Pear Chocolate Chia Pudding Parfaits

These parfaits layer chocolate chia pudding with diced ripe pears and dark chocolate chips in a glass or jar. The pudding is made from chia seeds stirred into almond milk with cocoa powder, maple syrup and vanilla. The chia seeds absorb the liquid and set into a thick, creamy pudding, so nothing is cooked or baked. The recipe makes 4 parfaits.

Save this recipe for later:

Prep takes 10 minutes, and with the chilling time the card gives a total of 40 minutes. They also work as a breakfast or a snack, and you can make them the day before.

What Goes in the Parfaits

Amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom. This is what each ingredient contributes.

• Chia seeds (1/2 cup): they absorb liquid and form a gel-like texture, which is what makes the pudding creamy.
• Almond milk (2 cups): keeps the pudding dairy-free and adds a subtle nutty flavor that goes with chocolate. Any milk of your choice can replace it.
• Cocoa powder (1/4 cup): the chocolate flavor, without the added sugar of many chocolate products.
• Maple syrup (2 tablespoons): sweetens the pudding and balances the bitterness of the cocoa.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): rounds out the flavor.
• Ripe pears (2, diced): fresh, juicy contrast to the chocolate pudding.
• Dark chocolate chips (1/4 cup): a little crunch and more chocolate flavor.

Making and Layering

Stir the chia seeds, almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup and vanilla together in a bowl, and stir well so the seeds do not clump. Leave the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens. Do not rush this step.

Layer the pudding, diced pears and chocolate chips in a glass or jar, then repeat until everything is used. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Make-Ahead Notes

You can prepare the parfaits a day in advance, and the flavors blend overnight. That makes them a good choice for busy weeknights or for when you have guests. Cover them well and they keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Ways to Change Them

• Other fruit: apples, berries or bananas in place of the pears.
• Nuts and seeds: chopped almonds, walnuts or pumpkin seeds, layered in between or sprinkled on top.
• Spices: cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or a dash of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate.
• Other milk: coconut or oat milk instead of almond.
• Less sugar: a sugar substitute that works well in desserts can replace the maple syrup.

Serving Them

Serve the parfaits in individual glasses or jars so each person has their own portion. Garnish just before serving with extra diced pears, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, a few more chocolate chips, a drizzle of maple syrup or fresh mint leaves. A cup of herbal tea or coffee goes well with them. For brunch, serve them next to whole-grain pancakes or a fruit platter.

Nutrition

One parfait has approximately 250 calories, 12 grams of fat (2 grams saturated), 30 grams of carbohydrates, 8 grams of fiber, 10 grams of sugar, 6 grams of protein and 50 milligrams of sodium.

FAQ

Can I use different fruits?

Yes. Apples, berries or bananas can replace the pears, and each gives the parfait a different flavor and texture.

How long do they keep?

Up to 3 days in the refrigerator, covered well. Making them a day ahead lets the flavors blend.

Are they good for meal prep?

Yes. Make them ahead and store them in individual portions for a grab-and-go snack or dessert.

The Foodie Yummy Cookbook

12 reader-favorite recipes in one printable PDF. Enter your email and download it instantly.

Made it or loved it? Share this recipe

Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us