Way back in the day, I used to be all about creating breakfast parfaits. Do any of my long-time readers remember the onslaught of breakfast parfait recipes I posted around 2009/2010? Boy, was I on a roll with those parfaits. (Side note: how the heck have I been blogging so long?) Since becoming a parent, I’ve usually put parfaits on the back burner, labeling them as a bit fussy or too time-consuming for our fast-paced, toddler-needs-breakfast-yesterday mornings. After feeding Adriana, it’s all I can do to inhale a lightning-fast smoothie or plain-Jane overnight oats while standing at the counter. But recently it hit me: Breakfast parfaits don’t need to be fussy at all. In fact, I can prepare a couple things in the evening, and then all I have to do in the mornings is find a spoon. Even better, I make a big batch so it provides a multiday breakfast (unless I decide to power through an entire batch in a single day, which, trust me, has happened recently!).
For those of you with little mouths to feed, you might want to give this recipe a shot with them, too. My awesome recipe tester, Nicole, recently made it with her daycare kids, and she reported back that “they licked the bowls clean!” Adriana also thinks these parfaits are fun to eat (and oh so grown-up!), so she’s been asking to try them out. (Mind you, some days that means a couple cautious bites before proudly declaring, “ALL DONE!!” but I’ll take what I can get at this precarious age!)
Here’s how you can prepare these parfaits in advance: One evening (or two, if you’re feeling ambitious) each week, make this big batch of overnight oats, chia jam, and Coconut Whipped Cream (or simply thaw a tub of So Delicious Coco Whip!) After the oats set and the jam cools, layer everything into jars. In the morning, it’s there waiting for you as a breakfast or snack, and it’ll keep for a few days. So easy, so good, and so perfect for summer!
Chocolate Raspberry Dreams Breakfast Parfait
Yield
Serves 4
Soak time
2 hours or overnight
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
This summer-friendly breakfast can be made the night before and assembled so it's ready to go in the morning! (And trust me when I say that you'll be dreaming of this while you sleep!) The batch makes enough for about 4 servings so you can enjoy it on several occasions. The chocolate overnight oats are mild-tasting and slightly bitter (depending on how much sweetener you use), so the zingy raspberry jam and lightly sweet coconut whip are essential when serving to boost the flavours. To highlight a contrast of textures, add some fresh or frozen raspberries and toasted nuts, too.
Ingredients
For the Raspberry Chia Seed Jam (makes 1 cup):
- 1 (300 g/10 oz) bag frozen raspberries
- 2 tablespoons (20 g) chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) pure maple syrup, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon (5 mL) pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean powder (optional)
For the Chocolate Overnight Oats (makes 3 cups):
- 1 cup (100 g) gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/3 cup (55 g) chia seeds
- 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 mL) pure maple syrup, to taste
- 2 tablespoons (10 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 1/2 cups (625 mL) unsweetened almond milk
For the topping:
- Homemade Coconut Whipped Cream or So Delicious Coconut Whip*
- Fresh or frozen raspberries
- Sliced toasted almonds or hazelnuts
Directions
- For the Raspberry Chia Seed Jam: Add the frozen raspberries, chia seeds, and maple syrup into a medium pot. Stir to combine. Cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 7 to 9 minutes, until the raspberries break down. (It will still look a bit runny, but it will thicken as it cools.) Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, if using, and additional maple syrup, if desired. Allow the jam to cool on the counter, uncovered, for about a half hour before covering and chilling in the fridge.
- For the Chocolate Overnight Oats: In a large container with a lid, whisk together the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, and cocoa powder until combined. Add the milk, and whisk until no clumps of cocoa powder remain. Secure lid and let it sit on the counter for 2 to 3 minutes. After sitting briefly, shake the mixture (or stir) again to combine. This just helps prevent the chia seeds from clumping up. Chill in the fridge for a couple hours, or overnight.
- Prepare the Coconut Whipped Cream, or if using, thaw the store-bought coconut whipped cream in the fridge or on the counter. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
- When the chia jam and oats are ready, layer them into jars or bowls along with the coconut whipped cream. Add your desired toppings, and enjoy! The parfaits can be made in advance and enjoyed for a few days.
Tip:
- * To change up this recipe, feel free to swap the Coconut Whipped Cream for Banana Soft Serve.
- Make it nut-free: Swap the almond milk for a nut-free non-dairy milk, and omit the nut topping.
Nutrition Information
(click to expand)
Yay! The parfaits have returned! Chocolate + raspberries are always a win (as are all your recipes actually) so I can’t wait to try this out :)
Love the name of this parfait – it is totally enticing!! The ingredients you included in here are just superb. This sounds totally amazing and like one seriously good breakfast!! Will be trying VERY soon – pinned :)
I hope you enjoy it when you get a chance to try it out, Rachel! We’re loving it here. :)
Thanks for a new recipe! I’ve missed your daily posts.
That looks super delicious! Wondering where to buy SO delicious coconut whip in Canada? Can you let me know? Thanks in advance.
When I’m at home, I usually get it at Whole Foods and I’ve seen it at certain select higher-end grocery stores (e.g., Sobeys) in the freezer section around the “gluten-free” and “organic” section.
