Mornings can be so hectic and in this age of decision fatigue, who wants to worry about what to have for breakfast again? I hear you, but there is a way to completely change the way you do a healthy vegan breakfast in the morning without any added stress—breakfast parfaits.
It may be a bit strange at first, but once you feel the benefits of an easy, healthy breakfast on the go, you will not want to go back to skipping breakfast. I have the perfect breakfast recipe to start your journey to a more balanced life, or at least a more balanced morning. Breakfast parfaits are the new easy way to have breakfast, as they can be easily made the night before and stored in the fridge.
An added benefit is that like my other healthy breakfast recipes, this make-ahead breakfast parfait is also a healthy breakfast for kids, helping to make those mornings a little less chaotic.
This gives you one less thing to worry about when going through your mornings, and you get all the action-packed health benefits of a healthy breakfast without all the stress.
If you’ve never heard the term before, you’re probably wondering what exactly are breakfast parfaits? Let me break it down for you.
What Are Breakfast Parfaits?
Breakfast parfaits make your mornings easier; it’s as simple as that. Parfaits actually originated in France, and are normally a delectable treat made by layering ingredients such as heavy cream and fruit, to form a sweet and tangy dessert.
Americans took this dish and made it their own. The Americanized option is healthier and can be modified to fit a plant-based breakfast that is quick to make.
Not only are they highly convenient for busy mornings, but they are so delicious and pretty to look at when layered in mason jars. These parfaits can be made the night before for a perfect grab and go breakfast meal.
How Long Do Breakfast Parfaits Last?
Normally, these breakfast parfaits can only be stored in the fridge for a couple of days, but there are ways to store this breakfast treat to make it last longer. Because this recipe is a plant-based vegan option, I would not recommend keeping it too long in the fridge. It's best eaten on the same day or the next day.
If want to make breakfast parfaits part of a meal prep option, you can make the base of the parfait and store it in the fridge, and just add fresh fruits each morning.
How to Make Breakfast Parfaits
Ready to try this breakfast treat? It’s actually very simple and easy to make and will take you about 20 to 25 minutes. To start with you will need all ingredients listed below, and a container to store the breakfast parfait, like a mason jar.
Start by making the base of your parfait, which is a tasty rice pudding. I love rice puddings because they are not only very filling and energy-giving for the mornings, but they are perfectly convenient if you have leftover rice from a previous meal.
The pudding is easily made by adding cooked rice, almond milk, maple syrup, and sea salt to a saucepan, and cooking on low heat for about 20 minutes. Once the mixture is cooked together, simply remove from the saucepan and then add vanilla extract to the mixture. For days where you don't have time to make rice pudding, coconut yogurt is a great alternative.
You're nearly done. Let the mixture cool and then place it in the refrigerator for an hour or two. Next comes the fun bit—layering in the mason jars.
Take the jar and add the rice pudding first to form a thick base at the bottom. After that, layer the toppings depending on the ingredients that you have available. I normally add chopped fresh fruit, followed by some granola to add an extra crunch, and some shredded coconut for extra flavor.
Are Breakfast Parfaits Healthy?
Because parfaits were originally a dessert option, many people may think that they are not healthy but that is not true. This breakfast parfait recipe is the perfect balance of quick, filling, and healthy.
Not only will the rice pudding provide you with the carbs you need to be energized for your day, but the addition of fresh fruit gives you vitamins and minerals.
So what are you waiting for? Go make your breakfast parfait right now, and don’t forget to leave a comment below if you like this recipe! Want to see some other healthy breakfast options?
- Check out my other quick breakfast options,
- Meal prep options for the week, and
- Snacking ideas for when you're on the go!
Breakfast Parfaits
- Yield: Makes 2 Servings 1x
Ingredients
Rice Pudding:
- 1 cup leftover cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup almond milk
- Pinch sea salt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other options:
- Chopped nuts
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
- Cinnamon
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped dried fruit
Instructions
- In a small saucepan make the rice pudding by placing the cooked rice, almond milk, sea salt and maple syrup. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce to heat to simmer on low, lightly covered for 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for an hour or until cold.
- In two glass mason jars, layer the rice pudding, granola and berries, repeating two or three layers to the top. Best eaten the same day or the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
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