If there’s one treat that instantly brings a smile to my face and a pop of color to the table, it’s this St. Patrick’s Day Parfait. This festive parfait layers vibrant green Jell-O, creamy yogurt or whipped topping, and crunchy crushed cookies for a dessert that feels as magical as a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Whether you’re making it for a classroom party, a holiday breakfast, or just a little leprechaun-approved fun at home, this **St. Patrick’s Day Parfait** hits every note — sweet, creamy, crunchy, and oh-so joyful.

Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Base
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers or golden Oreos
Layers
- 1 cup vanilla or coconut yogurt (or whipped topping)
- green food coloring (optional, a few drops)
- 1/2 cup green Jell-O (prepared and cubed)
Toppings
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
- green sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)
- gold chocolate coins or rainbow candy (for garnish)
How to Make **St. Patrick’s Day Parfait
Step 1: Tint the Yogurt or Whipped Topping
Start by scooping your vanilla or coconut yogurt (or whipped topping) into a small bowl. If you want your parfaits extra festive, add a few drops of green food coloring and stir until you’ve reached that perfect shamrock hue. This step is totally optional, but trust me — the pop of green makes every spoonful feel like a celebration.
Step 2: Prepare Your Glasses
Choose clear glasses or cups so you can see every beautiful layer. It’s part of the magic! You’ll want everything ready to go so the assembly is quick and fun, especially if little helpers are joining in.
Step 3: Layer the Crunch
Begin your parfait by adding a generous spoonful of crushed graham crackers or golden Oreos to the bottom of each glass. This creates a sturdy, buttery base that soaks up just enough flavor from the creamy layers above.
Step 4: Add Green Jell-O Cubes
Next, sprinkle in a layer of prepared, cubed green Jell-O. This is where the **St**. Patrick’s Day colors really shine, and the fun texture is a kid favorite!
Step 5: Spoon in the Creamy Layer
Now, add a layer of your green-tinted yogurt or whipped topping. Use the back of your spoon to gently spread it over the Jell-O, making sure to keep those gorgeous layers defined. The creamy element ties all the flavors together.
Step 6: Repeat and Finish
If you have room, repeat the layers: more cookie crumbs, Jell-O cubes, and finish with a thick, creamy topping. This gives the parfait beautiful height and plenty of flavor in every bite.
Step 7: Decorate for **St. Patrick’s Day
Top each parfait with mini marshmallows, a handful of green sprinkles or edible glitter, and a few gold chocolate coins or rainbow candies for that classic **St**. Patrick’s Day flair. Chill until ready to serve for the best texture and a perfectly refreshing treat.
How to Serve **St. Patrick’s Day Parfait

Garnishes
The finishing touches make these parfaits extra special. A handful of mini marshmallows adds playfulness, while green sprinkles or edible glitter bring a touch of sparkle. And don’t forget those gold chocolate coins or rainbow candies — they’re the crowning glory that makes this a true **St**. Patrick’s Day masterpiece!
Side Dishes
A **St**. Patrick’s Day Parfait pairs perfectly with other festive treats. Try serving it alongside fresh fruit skewers (think kiwi, green grapes, or pineapple), or set out a platter of Irish soda bread for a fun dessert spread. It’s also delightful with a hot cup of cocoa or a bright green smoothie for a breakfast twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, assemble parfaits in mini mason jars or clear plastic cups for easy grab-and-go treats. You can even create a “build your own parfait” bar with bowls of each layer, letting everyone craft their own magical **St**. Patrick’s Day parfaits. For extra wow-factor, top with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of edible gold dust!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover **St**. Patrick’s Day parfaits, cover each glass tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The layers may soften a bit, but the flavor stays just as magical!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for these parfaits, as the Jell-O and yogurt or whipped topping can change texture and become watery once thawed. For best results, enjoy your **St**. Patrick’s Day parfaits fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
No reheating needed here! These parfaits are best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. If the parfaits have set out for a while, simply chill them again before serving for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I make these parfaits dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use coconut yogurt or a dairy-free whipped topping for a completely plant-based **St**. Patrick’s Day parfait that everyone can enjoy.
What other green ingredients can I use?
Feel free to swap in fresh kiwi, green grapes, or even matcha-flavored yogurt for a healthier or more natural green layer. These additions keep the parfait festive and flavorful.
How far in advance can I assemble the parfaits?
You can assemble these parfaits up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just keep them chilled and wait to add marshmallows and sprinkles until just before serving to keep toppings fresh and fluffy.
Can I use different cookies for the crunchy layer?
Definitely! Golden Oreos and graham crackers are classic, but vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies work beautifully for a unique twist on your **St**. Patrick’s Day parfait.
How do I make these parfaits more nutritious?
For a healthier spin, use plain Greek yogurt and layer in fresh fruit like kiwi or green apple. You can also reduce the amount of cookie crumbs and opt for naturally colored toppings.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of a colorful, creamy **St**. Patrick’s Day parfait to brighten your celebration. With layers of flavor and a playful spirit, this treat is guaranteed to become a new holiday favorite. Try it for your next **St**. Patrick’s Day — I have a feeling you’ll fall in love with every spoonful!
Print
**St Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 parfaits 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this festive and colorful parfait, featuring layers of green-tinted yogurt or whipped topping, crunchy crushed graham crackers or golden Oreos, vibrant green Jell-O cubes, and fun toppings like mini marshmallows and edible glitter. Perfect for kids’ parties, classroom treats, or a cheerful breakfast, this easy-to-assemble dessert brings a playful twist to the holiday.
Ingredients
Base
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers or golden Oreos
Layers
- 1 cup vanilla or coconut yogurt (or whipped topping)
- green food coloring (optional, a few drops)
- 1/2 cup green Jell-O (prepared and cubed)
Toppings
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
- green sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)
- gold chocolate coins or rainbow candy (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare green yogurt mixture: In a small bowl, mix the vanilla or coconut yogurt (or whipped topping) with a few drops of green food coloring until the desired shade of green is reached. This step is optional but adds a festive color to your parfait.
- Layer the parfait: In clear glasses or cups, begin by spooning a layer of crushed graham crackers or golden Oreos at the bottom to create a crunchy base.
- Add green Jell-O cubes: Place a layer of prepared and cubed green Jell-O on top of the crushed crackers or Oreos, giving the parfait a vibrant green, gelatinous layer.
- Spoon green yogurt layer: Add a generous spoonful of the green-tinted yogurt or whipped topping over the Jell-O cubes, creating a creamy contrast.
- Repeat layers: Continue layering the crushed crackers or Oreos, Jell-O cubes, and green yogurt, repeating as desired and ending with a final creamy yogurt or whipped topping layer.
- Add final toppings: Garnish the parfait with mini marshmallows, green sprinkles or edible glitter for sparkle, and festive gold chocolate coins or rainbow candy to enhance the St. Patrick’s Day theme.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the parfaits until ready to serve to ensure the layers set and maintain their texture. Enjoy your colorful and festive dessert!
Notes
- Make it healthier by using plain Greek yogurt and adding fresh kiwi or green grapes instead of Jell-O.
- This parfait is perfect for kids’ parties, classroom treats, or a festive breakfast option.
- Chill the parfaits until ready to serve for the best texture and flavor combination.
- You can adjust the green food coloring to achieve a lighter or darker green shade according to your preference.
- Substitute gold chocolate coins with other festive candy for variety or dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert or Snack
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parfait
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg