Ber & Yogurt Parfait
A refreshing Indian-style layered dessert that pairs the unique sweetness of fresh ber (Indian jujube) with creamy hung yogurt. This no-cook parfait comes together in minutes, making it an elegant yet effortless way to end a meal.
For 4 servings
- prep
Hang the yogurt if using regular yogurt.
Place yogurt in a muslin cloth, tie it tightly, and hang over a bowl in the refrigerator for 2 hours to drain excess whey. Skip this step if using thick Greek-style yogurt.
TIPDon't squeeze the cloth — let gravity do the work for a smooth, creamy result. - prep · ~10 min
Prep the ber and soak saffron.
1.Wash the ber thoroughly and pat dry.2.Slice each ber, remove the stone, and roughly chop the flesh into small pieces.3.Soak saffron strands in 1 tbsp warm water in a small bowl for 10 minutes. - mix · ~2 min
Sweeten and flavor the hung yogurt.
In a mixing bowl, whisk the hung yogurt with honey and cardamom powder until smooth and creamy. Fold in half the soaked saffron along with its soaking water.
TIPTaste and adjust sweetness — ripeness of ber varies, so a touch more honey may be needed. - other · ~5 min
Layer the parfait into serving glasses.
1.Spoon a layer of sweetened yogurt into the bottom of each glass.2.Add a generous layer of chopped ber on top of the yogurt.3.Repeat with another layer of yogurt followed by ber, finishing with yogurt on top.TIPUse a piping bag or zip-top bag with corner snipped for neat yogurt layers. - garnish · ~30 min
Top with nuts and remaining saffron.
Scatter slivered almonds and chopped pistachios over the top layer. Drizzle with the remaining saffron water for color, then cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
TIPChilling is essential — it sets the parfait and allows the cardamom and saffron to infuse the yogurt. - serve
Serve chilled.
Bring the parfaits out of the refrigerator just before serving. Eat with a long spoon to reach all the layers.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the fluffiest yogurt, hang it overnight for a thicker, creamier texture.
- 2Choose ber that yields slightly to pressure — underripe fruit will be too tart.
- 3Toast the almonds and pistachios in a dry pan for 2 minutes to deepen their flavor.
- 4Run a knife around the glass before serving for a clean, professional look.
- 5Assemble no more than 2 hours ahead to keep the ber from releasing too much juice.
- 6If ber is unavailable, substitute with chopped ripe pear for a similar soft-sweet texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-sugar
Replace honey with monk fruit syrup or a pinch of stevia for a diabetic-friendly version that keeps the fruity sweetness of ber front and center.
veganVegan
Substitute hung yogurt with thick coconut yogurt and use agave instead of honey to make this parfait fully plant-based while retaining a creamy texture.
spiced chaiSpiced-chai
Add 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon and a pinch of black pepper to the sweetened yogurt for a warm chai-inspired twist that complements the earthy ber notes.
high proteinHigh-protein
Mix 1 scoop of unflavored protein powder into the hung yogurt and top with hemp seeds for a post-workout parfait that doesn't compromise on taste.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Probiotic-Rich Yogurt
Hung yogurt contains live cultures that support gut health and digestion, making this parfait a naturally probiotics-packed dessert.
Vitamin C from Ber
Indian jujube (ber) is a traditional source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which help support immune function and skin health.
Healthy Fats from Nuts
Almonds and pistachios provide heart-friendly unsaturated fats, vitamin E, and magnesium, adding crunch without processed oils.
Natural Sweetener
Honey offers a lower-glycemic alternative to refined sugar, with trace enzymes that may aid in soothing a sore throat when served cold.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but hang it for at least 2 hours to drain off whey; otherwise the parfait will be too watery and won't layer cleanly.
