Save to Pinterest Some desserts exist at the crossroads of comfort and elegance, and this Fluffy Yogurt Lemon Parfait with Sourdough Crumb Topping is exactly that. Imagine the tang of real Greek yogurt swirled with honey and vanilla, layered against a bright, silky lemon curd made from scratch, and crowned with golden, buttery sourdough crumbs that shatter delicately with every spoon. It is a dessert that feels luxurious but comes together in just 30 minutes, making it equally at home on a weekday evening or at a dinner party table. The contrast of creamy, tangy, and crisp is what makes each bite completely irresistible.
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What truly sets this parfait apart is the sourdough crumb topping — a simple but inspired choice. Torn sourdough bread, toasted in butter and brown sugar with a pinch of sea salt, transforms into something extraordinary: caramelized, nutty, and deeply flavorful. It is the kind of detail that makes people ask for the recipe. Paired with the silky lemon curd — built from eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and butter over a gentle double boiler — and the honey-kissed yogurt base, this parfait is a study in how a handful of quality ingredients can produce something truly special.
Ingredients
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- Yogurt Layer
- 2 cups (480 g) Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Lemon Curd
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons (45 g) unsalted butter, cubed
- Sourdough Crumb Topping
- 1 cup (70 g) sourdough bread, torn into small crumbs
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) light brown sugar
- Pinch of sea salt
- Garnish
- Fresh berries (optional)
- Lemon zest (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Lemon Curd
- a. In a heatproof bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- b. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, about 6–8 minutes.
- c. Remove from heat; whisk in butter until smooth. Let cool completely.
- 2. Make the Sourdough Crumb Topping
- a. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add sourdough crumbs and brown sugar, sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- b. Toast, stirring frequently, until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
- 3. Prepare the Yogurt Layer
- a. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with honey and vanilla extract until smooth.
- 4. Assemble the Parfaits
- a. In 4 glasses or jars, layer yogurt mixture, then a spoonful of lemon curd, then a sprinkle of sourdough crumbs.
- b. Repeat layers as desired, finishing with crumb topping.
- 5. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh berries, extra lemon zest, and mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps fĂĽr die Zubereitung
Für ein besonders gutes Ergebnis empfiehlt es sich, den Zitronencurd bereits am Vortag zuzubereiten, damit er vollständig auskühlen und im Kühlschrank etwas fester werden kann. Beim Toasten der Sauerteigbrösel ist geduldiges, häufiges Rühren entscheidend: Nur so werden die Krümel gleichmäßig goldbraun, ohne zu verbrennen. Wer ein besonders luftiges Joghurt-Basis-Layer möchte, kann den Joghurt kurz mit einem Schneebesen aufschlagen, bevor Honig und Vanilleextrakt untergerührt werden. Die Schichtung der Parfaits gelingt am sichersten mit einem Löffel oder einem kleinen Teigschaber, um die einzelnen Schichten klar voneinander zu trennen und das schöne Erscheinungsbild in den Gläsern zu bewahren.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
Dieses Rezept lässt sich wunderbar abwandeln und an persönliche Vorlieben oder Ernährungsbedürfnisse anpassen. Wer eine leichtere Variante bevorzugt, kann fettarmen griechischen Joghurt verwenden. Anstelle von Zitronenzeste lassen sich auch Limetten- oder Orangenzeste einsetzen, um dem Curd eine andere Fruchtnote zu verleihen. Für eine glutenfreie Version ersetzt man das Sauerteigbrot einfach durch glutenfreies Brot für das Crumb-Topping. Wer auf Milchprodukte verzichtet, greift zu pflanzlichem Joghurt und veganer Butter — das Ergebnis bleibt ebenso cremig und köstlich. Auch die Süße lässt sich flexibel anpassen: Ahornsirup statt Honig verleiht der Joghurtschicht eine feine Karamellnote.
Serviervorschläge
Die Parfaits kommen in klaren Gläsern oder Einmachgläsern am besten zur Geltung, da die hübschen Schichten aus Joghurt, Zitronencurd und goldenen Sauerteigbröseln so vollständig sichtbar werden. Frische Beeren wie Himbeeren, Blaubeeren oder Erdbeeren setzen einen farbenfrohen Kontrast und ergänzen die Zitrusnoten. Ein paar frische Minzblätter und etwas extra Zitronenzeste als Garnitur runden die Präsentation elegant ab. Die Parfaits sollten stets frisch serviert werden, damit das Crumb-Topping seine knusprige Textur behält. Als leichtes Dessert nach einem Sommermenü oder als festlicher Abschluss eines Brunchs machen sie eine ausgezeichnete Figur.
Save to Pinterest This Fluffy Yogurt Lemon Parfait with Sourdough Crumb Topping is the kind of recipe that reminds you how much joy a simple, well-crafted dessert can bring. With its bright citrus notes, cloud-like yogurt base, and impossibly crunchy sourdough topping, it strikes a balance that few desserts achieve — indulgent yet light, effortless yet impressive. Whether you are making it for a quiet evening treat or presenting it to guests, each glass tells a little story of care, flavor, and creativity. Keep the components on hand, and you are always just minutes away from something truly delightful.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How is the lemon curd thickened in this dish?
The lemon curd is gently thickened over a double boiler by whisking eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and zest until it achieves a smooth, custard-like consistency.
- → What gives the topping its crisp texture?
The topping is made by toasting torn sourdough crumbs with butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until golden and crisp, adding a buttery crunch.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary preferences?
Yes, gluten-free bread can replace sourdough for crumbs, and plant-based yogurt with vegan butter can be used for a dairy-free option.
- → What flavors balance the tartness from the lemon curd?
Sweetened Greek yogurt with honey and vanilla adds creamy sweetness that balances the bright tartness from the lemon curd.
- → How can I store leftovers safely?
Lemon curd can be refrigerated for up to a week, and the crumb topping kept in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
