If you’re craving a vibrant, wholesome treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, the Butterfly Pea Chia Pudding Parfait Recipe is your new best friend. This parfait brings together the magical, natural blue hue of butterfly pea flower with the creamy texture of chia pudding, all layered with fresh fruit and optional crunchy toppings. It’s a feast for your eyes and your taste buds, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a healthy dessert. You’ll love how easy it is to make, yet how impressive and satisfying each spoonful feels.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential to bring out the unique flavors, colors, and textures in this parfait. Each element plays an important role in creating that silky pudding base or adding fresh, natural sweetness and crunch.
- Chia seeds: The star of the pudding, they swell and create that luscious gel-like texture.
- Almond milk (or any plant-based milk): Provides a creamy, dairy-free base that’s mild and adaptable.
- Butterfly pea flower powder (or brewed tea): Delivers the striking blue color and subtle floral notes.
- Maple syrup (or sweetener of choice): Adds a gentle sweetness that balances the earthy chia and floral flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall aroma and deepens the flavor complexity of the pudding.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and rounds out sweetness.
- Fresh fruit: Brings vibrant colors and juicy bursts of freshness to each bite.
- Granola (optional): For crunch and texture contrast.
- Shredded coconut (optional): Adds a tropical touch and extra texture.
How to Make Butterfly Pea Chia Pudding Parfait Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Butterfly Pea Chia Pudding
Start by whisking the almond milk, butterfly pea flower powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until the powder is fully dissolved and the mixture has a vivid blue color. Then, stir in the chia seeds thoroughly until well combined. Cover your bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight so the chia seeds can soak up the liquid and create a thick, creamy pudding.
Step 2: Prepare the Vanilla Chia Pudding
In a separate bowl, whisk together almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir in chia seeds and mix until they’re evenly distributed. Just like before, cover and refrigerate this mixture for at least four hours or overnight. This vanilla pudding will provide a lovely contrast to the butterfly pea layer, creating a perfect balance of flavors and colors.
Step 3: Assemble the Parfait
Once both puddings have set, it’s time to layer your parfait. Spoon a generous layer of the striking blue butterfly pea chia pudding into the bottom of your serving glasses or jars. Next, add a vibrant layer of fresh fruit such as berries, mango slices, or kiwi. Follow with a layer of the smooth vanilla chia pudding, then repeat these layers. Finish with a final layer of your chosen fruit, and top it off with granola and shredded coconut if you like a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your parfait chilled and fresh, savoring each colorful spoonful. The combination of creamy pudding, sweet fruit, and optional crunchy toppings makes for an irresistible treat that feels as delightful to eat as it does to look at.
How to Serve Butterfly Pea Chia Pudding Parfait Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like a sprinkle of granola, shredded coconut, or even edible flowers can elevate the presentation and add new textures. Fresh mint leaves also pair beautifully, enhancing the floral vibe and adding a refreshing aroma that complements the butterfly pea flavor.
Side Dishes
This parfait shines as a standalone dish but pairs wonderfully with light, crisp salads or a side of toasted nuts for an added protein boost. It’s also fantastic alongside a hot cup of herbal tea, balancing warmth with the cool pudding in your bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering your parfait in clear mason jars or small glass cups to showcase the gorgeous blue and creamy white layers side by side with vivid fruit colors. You can also add layers of yogurt or coconut cream for extra richness or create individual portions in mini glasses for a party or gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Butterfly Pea Chia Pudding Parfait Recipe can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep granola and fresh fruit separate until ready to serve to maintain their texture and freshness. Stir the pudding gently before serving as it might settle.
Freezing
While chia pudding itself freezes well, freezing the assembled parfait is not recommended because of the fresh fruit and toppings, which can lose texture and flavor. Instead, freeze pudding layers separately without fruit, then thaw in the refrigerator before assembly.
Reheating
This parfait is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not advised. If you find the pudding too thick after refrigeration, simply stir in a splash of almond milk to loosen it up before serving.
