This breakfast parfait recipe is the perfect pre-made meal for those who have little time in the morning. It is also an attractive dish to serve to guests at Sunday brunch or as a dessert.
A classic parfait is a dessert, typically made using eggs, whipped cream, ice cream or yogurt. Plant milk and chia seeds bind together with oats for a healthier version that actually helps the health of your heart.
The flavor alternatives for this parfait recipe are endless! You can use various nuts and seeds, dried berries, and fresh or frozen and thawed berries. Finely diced pear or shaved apple with a few
drops of lemon juice and a sprinkle of seasonings like cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg are also fabulous. Likewise, banana with chocolate and coconut makes a great dessert.
You can theme your parfait by the season if you wish; for example cinnamon and nutmeg in the fall or orange and mango in the spring. In the winter I like to use blueberries and blackberries that I froze fresh during the height of the season. I also keep a blend of seeds and chopped nuts in the freezer just for this dish. Sometimes I will double or triple this recipe and scoop out of it for two or three days.
Almond or other extracts are also fun to play with. Kids will love making their own too while being an effective way to promote their health under the radar.
This breakfast parfait recipe is one of the most colorful and enjoyable build-your-own playgrounds I can think of. Be sure to build the parfait in glass if seeing the colorful layers is important. Otherwise, combine the ingredients in a different container and take it to work.
Give this parfait a try. Use alternatives, jot down some notes and make your own family classic. Hopefully, it will become a favorite in your household just like it is in ours.
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1½ cups vegan milk such as almond, cashew or soy
- 3 tablespoons sugar or other sweetener such as agave nectar, more as desired
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen and thawed berries, divided
- ¼ cup chopped nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, pepitas or sunflower seeds
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Combine oats, chia seeds, vegan milk, sugar and vanilla in a bowl.
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Fold in the fruit and transfer to an airtight serving containers with room to spare for the chia to expand. Refrigerate overnight or for at least one hour before serving.
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Sprinkle with nuts or seeds and serve.
If there are excess juices around the berries, add 2 more tablespoons chia seeds or strain before using.