I recently found the So Delicious Coconut Whip in Canada at my local Superstore. Look in the frozen foods section by the gluten free breads and dairy-free ice cream. It’s delicious!!
Chocolate for breakfast? Sign me up! Love this idea. It’s a great way to indulge while still being healthy.
Keshia White
www.queenlifeblog.com
Long time reader here; I totally remember the breakfast parfaits! LOVE ’em!
Not sure why I’ve never thought to incorporate coconut whip into breakfast…YUM. These are absolutely stunning!
It’s sooo good, Sara! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do if you give it a try.
I’m always on the lookout for new and fun breakfast ideas and these look absolutely delicious! As a huge chocolate raspberry fan I’m so excited to try this out :)
Akino | akinokiki.blogspot.ca
I hope you love it, Akino!
Looks absolutely delicious! I love raspberries.
https://thedogtribe.com/2016/07/22/summer-shred-workout/
I hope you enjoy it if you decide to give it a try, Michelle!
I am obsessed with Raspberry and as a parfait, this is dreamy
Amy | www.yankfied.com
I definitely agree–the dreamiest! :)
This looks delicious. The ads are starting to make the blog not as enjoyable though. particularly the Ballpark frank ad that was popping up over the recipe.
Hi Kerry, thanks so much for bringing this to my attention! We try really hard to moderate the ads that appear on the blog, to ensure they reflect my vision for Oh She Glows and plant-based lifestyle, but occasionally things like this sneak through. So it’s super helpful when my readers give me a head’s up!
Sounds and looks delicious! I think I will make it with strawberry jam though. I am hit or miss for raspberries. :)
Yum! I’m sure strawberries would be delicious with the chocolate oats! :)
My GOD this sounds delicious. Will be making this weekend.
Thank you so much for this excellent, easy and delicious breakfast idea. Yesterday was my partners birthday and the weather where I am temporarily staying in Michigan was unbelievably hot! ANYWAY, I spent a whopping 3 1/2 hours in the kitchen cooking up a delicious OSG plant-based dinner for my partner as well as some Banoffee birthday pie to celebrate the big 3-0 with him which was very well received ;)! Nonetheless, I WAS NOT going to be stuffed in that hot kitchen this morning so I quickly threw this breakfast parfait together last night while I was on a role and woke up to a delicious treat this morning that was both appreciated by me and my partner! DELICIOUS! Thank you for your inspiring recipes <3
Wow, I don’t blame you for wanting a break from the kitchen heat, Steph! So glad this recipe was right on time, and that you and your partner enjoyed it. Stay cool! :)
Oh, I am so drooling. Can’t wait to try this! I wonder how it would taste if I used cauliflower rice as my “oats?” I’m not able to do grains, even GF oats right now, and I miss my OSG parfaits/VOO’s. Thoughts, anyone?
p.s I made the Crazy Good Coconut Oil “Chocolate” Bark earlier this week and it is addictive…good thing I made a double batch.
Hi Kathy,
I have been on an elimination diet with a nutritionist for the past several months that denied me grains of any kind (I feel your pain!) but if you are allowed quinoa, which isn’t a grain but a seed, I think this recipe would be really good. You’d need to cook the quinoa and reduce the almond milk a bit…or, just leave out the oats entirely and make a chia pudding … hope that helps! I’ve made this recipe twice so far…my household can’t get enough of it!
Nicole W., thank you so much! Yes, that’s me, too. It’s really helping in all areas (no grains/beans) but really throws a wrench into a lot of my OSG staples. I’m definitely checking to see if Quinoa is something I could reintroduce at some point.
Wow this is a must try!
Looks so good! :)
I made this for breakfast – delicious! I left out the coconut whipped cream and added half a banana, shredded coconut and cacao nibs.
I think that pureed peach would also pair up nicely with the raspberry jam. I once made a similar recipe and it turned out great.
Thank you so much for this recipe, Angela! My son is two weeks old and preparing breakfast while holding him has been a challenge, so I really needed to find healthy breakfast recipes that I could prepare the night before. This parfait just made my day…so nutritious, delicious, and easy to make!:)
Theresa, I can so relate to “preparing breakfast while holding” your kiddo! My 22-month-old still loves to be picked up so she can watch me cook. ;) (Who knew food prep could be a workout too?!) But yes, prepping breakfast in advance is so key, and I’m so glad you’re enjoying the parfaits! It’s a nice change from the typical smoothie or bowl of oats. Congrats on your little one, by the way! I’m so excited to have a newborn in my arms again soon. :) Soak him up.
I made this last night and couldn’t wait to have it today for breakfast. It is soo good, and I ended up having some at lunchtime and dinner too :) I love how easy it was to prep, and it was a very satisfying, light, and yummy. I didn’t have coconut whip, but I used coconut yogurt and it worked just fine! Thank you for another amazing recipe.
I’m glad it was a hit, Kathy! (And I admit: sometimes I find it hard to stop eating it too, haha!)
I will surely try it.
It looks damn yummy.