FAQs
What can I use if I don’t have butterfly pea powder?
If you don’t have butterfly pea powder, brewed butterfly pea tea works beautifully by concentrating the tea for a strong blue color. Alternatively, vibrant blue spirulina powder can be used, though it has a slightly different flavor.
Can I use dairy milk instead of plant-based milk?
Absolutely! Dairy milk can be used if you prefer, but the almond or plant-based milks bring a wonderful lightness and complement the subtle floral notes of the butterfly pea perfectly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is fully vegan as long as you use plant-based milk and a vegan-friendly sweetener such as maple syrup or agave nectar. It’s a delightful vegan dessert or breakfast option.
How long should I soak the chia seeds?
Chia seeds should be soaked for at least four hours, but overnight is best. This ensures they fully swell and create a creamy, pudding-like texture without any gritty feeling.
Can I prepare this parfait in advance for a party?
Yes, you can prepare the pudding layers a day ahead and assemble the parfait just before serving to keep the fruit fresh and toppings crunchy. This makes it a beautiful and practical option for entertaining.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Butterfly Pea Chia Pudding Parfait Recipe a go because it’s one of those joyful dishes that dazzles your palate and eyes alike. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, its vibrant colors and wholesome flavors make it a winner every time. Enjoy making it, and even more, enjoy savoring every delightful spoonful!
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Butterfly Pea Chia Pudding Parfait Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vibrant Butterfly Pea Chia Pudding Parfait is a colorful, nutrient-packed breakfast or snack option. Featuring layers of butterfly pea-infused chia pudding paired with creamy vanilla chia pudding, fresh fruit, and optional crunchy granola and shredded coconut, it’s both visually stunning and delicious. The butterfly pea flower powder not only adds a beautiful blue hue but also offers antioxidants, while the chia seeds provide fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Easy to prepare ahead and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this parfait is perfect for a healthy, refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Butterfly Pea Chia Pudding
- 1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon butterfly pea flower powder (or brewed butterfly pea tea)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
Vanilla Chia Pudding
- 1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
Assembly & Toppings
- 1/2 cup fresh fruit (e.g., berries, mango slices, or kiwi)
- Granola (optional, for topping)
- Shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Butterfly Pea Chia Pudding: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the almond milk, butterfly pea flower powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the butterfly pea powder is fully dissolved to ensure a vibrant color and smooth consistency.
- Mix in Chia Seeds: Add the chia seeds to the mixture and stir well until evenly combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight, allowing the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken into a pudding.
- Prepare the Vanilla Chia Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well blended.
- Mix in Chia Seeds for Vanilla Pudding: Add the chia seeds and mix thoroughly to distribute the seeds evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Assemble the Parfait – Layer One: Once both puddings have thickened, spoon a layer of the butterfly pea chia pudding into the bottom of your serving glasses or jars to form the first layer.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Carefully add a layer of fresh fruit such as berries, mango slices, or kiwi pieces on top of the butterfly pea pudding to add natural sweetness and texture.
- Add Vanilla Chia Pudding Layer: Spoon a layer of the vanilla chia pudding over the fresh fruit, creating a beautiful contrast of colors and flavors.
- Repeat Layers & Add Toppings: Repeat the layering sequence if desired, finishing with a top layer of fresh fruit. Optionally, sprinkle granola and shredded coconut over the top for added crunch and garnish.
- Serve Chilled: Garnish the parfait with extra fresh fruit, granola, and shredded coconut if preferred. Serve immediately chilled for a refreshing and healthy treat.
Notes
- For a vegan version, ensure your sweetener of choice is plant-based, such as maple syrup or agave nectar.
- You can brew butterfly pea tea instead of using powder by steeping dried butterfly pea flowers and using the strained liquid.
- The chia puddings can be made up to two days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to vary the fresh fruit according to seasonal availability or preference.
- Granola and shredded coconut are optional but add nice texture contrasts.
- If the pudding is too thick after refrigeration, stir in a little more almond milk to reach the desired consistency.
