Why You’ll Love Cranberry Yogurt Bowl Recipe

It comes together in about 8 minutes—no cooking required beyond making the cranberry sauce (if you don’t already have it).
The flavor combo is fresh and fun: tangy yogurt + sweet‑tart cranberries + crunchy granola + spice.
It’s flexible—choose regular or Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla, and top with whatever you have on hand.
Great way to use leftover cranberry sauce and avoid waste.
Balanced (depending on your choices): you get protein from yogurt, fiber and crunch from granola, and the cranberry sauce gives a burst of fruit flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup yogurt (Greek or regular; plain or vanilla)
¼‑½ cup leftover cranberry sauce
¼‑½ cup granola (homemade or store bought)
A teeny pinch of ground cinnamon for sprinkling on top
Optional toppings – choose your favorites:
- nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, etc…)
- shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- mini chocolate chips or a dollop of Nutella
- peanut butter or almond butter
- chia seeds or flax
- fresh or dried fruit
- honey

Directions

Add your yogurt of choice into a bowl.
Spoon the leftover cranberry sauce over the yogurt and gently swirl it in.
Sprinkle granola over the top.
Dust with the pinch of ground cinnamon.
Add any optional toppings you like (nuts, seeds, fruit, honey etc.).
Serve immediately and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Serves: 1 bowl
Prep time: ~8 minutes
Total time: ~8 minutes

Variations

Use fruit‑flavored yogurt (e.g., lemon, vanilla with berries) instead of plain for a twist.
Swap granola for muesli or oatmeal clusters for different textures.
Use a smooth or whole‑berry cranberry sauce—both work well.
Make it vegan by using a plant‑based yogurt and vegan granola.
Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey if you like it sweeter.
For a higher‑protein version, use Greek yogurt and top with extra nuts or seeds.
Swap in different fruit sauces (e.g. cherry, raspberry) if you don’t have cranberries.

Storage/Reheating

Since this is a fresh yogurt bowl, it’s best eaten immediately.
If you prepare components ahead (yogurt, granola, sauce), store them separately: yogurt in the fridge, granola in an airtight container at room temp, sauce in the fridge.
Once assembled, the granola will start to soften, so assemble just before serving.
Leftovers: If you have any assembled bowl left, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day—but the granola won’t retain its crunch.

FAQs

What yogurt should I use?

You can use regular or Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla—whatever you prefer.

Can I use any cranberry sauce?

Yes: whole‑berry or smooth cranberry sauce both work well—as long as it’s not a jellied gel‑type sauce from a can.

Can I substitute granola?

Yes—store‑bought or homemade granola both work. You could also use muesli or crunchy oats if preferred.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead (yogurt, granola, sauce) but assemble just before serving so the granola remains crunchy.

Is this meal suitable for breakfast?

Absolutely—this bowl pairs protein (from yogurt) and fiber/crunch (from granola) with fruit from the cranberry sauce, making it a solid breakfast option.

How many calories does it have?

One serving has about 382 kcal (carbs ~60 g, protein ~13 g, fat ~14 g).

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Yes—the recipe serves 1 but can easily be doubled, tripled or more to serve multiple people.

Is this recipe gluten‑free?

It depends on your granola: if you use a certified gluten‑free granola, then yes. Otherwise regular granola may contain gluten.

Can I make a dairy‑free version?

Yes—use a plant‑based yogurt (e.g., almond, soy, coconut yogurt) and vegan granola to make it dairy‑free.

What toppings go best?

Toppings like nuts, seeds (chia/flax), shredded coconut, fresh or dried fruit, honey, or nut butter all enhance the bowl with texture and flavor.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quick, tasty breakfast or snack that feels a little special, this cranberry yogurt bowl is a fantastic choice. With just a few ingredients you likely already have—yogurt, cranberry sauce, granola—you can build something satisfying, flexible, and delicious. Whether you’re using up leftover cranberry sauce or simply in the mood for a crunchy‑creamy‑fruity combo, this bowl hits the mark. Enjoy making it your own with favorite toppings and variations!