This looks so good, Ange! I need to make this as soon as I come back from vacation. I love that you make the overnight oats with chocolate. It’s so good!
Cool dessert, I cooked it last week and this was perfect for the season.
These look fantastic! And the suggestion to switch the coconut whip for banana soft serve, brilliant. I’m gonna have to run to the store to get some raspberries asap!
OMG, my 1.5 & 3.5 yr olds are loving reg overnight oats right now and they are going to FLIP when I make chocolate ones! Thank you for the idea!
I hope they love it, Lori! :D
One of the best breakfest ever!!!
I have been a fan of yours for 3 years Angela, since I changed my diet and you definitely helped me on the way. I have been an oatmeal-hater my entire life and then, I decided to give it a last try with this recipe… Wow! I now eat this 3 times a day: breakfast, snacks, deserts… name it! I tried it with blueberry jam and strawberry jam, but so far, raspberries have been the best. Plus, my one-year-old eats it too! Thanks so much for doing what you do Angela and good luck with the last bout of your pregnancy.
Thanks so much for the lovely comment, Marianne! I’m so glad this recipe changed your mind about oatmeal. :)
Wow! This looks so delish. I will try it using blueberries as well. Thanks for the recipe. :)
I made this last night and had it for breakfast this morning. I will definitely keep this on rotation. I had to make two alterations for what I had on hand, but it still came out delicious. Even my husband liked it. I don’t think he knew he was eating chia seeds and I wasn’t about to tell him.
My alterations were vanilla almond milk and regular whipped cream. I’ll be searching for gaur gum free coconut milk on my next shopping trip.
So glad it was a hit–even with the husband! ;)
That reciepe is sooooooo amazing ??????? i love its good combination i love ur reciepe tooo
Glad you liked it, Gabrielle!!
Thanks so much for the recipe! It was a hit in my house. My 4 year old was a fan! That’s no easy feat. :) Transitioning to a different eating style has not been hard with yummy recipes like this one. Thanks again!
I’m glad it was a hit, Arika! (Even with your little one!!)
Thank you so much for this, it was AWESOME.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! :)
Hello from the Interior of British Columbia! Raspberries are still in season here!?
So, I’ll be using freshly picked raspberries for this recipe. How many cups do you think I’ll need??
FYI-
10 oz of frozen raspberries = 1 1/4 cup
Looks delicious, can’t wait to try it tomorrow! Great start to the day! :)
Hope you enjoy it, Christina!
Angela, I’m not being hyperbolic when I say that this recipe has changed my life. I’ve been vegan for 9 months now but struggling to be healthy (I’ve been addicted to vegan junk food!).
This recipe is so easy and delicious. It takes so divine you can’t believe that it’s healthy. I’ve been eating it every single day as I’ve found it’s the only breakfast that keeps me full until lunch. Ever. Also, it’s so nutritious that it keeps me making positive choices all day long!
I don’t make the coconut topping to save the time. I add ground flaxseed, hazelnuts, and sometimes extra fruit. I’ve also tried this with frozen mixed summer fruits and this works wonderfully too!
THANK YOU SO MUCH ANGELA! I’m raving about this to everyone I know.
Could you use steel cut oats instead of rolled oats?
I have a bag that I’ve been staring at for months… thanks!
Hey Angela! Been following your recipes for quite some time and they’re always so amazing! I’m really excited to give this one a try for the coming week as I’m starting a second job and want something super filling and healthy and QUICK! My only question is about the oats; I don’t tend to use any quick cooking oats of any kind so I’m just wondering how you would recommend going about cooking my oats first to use in this recipe.
Thank you so much for all the amazing ideas! Looking forward to hearing from you ;)
Hi Taylor, Sorry this response is a tad delayed. :) For this recipe, there’s no need to cook your rolled oats first—simply combine with the other ingredients listed in step 2, and let chill in the fridge for a couple hours or overnight. And you’re good to go! Good luck with the new job!!
Is it possible to use other frozen fruit instead of raspberries? What about strawberries?
Hi AJ, definitely! I think strawberries and chocolate would be a wonderful combination. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how you like it.
I made this last night for breakfast. I enjoyed the over night oats. They weren’t too sweet or chocolaty, just the right amount for breakfast. My husband didn’t really like them, but he can be pretty picky sometimes.
My boys (aged 3 and 1) loved this! They can be picky about breakfast items, but they devoured this. It would make a good dessert too!
Definitely, Michelle! I love the idea of this as a dessert.
Wow! nice recipe. I love Parfaits!
Do you have a nutritial breakdown of th contents? Thanks!
Hey Hannah, I’m sorry, I don’t! But if you enter the recipe into an online tool like caloriecount.com or nutritiondata.com, or even an app like MyFitnessPal, you should be able to find out the nutritional breakdown fairly quickly. Hope this helps!
I usually wake up and think, “Oh boy, coffee!”, but this morning is was “Oh boy, parfait!” Thanks for the fantastic recipe!
Thank you so much for this recipe!! It is so yummy! I have made it around 20 times since my daughter sent me your recipe!! So easy and I keep ingredients for this on hand at all times!
Awesome, thanks Marta!