If you want a Halloween dessert that’s cute, creamy, and ready in minutes, Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits are the perfect pick. These Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits layer smooth yogurt, crunchy bits, and spooky-cute ghost faces for a dessert that looks impressive but takes almost no effort. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a potluck, or making a fun after-school snack, Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits deliver playful presentation and consistent flavor. Best of all, Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits are endlessly customizable—go Greek, go vanilla, go chocolate, go high-protein, or go low-sugar. Your kitchen, your spooky rules.
For Halloween Potluck Recipes with a nostalgic carnival vibe, bring a tray of Candy Apple Cookies that everyone will remember.
Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits: A No-Bake Halloween Treat Everyone Will Love
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 parfaits 1x
Description
Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits are a no-bake Halloween dessert made with creamy yogurt, crunchy layers, and playful ghost faces. They’re quick to assemble, kid-friendly, and perfect for parties, potlucks, or fun after-school treats.
Ingredients
4 cups Greek or vanilla yogurt
2 to 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, if using plain yogurt)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups granola or crushed cookies
1/2 cup fruit jam or fruit coulis
Mini chocolate chips or melted chocolate, for faces
Optional toppings: berries, banana slices, mini marshmallows, sprinkles
Instructions
1. In a bowl, stir yogurt with honey or maple syrup and vanilla if using plain yogurt.
2. Prepare the crunch layer by placing granola or crushed cookies in a separate bowl.
3. Loosen the fruit jam with a teaspoon or two of water if needed.
4. Spoon or pipe a layer of yogurt into the bottom of clear cups.
5. Add a layer of granola or cookie crumbs, followed by a small swirl of fruit.
6. Repeat layers until cups are about three-quarters full.
7. Pipe a rounded dome of yogurt on top to form the ghost shape.
8. Add eyes and a mouth using chocolate chips or melted chocolate.
9. Refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best texture, add granola just before serving or use crushed cookies to prevent sogginess. These parfaits can be assembled up to one day ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parfait
- Calories: 180
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
Why you’ll love Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits
- No-bake brilliance: Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits need no oven, no stovetop—just a spoon and a few bowls.
- Party-perfect: Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits look striking on a Halloween table, and kids love assembling their own.
- Flexible and friendly: Make Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits with Greek yogurt or vanilla, go dairy-free, or adjust sweetness.
- Make-ahead win: Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits hold well with smart layering, so you can prep the night before.
Craving warm spice for your Halloween Potluck Recipes? These Pumpkin Cookies are soft, cozy, and perfect for fall.
Ingredients you’ll need for Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits
- Yogurt base: Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla) or classic vanilla yogurt. Greek yogurt gives thicker, richer Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits with more protein, while vanilla yogurt delivers an instantly sweet dessert vibe.
- Sweetener (optional): Maple syrup, honey, or powdered sugar if using plain Greek yogurt for your Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances aroma for Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits.
- Crunch layer: Granola, crushed chocolate wafer cookies, crushed graham crackers, cocoa nibs, or toasted nuts—your choice for the crunch in Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits.
- Fruit layer: Strawberry or raspberry coulis, cherry pie filling, or a swirl of peach jam for fruity Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits.
- Ghost faces: Mini chocolate chips, melted chocolate in a piping bag, or black gel icing to create the spooky eyes and mouth on your Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits.
- Optional extras: Banana slices, blueberries, mini marshmallows, Halloween sprinkles, or cocoa powder dusting—these bring texture and color to Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits.
- Cups and tools: 6–8 clear cups or small jars, piping bags or zip-top bags, small spoons.
If your Halloween Potluck Recipes need a real centerpiece, the crispy-chewy Pavlova Cookie will instantly steal the spotlight.
Step-by-step: How to make Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits
- Prep the yogurt
Stir 4 cups of yogurt in a bowl. If using plain Greek yogurt, whisk in 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey and 1 teaspoon vanilla. This silky base keeps Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits tangy yet dessert-ready. - Prep the crunch
In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups granola or crushed cookies. For extra ghoulish color, mix crushed chocolate wafers with granola. This contrast is key for the layers in Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits. - Make the fruit swirl
Warm 1/2 cup jam (like raspberry or strawberry) with 1–2 teaspoons water to loosen, then cool. A vivid swirl adds a “blood red” pop in Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits. - Pipe the first layer
Spoon or pipe 2 tablespoons yogurt into each cup. Piping makes cleaner lines so Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits look pro-level in seconds. - Add the crunch
Sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of granola or cookie crumbs. This ensures Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits have a bite in every spoonful. - Repeat layers
Alternate yogurt, fruit swirl, and crunch until cups are 3/4 full. Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits shine when the layers are visible—aim for two cycles of yogurt + crunch + fruit. - Create the ghost
Pipe a dome of white yogurt on top. Smooth gently into a rounded ghost shape. Now add eyes and a mouth with mini chocolate chips or a dot of melted chocolate. This is the signature flourish for Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits. - Chill and serve
Refrigerate Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits for 30–60 minutes to set the layers. Serve cold. Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits hold beautifully on a dessert table for up to 2 hours. - Add a cloud-like dessert to your Halloween Potluck Recipes with this bakery-style Whipped Cream Cake.
