Cherry Almond Yogurt Crumble Jars

Ingredients

• 2 cups thick Greek yogurt or skyr
• 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, divided
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• Optional: chia seeds, extra cherries, almond butter, or dark chocolate curls
• For meal prep, store the cherry compote, yogurt, and crumble separately. Assemble up to 12 hours ahead, but add the final crumble topping right before eating.
• Frozen cherries work well. Simmer them uncovered for a few extra minutes so the juices thicken.
• If the cherry layer is very tart, add honey 1 teaspoon at a time instead of oversweetening the yogurt.
• For a protein-heavy breakfast, use skyr and add a spoonful of almond butter between layers.
• For dessert, add a few dark chocolate curls or extra toasted almonds on top.
• The crumble stays crisp for 4 to 5 days in an airtight jar at room temperature.

Method

1. Make the quick cherry layer. Add cherries, 1 tablespoon honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to a small pan. Simmer for 5 to 8 minutes until the cherries soften and release glossy juices. Mash a few cherries with a spoon, then cool until warm or room temperature.
2. Toast the crumble. Stir oats, sliced almonds, melted butter or coconut oil, 1 tablespoon honey, cinnamon, and salt together. Spread on a small tray and bake at 350 F / 175 C for 10 to 14 minutes, stirring once, until golden and fragrant. Let it cool so it crisps.
3. Flavor the yogurt. Stir Greek yogurt with lemon zest and vanilla if using. Taste before sweetening more; the cherry layer and crumble already add sweetness.
4. Layer the jars. Spoon crumble into the bottom of each jar, add yogurt, then cherry compote. Repeat with a second yogurt and cherry layer if the jars are tall.
5. Finish just before serving. Add a final spoonful of crumble, sliced almonds, and a cherry on top. Serve chilled or slightly cool.

Tips

• For meal prep, store the cherry compote, yogurt, and crumble separately. Assemble up to 12 hours ahead, but add the final crumble topping right before eating.
• Frozen cherries work well. Simmer them uncovered for a few extra minutes so the juices thicken.
• If the cherry layer is very tart, add honey 1 teaspoon at a time instead of oversweetening the yogurt.
• For a protein-heavy breakfast, use skyr and add a spoonful of almond butter between layers.
• For dessert, add a few dark chocolate curls or extra toasted almonds on top.