Pumpkin Pie Quinoa Parfaits.

October 6, 2010 · 97 comments

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!

{ 89 comments… read them below or add one }

Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) October 6, 2010 at 9:58 am

the graham crackers at the bottom just make me want to get to the bottom, and fast!! love em !

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Moni's Meals October 6, 2010 at 10:28 am

sign me up! I want those grahm crackers! :) Great idea.

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Paula October 6, 2010 at 10:40 am

looks so delicious!

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Leandra October 6, 2010 at 11:24 am

Definately going to have to try to make these. They look awesome!!!

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Lynne October 6, 2010 at 12:17 pm

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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Quinoa Diet October 6, 2010 at 12:26 pm

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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Kasey October 6, 2010 at 12:53 pm

Love love this idea! I’m always inspired by sweet pairings for quinoa…This is a fabulous idea for Fall!

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Sues October 6, 2010 at 12:53 pm

This looks absolutely incredible!! And I might just have to make it… maybe even tonight?? Seriously, I can’t wait!

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heather October 6, 2010 at 12:56 pm

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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homecookedem October 6, 2010 at 1:22 pm

I’ve still yet to eat quinoa in this way! It looks so awesome, very creative use of it!! :)

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Ellen@FirednFabulous October 6, 2010 at 2:35 pm

That is one purty parfait!

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Naomi(onefitfoodie) October 6, 2010 at 4:35 pm

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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janet October 6, 2010 at 4:39 pm

Gorgeous!! I think I could eat this for breakfast, too!

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Cheryl Barker October 6, 2010 at 5:27 pm

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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Lauren October 6, 2010 at 5:47 pm

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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Jennifer @ Maple n Cornbread October 6, 2010 at 7:38 pm

This is awesome!!! I love the use of quinoa here!

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becky October 6, 2010 at 8:17 pm

Mmmmmm delish!

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shelly (cookies and cups) October 7, 2010 at 5:22 am

These look so great!!! I have never craved quinoa in my life..until now!

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Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle October 7, 2010 at 8:14 am

I have got to try these!

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Meg October 7, 2010 at 10:35 am

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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Diane October 8, 2010 at 6:48 am

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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Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction October 8, 2010 at 4:02 pm

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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Brittany October 9, 2010 at 7:31 am

YUM! These looks right up my alley.

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Ingrid October 12, 2010 at 5:02 pm

Great combinations!

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Karilyna October 17, 2010 at 9:53 am

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 17, 2010 at 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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Ralph Thompson October 17, 2010 at 11:14 pm

great post thanks

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Lauren October 27, 2010 at 1:14 pm

I just made one of these parfaits, and it was GREAT! Thanks for a delicious & healthy pumpkin treat :)

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Jessica October 27, 2010 at 2:18 pm

So glad you enjoyed it!

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Candy October 31, 2010 at 7:23 am

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 31, 2010 at 7:32 am

Gingersnaps sound incredible! Glad you enjoyed it.

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A Teenage Gourmet November 2, 2010 at 8:37 am

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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