Flavor variations and toppings
- Greek yogurt glow-up: Use 2% or whole-milk Greek yogurt for lush Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits with a creamy, satisfying finish.
- Vanilla sundae style: Vanilla yogurt + crushed graham crackers + chocolate chips = nostalgic Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits with sundae vibes.
- Berry-licious: Layer with blueberry jam or fresh berries for jewel-toned Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits.
- Cookies and scream: Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies create dramatic, dark layers in Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits.
- Protein power: Add vanilla protein powder to the yogurt base. You’ll get Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits that double as a post-workout snack.
- Lower sugar: Use plain Greek yogurt, sweeten lightly with vanilla and a touch of stevia, and use fresh fruit to keep Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits bright and balanced.
- Kid-friendly toppings: Mini marshmallows make adorable “ghost puffs” on Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits, and candy eyes are foolproof for little hands.
For a bright fruity touch in your Halloween Potluck Recipes, swirl this Peach Jam into parfaits or serve alongside cheese platters.
Make-ahead, storage, and freezing tips
- Make-ahead: Assemble Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits up to 24 hours ahead. To keep layers clean, scatter a thin bed of granola or cookie crumbs between wet layers so Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits don’t weep into each other.
- Prevent soggy granola: For crisp crunch in Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits, add granola just before serving. Or choose crushed cookies (they soften pleasantly but don’t get mushy).
- Fridge storage: Covered, Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits keep 2–3 days. If you added bananas, enjoy Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits within 24 hours.
- Freezing: Freeze components separately. Fully assembled Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits aren’t ideal for freezing because yogurt can become grainy after thawing.
A build-your-own parfait bar for Halloween
Turn Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits into a party activity:
- Base: Bowls of Greek yogurt (plain and vanilla).
- Crunch: Granola, crushed cookies, toasted coconut.
- Fruits: Berries, chopped peaches, jam, compote.
- Ghost kit: Piping bag of yogurt, mini chocolate chips, edible candy eyes.
- Fun extras: Halloween sprinkles, cocoa nibs, mini marshmallows.
Set out clear cups and a sample of finished Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits so everyone can copy the ghost face. It’s interactive, mess-lite, and ideal for potlucks.
Looking for lighter Halloween Potluck Recipes? This Sugar-Free Lemon Blueberry Pudding Cake is refreshing without being too heavy.
Conclusion:
Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits are the sweet spot between adorable presentation and zero stress. With layered yogurt, crunchy textures, and whimsical faces, Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits charm kids and grown-ups alike. Make them with Greek yogurt for protein-rich Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits, or keep it classic with vanilla. Whether you prep ahead or set up a DIY bar, Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits will haunt your guests—in the best way—long after the party ends.
Chocolate lovers will be thrilled when you add Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse to your list of protein-packed Halloween Potluck Recipes.
Find more Halloween Potluck Recipes and spooky dessert ideas on my Pinterest and Medium pages.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of vanilla yogurt?
Absolutely. Greek yogurt makes thicker, creamier Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits with higher protein. Sweeten to taste and add vanilla for a dessert-like profile.
What type of Greek yogurt is best for making parfaits?
Use 2% or whole-milk Greek yogurt for the smoothest Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits. Nonfat works, but it’s tangier and can feel chalky unless lightly sweetened.
What can I use instead of granola?
Try crushed chocolate wafers, graham crackers, shortbread, toasted nuts, or cocoa nibs. Any crunchy element can anchor your Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits.
How long can I store a prepared Greek yogurt parfait in the fridge?
Up to 2–3 days covered. For Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits, add granola right before serving to keep it crisp.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate. Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits keep well when layered with a “crumb barrier” between wet layers. Eat within 24 hours if using bananas.
Can I freeze a Greek yogurt parfait for later?
It’s not ideal. Yogurt can turn grainy after thawing. Freeze components separately, then assemble fresh Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits before serving.
