Warm, easy desserts make Mother’s Day feel extra special without a lot of fuss. These quick mini berry parfaits and simple toppings are perfect for a gentle brunch spread — and if you want presentation ideas, check our dessert board ideas for layout inspiration to mix and match treats and colors. Mother’s Day Brunch Dessert Ideas bring sweet, fresh flavors everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Mother’s Day Brunch Dessert Ideas
- Fresh, bright flavors that pair well with coffee or mimosas.
- Make-ahead friendly: assemble jars the night before.
- Kid-friendly and easy to customize for picky eaters.
- Light yet satisfying — perfect after a savory brunch.
- Great for leftover use: fruit and yogurt keep well for snacks.
Ingredients Needed
- Fruit
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional)
- Dairy
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (or vanilla yogurt)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (if using plain yogurt)
- Sweetener
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- Crunch
- 1 cup granola or crushed shortbread cookies
- Garnishes
- Fresh mint leaves
- Optional toasted sliced almonds or shredded coconut
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse and dry berries; slice larger strawberries into bite-size pieces.
- In a bowl, stir yogurt with honey and vanilla until smooth and slightly sweetened.
- Spoon a layer of yogurt into small jars or cups (about 2 tbsp).
- Add a layer of mixed berries, then a sprinkle of granola; repeat to fill cups.
- Top with a few whole berries, mint leaves, and a light drizzle of honey.
- Chill 15–30 minutes before serving, or cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Serving Suggestions Mother’s Day Brunch Dessert Ideas
- Serve parfaits in small glass jars alongside a floral fruit board for an elegant spread.
- Pair with hot coffee, cold brew, or a sparkling mimosa for a balanced brunch.
- Add a small plate of macaroons or mini tarts to vary textures.
- For a romantic touch, include a few chocolate-dipped strawberries or mini heart treats from these chocolate peanut butter heart desserts.
- Garnish with edible flowers for a beautiful, photo-ready presentation.
Tips for Success Mother’s Day Brunch Dessert Ideas
- Use cold ingredients and chill serving glasses to keep parfaits fresh longer.
- Keep granola separate until serving to maintain crunch if preparing ahead.
- Adjust sweetness to taste; some berries are sweeter and need less honey.
- For creamier texture, fold in a tablespoon of mascarpone or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Variations
- Yogurt swap: use dairy-free coconut yogurt for a vegan option.
- Add-ins: fold in chia seeds or lemon curd for extra texture and tang.
- Decadent version: layer with chocolate pudding or mascarpone for a richer treat.
- Fruit swap: use stone fruits like peaches or plums in summer months.
Mini Berry Parfaits
These quick mini berry parfaits are a perfect, easy dessert for Mother's Day brunch, featuring fresh flavors and customizable ingredients.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional) adds a bright flavor
Dairy
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (or vanilla yogurt)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract optional if using vanilla yogurt
Sweetener
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup to sweeten yogurt
Crunch
- 1 cup granola or crushed shortbread cookies for texture
Garnishes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- toasted sliced almonds or shredded coconut (optional) for extra crunch
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse and dry the berries; slice larger strawberries into bite-size pieces.
- In a bowl, stir yogurt with honey and vanilla until smooth and slightly sweetened.
Assembly
- Spoon a layer of yogurt into small jars or cups (about 2 tbsp).
- Add a layer of mixed berries, then a sprinkle of granola; repeat to fill cups.
- Top with a few whole berries, mint leaves, and a light drizzle of honey.
Chilling
- Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving, or cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Notes
Use cold ingredients and chill serving glasses to keep parfaits fresh longer. Keep granola separate until serving to maintain crunch if preparing ahead. Adjust sweetness to taste as some berries are sweeter and need less honey.