Banana and Chocolate Chia Cream Pie Parfaits.

Indulgence meets health in the delightful form of Banana and Chocolate Chia Cream Pie Parfaits. This recipe is a glorious way to enjoy the rich flavors of chocolate and banana while also packing in nutritious ingredients. With creamy layers of chia pudding, luscious banana, and a crunchy base, these parfaits are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Read on to discover how to create this delightful treat that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about these Banana and Chocolate Chia Cream Pie Parfaits! Here are just a few highlights:

• Health-Conscious: Packed with chia seeds, bananas, and wholesome oats, this dessert is nutritious and satisfying.
• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or a sweet treat after dinner.
• Quick to Assemble: With minimal preparation, you can whip these up in no time!
• Gluten-Free Option: Simply use gluten-free oats for a delicious gluten-free treat.
• Visually Stunning: Layers of rich chocolate and creamy banana create a beautiful presentation.

What You’ll Gather

To create these delightful parfaits, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups almond/coconut milk or your favorite milk
• 1/3 cup chia seeds
• 1/4 cup cacao or cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, or 4 pitted + chopped Medjool dates
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 can full-fat canned coconut milk
• 1/3 cup chia seeds (for the second layer)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for the second layer)
• 1/2 vanilla bean (seeds removed)
• 1 ripe banana (mashed)
• 2 ripe bananas (sliced)
• 1/2 cup raw buckwheat groats
• 1/2 cup raw oatmeal
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for the base)
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Chopped chocolate + dried roses for topping

Recommended Tools

Make sure you have these tools handy for the perfect parfait experience:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients effortlessly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accuracy in your measurements.
• Whisk: For mixing your chia pudding until smooth.
• Glass Parfait Cups or Jars: To showcase your beautiful layers.
• Refrigerator: For chilling your parfaits to achieve that creamy texture.

Step-by-Step: Banana and Chocolate Chia Cream Pie Parfaits.

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Chia Pudding

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of almond or coconut milk, 1/3 cup of chia seeds, 1/4 cup of cacao or cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup (or the chopped Medjool dates), 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk together until well combined. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, then whisk again to break up any chia clumps. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 2: Make the Coconut Chia Layer

In another bowl, combine the can of full-fat coconut milk, 1/3 cup of chia seeds, 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup, and the seeds from 1/2 of a vanilla bean. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated. Add in the mashed ripe banana and stir until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 3: Prepare the Crunchy Base

In a separate bowl, mix together the raw buckwheat groats, raw oatmeal, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of melted coconut oil, and a pinch of salt. Toss until the groats and oats are evenly coated. You can either leave this mixture as is for a crunchy base, or lightly toast it in a pan over medium heat for added flavor.

Step 4: Layer Your Parfaits

Once your chia pudding and coconut layer are ready, it’s time to assemble! Start with a layer of the crunchy base at the bottom of your parfait cups. Next, add a layer of the chocolate chia pudding, followed by a layer of the coconut chia mixture. Repeat the layers until you reach the top of your cups, finishing with the coconut chia layer.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Top your parfaits with sliced bananas, a sprinkle of chopped chocolate, and a few dried rose petals for a lovely touch. Place the assembled parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.

Warm & Cool Weather Spins

These Banana and Chocolate Chia Cream Pie Parfaits can be enjoyed year-round! Here are a few ideas to adapt this recipe for different seasons:

• Warm Weather: Serve chilled from the refrigerator and add fresh berries for a refreshing twist.
• Cool Weather: Incorporate spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg into the chocolate layer for a cozy flavor.
• Seasonal Fruits: Switch the bananas for seasonal fruits like peaches in the summer or apples in the fall.
• Nutty Variations: Add chopped nuts or nut butter to the layers for added texture and flavor.

Things That Go Wrong

Even the best cooks can run into a few hiccups. Here are some common issues and how to avoid them:

• Chia Seeds Clumping: Ensure you whisk the chocolate chia pudding after 10 minutes of resting to break up clumps.
• Too Sweet or Not Sweet Enough: Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey, maple syrup, or dates according to your taste.
• Consistency Issues: If the chia pudding is too thick, add more milk. If it’s too thin, let it sit longer to thicken.
• Bananas Browning: If you’re making these in advance, add the banana slices just before serving to keep them fresh.

How to Store & Reheat

To keep your Banana and Chocolate Chia Cream Pie Parfaits fresh:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: These parfaits are best served cold; no need to reheat.
• Layer Preservation: If storing in layers, keep the base separate until ready to serve to maintain crunchiness.

Common Questions

Can I use a different type of milk?

Absolutely! Any plant-based milk or dairy milk will work perfectly in this recipe.

How long will these parfaits last in the fridge?

The parfaits can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep banana slices for topping fresh until serving!

Can I make these parfaits vegan?

Yes! Simply use maple syrup instead of honey, and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.

Is there a substitute for chia seeds?

You can use ground flaxseeds for a similar thickening effect, but the texture will differ slightly.

If you enjoyed this Banana and Chocolate Chia Cream Pie Parfaits recipe, here are some more delicious ideas to try:

The Last Word

Banana and Chocolate Chia Cream Pie Parfaits are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds—health and indulgence. With their luscious layers, rich flavors, and nutritional benefits, these parfaits are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you enjoy them as breakfast or a sweet dessert, you’ll love every spoonful. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this deliciously satisfying parfait experience!