Ever since I had my first quinoa parfait on Labor Day, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. The texture, the taste… it was perfect. Plus, I really love yogurt but I don’t love it plain. I am always looking for new things to add in.
Naturally, I was adamant that my next parfait was going to contain pumpkin.
This time I also included graham cracker crumbs. They are so underrated. I love them so much that sometimes I consider simply eating a bowl containing a smidge of melted butter + graham cracker crumbs. Like a pie crust but without the filling.
Bonus points if you make your own grahams. I didn’t have time for such shenanigans. But I’m hoping to make them soon. As long as I don’t gobble them up straight from the oven, I will share the details.
One of the reasons I adore this parfait is that I love making healthy snacks that are fun and pretty. It is also stacked with protein-packed yogurt and quinoa, and fiber-rich pumpkin. Topped off with a sprinkle of pecans – you get a delicious balanced treat.
Pumpkin Pie Quinoa Parfaits
serves 2
2 cups greek yogurt
2/3 cups pumpkin puree
2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup dry quinoa
pecans for garnish
Prepare quinoa according to directions. While cooking, mix yogurt, pumpkin and pumpkin spice together. Fill the bottom of 2 glasses with 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs each. Spoon 1/2 cup of yogurt pumpkin mixture into glass.
Once quinoa is finished, season with cinnamon and let cool – I place mine in the fridge for 5 minutes. Once cool, add 1/2 cup quinoa to parfaits, then top with remaining greek yogurt. Sprinkle with pecans.
Eat up!
I’m Jessica and this is where I share my stuff. You will find a balance of healthy recipes, comfort food and indulgent desserts.
the graham crackers at the bottom just make me want to get to the bottom, and fast!! love em !
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sign me up! I want those grahm crackers! :) Great idea.
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looks so delicious!
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Definately going to have to try to make these. They look awesome!!!
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YUM! I will have to try this, I love everything in there. (And truth be told, I have eaten a bowl of graham cracker crumbs with butter…just sayin’…). :-)
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Wow, this is truly amazing. It looks really fantastic in those glasses.
Some people think that quinoa is just a savoury side dish but it is actually not true. You can make great desserts from it too, like cookies, pancakes, rolls or even parfait:)
Thank you for sharing this great recipe!
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Love love this idea! I’m always inspired by sweet pairings for quinoa…This is a fabulous idea for Fall!
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This looks absolutely incredible!! And I might just have to make it… maybe even tonight?? Seriously, I can’t wait!
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I’m a relative newbie here, quickly getting hooked by my love of good eating and healthy food. It’s tough being a dietitian who loves to eat! This quinoa parfait is something I never would have thought of — rock on!
*Heather*
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I’ve still yet to eat quinoa in this way! It looks so awesome, very creative use of it!! :)
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That is one purty parfait!
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i go through an INSANE amount pumpkin pie spice its ridic!! now i wnat to use it on this! i bet i could make this with brown rice too!! :)
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Gorgeous!! I think I could eat this for breakfast, too!
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Hi! I’m trying to visit a new blog every day before the end of the year, and today you’re my new visit :) Came over from Pioneer Woman. Gotta love a blog about sweets — you’re right up my alley :) Am not a fan of yogurt myself, but you make it look delicious!! Blessings to you!
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I really love the idea of using Quinoa in a breakfast parfait. What a delicious spin on hot oats. These look positively sensational!
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This is awesome!!! I love the use of quinoa here!
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Mmmmmm delish!
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These look so great!!! I have never craved quinoa in my life..until now!
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I have got to try these!
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Oh, I am so all over this — I’m a total pumpkin freak! Thanks for sharing — the graham cracker just clinches it for me!
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I have some canned pumpkin that I need to use up. This looks like just the thing to try this weekend.
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I’m definitely intrigued by the quinoa parfait idea… I also like yogurt, but don’t like it plain. I’m always searching the kitchen for things to add to my yogurt!
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YUM! These looks right up my alley.
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Great combinations!
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I only use plain unsweented Greek yogurt. Surely there must be some sweetness in this recipe? I hesitate to try it because of that question. Are you going for sweet or savory or just plain? I like the combination of textures, but really would like some input how to flavor when using unsweetened yogurt. thanks
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Jessica — October 17th, 2010 @ 10:06 am
Plain greek yogurt is what I used too, but when I added the pumpkin and cinnamon/spices, it was sweet enough for me. If its not sweet enough just add some honey or maple syrup. Or even sugar would work.
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great post thanks
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I just made one of these parfaits, and it was GREAT! Thanks for a delicious & healthy pumpkin treat :)
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Jessica — October 27th, 2010 @ 2:18 pm
So glad you enjoyed it!
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Finally had an opportunity to make these – I used gluten free ginger snaps in place of the graham crackers (oh how I miss them) and this parfait was fabulous! Thank you – have never thought to make quinoa as dessert.
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Jessica — October 31st, 2010 @ 7:32 am
Gingersnaps sound incredible! Glad you enjoyed it.
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I made this for breakfast today with my leftover pumpkin (from pumpkin cookies!). I really enjoyed the textures. I toasted my pecans and added pomegranate seeds.
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