little encouragement to try something.  Mangoes have been on sale at the grocery store the past few days, so I have been buying them and using them in different ways.  Especially at this time of year when not much seasonal fruit is available, mangoes absolutely hit the spot and satisfy that craving for something sweet and fruity.

mango banana parfaits 739I added a bit of honey to both the mango-banana puree and to the yogurt, because the yogurt I used was the plain, unsweetened kind.  If you are using vanilla or some or flavored yogurt, chances are it has plenty of sweetness already in it, and you probably will not need the honey.  It is up to you how much sweetness you want in this parfait.  I like the idea of using plain, unsweetened yogurt, and sweetening it with only honey and the natural sweetness of the mango and banana (and whatever sweetness was added to the granola topping).  I feel like I get plenty of refined sugar in my life, and when I can cut back on it, I do.

In any case, these mango banana parfaits are absolutely wonderful, and are healthy enough to eat for breakfast, yet taste like a dessert.  Not to mention they are really pretty to look at and photograph.  I took way too many photos of these today!

mango banana parfaits 710The sun is shining, and we are supposed to have slightly warmer weather for the next few days.  Everyone I know is happy about this!  Finally, it feels like spring is coming, and just in time for the weekend.  We have lots of soccer games in the next few days, so both players and fans alike will enjoy the sunshine.  I hope you all have a great weekend!  Enjoy the sunshine if you have a chance, and enjoy these little jars of sunshine if you have the chance, as well!  I’ll be joining the other bloggers over at Angie’s virtual potluck Fiesta Friday, co-hosted this week by Mollie @ The Frugal Hausfrau and Jhuls @ The Not So Creative Cook.mango banana parfait in hands

Mango Banana Parfaits

  • Servings: 4
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Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced
  • 1-3 tablespoons of honey
  • 2 cups of yogurt (I use plain, unsweetened yogurt, but you can use flavored, sweetened if you like, just omit the honey)
  • granola for topping

Directions:

Place your diced mangoes and banana in a blender and puree until smooth.  Stir in a tablespoon of honey if desired.  If your yogurt is unsweetened, pour 2 cups into a bowl and stir in a tablespoon or two of honey.  Set out four pint-sized mason jars or similar glasses.  Spoon a layer of yogurt into each jar or glass.  Next spoon a layer of the mango-banana puree to cover the yogurt.  Repeat the layers until you get to the top of the jar or glass.  Top each jar or glass with a spoonful of your favorite granola.  Serve right away or refrigerate until you are ready to serve. Enjoy!

 

14 Comments

  1. Kat

    Beautiful! They truly look like “sunshine in a jar,” as you said!

    • Jenny

      Thanks, Kat! Yes I love the colors in this parfait!

  2. Jhuls

    I love these – they look happy and I know they will make me smile because I love mangoes and bananas. Such a perfect treat for Fiesta Friday party! Thanks for sharing! x

    • Jenny

      Thank you, Jhuls! I love mangoes and bananas too! Such cheerful fruit!

  3. FrugalHausfrau

    Fancy!! I love the flavor combo and they are gorgeous!

    Happy FF!

    Mollie

    • Jenny

      Thank you, Mollie! Thank you for co-hosting FF this week! I will be doing that next week! 🙂

      • FrugalHausfrau

        My pleasure!! Next week, huh? I will need to come up with something spectacular, then!

  4. Debbie Spivey

    Oh Jenny, these look delicious. I sure wish I wasn’t allergic to bananas… 🙁

    • Jenny

      Hi Debbie, you could try this recipe with only mangoes and it would still be delicious. 🙂 Hope you are well and happy spring!

  5. Angie | Fiesta Friday

    So simple, yet so beautiful, I love that!! Btw, will you be ok cohosting by yourself this week? I haven’t found a second cohost. I’ll be around to help, of course. Jhuls offered to stick around but it’ll be her third week in a row. I thought it’d be too much to ask of her.

    • Jenny

      Thank you, Angie! That’s fine if I co-host by myself. I’m up for it and Jhuls deserves a break. 🙂 Looking forward to it!

  6. Kat (The Baking Explorer)

    They look so fruity and delicious!

    • Jenny

      Thank you, Kat! They are very refreshing. 🙂

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