This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
This easy Triple Berry Coconut Chia Seed Parfait recipe is a healthy treat with bright colors and fresh, seasonal flavors. Layers of berries with coconut chia pudding will give you superfood energy when you enjoy it as a gluten free snack, breakfast, or even dessert. There are also options to make it vegan, keto, and paleo.
Originally published May 22, 2018.
My husband does a good job of eating veggies like roasted broccoli and cauliflower tots that I make for dinner, and he does enjoy a good salad from time to time, though preferably if it is a grilled steak salad.
But he refuses to go near roasted Brussels sprouts, claims to hate soup, and if I want to try out a new superfood trend, it takes a lot of convincing to get him on board.
So when I made coconut chia cream to top a layered tropical fruit salad, clearly pigs were flying because he said I had to make it again for other recipes. If that man actually requests a repeat appearance of chia seeds, I have to listen.
But this time I paired it with the best berries of the season – which coincidentally make this parfait perfectly patriotic. Juicy, sweet strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries with rich and creamy coconutty goodness, all layered in a glass – the epitome of summer!
When I was first testing this recipe, we had a couple of my husband’s coworkers over for a barbecue. Kids and adults alike devoured these chia seed parfaits. My boys were thrilled that there were a couple left so that they could have them for breakfast the next morning. They actually declared it the best breakfast ever!
Coconut Chia Berry Parfaits
These treats are so good for you, but most importantly, they are absolutely delicious. Perfect for summer holidays or any day when fresh berries are in season, this is such a simple dessert to whip up. It tastes like a rich and creamy, but this healthy dessert recipe is nutritious, naturally gluten free, and can be vegan and paleo depending on your choice of sweetener.
Chia pudding is made simply from mixing chia seeds with a liquid and giving the seeds time to swell and thicken the mixture. In this case, the liquid is light coconut milk.
- Canned light coconut milk
- Sweetener – you can use powdered sugar, honey, maple syrup, or a low carb sweetener like Swerve (erythritol)
- Vanilla extract
- Chia seeds
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
Directions
- Stir together the coconut milk, sweetener, vanilla, and chia seeds in a small bowl and place in the refrigerator for at least a half-hour (or up to overnight).
- Slice strawberries and divide between glasses or bowls. Top with a couple of tablespoons of the chia pudding.
- Divide the blueberries between eight glasses or bowls. Divide the remaining coconut chia pudding between the eight dishes.
- Top each with several raspberries, dividing equally between the dishes.
- Enjoy immediately, or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve, up to two or three days.
Variations
By using any of the suggested sweeteners, you already have a delicious gluten free snack recipe. It is allergy-friendly as well since it doesn’t have eggs, nuts, or peanuts.
But you also have options for other diets and lifestyles.
- Vegan – this recipe is dairy-free, so it completely plant-based as long as you use sugar or maple syrup, and avoid honey.
- Paleo – real maple syrup or raw honey are paleo sweetener options.
- Low carb/keto – cut out the sugar altogether and use stevia or Swerve.
Brianne’s pro recipe tips
- You can definitely make these ahead of time. While they only need a half hour in the fridge to thicken, they can certainly be prepared the night before, and you can even store them in the fridge for a few days.
- The strawberry, blueberry, raspberry combination with this coconut chia pudding gives this treat a fun red, white, and blue color combo. But you can use any other berries you like, or even go with peaches to make Blueberry Peach Chia Seed Parfaits.
- For serving, I love making them in glasses so each person gets their own individual dessert. But there is no reason you couldn’t just toss this all in a bowl for a picnic and let everyone scoop it out. Or use little shot glasses or mini dessert cups to turn them into mini dessert perfect for parties.
More chia seed recipes
Some other healthy red, white, and blue desserts
- Berry Watermelon Fruit Pizza is simple and healthy, and the kids love making and eating it.
- Red, White, and Blue Berry Pound Cake Bites are fun and easy, and so good dipped in whipped coconut cream.
- Red, White, and Blue Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Dips are a healthier way to indulge in cheesecake.
- Banana Berry Cheesecake Greek Yogurt Quinoa Parfaits are another berry-licious layered treat.
- Red, White, and Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles from The View From Great Island are gorgeous and delicious.
- Red, White, and Blue Strawberry Cheesecake Bites from The Kitchen is My Playground are so cute and simple.
- Frozen Yogurt Bark with Berries from Diethood is a perfect cool treat for a hot day.
- Red, White, and Blue Parfaits by Life Tastes Good are also a yummy parfait option.
Triple Berry Coconut Chia Pudding Parfait Recipe
Triple Berry Coconut Chia Pudding Parfaits
Ingredients
- one 13.5 oz. can light coconut milk
- 1 Tablespoon powdered sugar, honey, or maple syrup, or use Swerve Confectioners Sweetener for low carb/keto
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 2 cups blueberries
- 2 cups raspberries
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the coconut milk, powdered sugar or honey, vanilla, and chia seeds, and set aside in the refrigerator for at least a half hour (you can do this the night before, if you like).
- Divide the strawberries between eight glasses or bowls. Top with a couple of tablespoons of the chia pudding.
- Divide the blueberries between eight glasses or bowls. Divide the remaining coconut chia pudding between the eight dishes.
- Top each with several raspberries, dividing equally between the dishes.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Can be prepared the night before.
I’ve never had coconut chia pudding, can’t wait to make this. Our boys will love it!
I’m sure they will!
This would be such a perfect dessert for the 4th of July!
Yes, perfect colors and berries for the season!
Very pretty. I love those glasses, too!
This has my mom written all over it!
So pretty AND healthy!
Thank you Cindy!
My fav – chia seed pudding with berries! Love this combo and such a refreshing dessert!
It is a fabulous combo!
It is a great combo! Thanks!
These are so pretty and they look so yummy! What a nice, healthy treat! : )
Thanks Joan! I really loved how they looked, and everyone loved how they tasted!
What a great looking pudding!
Thank you!
This little number has my name all over it. I love working with chia seeds, and love, love, love coconut milk and berries together.
You have to make it! Enjoy!
SO many delicious flavors going on here! I am obsessed with anything coconut.
WOW! Your schedule just made ME tired!! I totally get what you are saying about wanting to squeeze everything you can out of the time though. I sure wish I was going to FWCon to see you 🙁 You need to come to IFBC!!
Sounds like a very busy summer! These parfaits look great and thank you for participating this week!
How much coconut milk in ounces? I don’t buy cans, I buy a half gallon.
The canned and carton coconut milk have a different consistency, so it may not be as thick, or you may have to adjust the proportions. But a can is 14 oz.
Such a fun and summery chia pudding!
I’ve been eating chia seeds in my morning yogurt for a couple weeks now—so darned tasty! You parfaits look like the perfect breakfast, snack or dessert!
Somehow I’ve still to try chia seeds but this sounds a delicious way to enjoy them. I love the sound of both the coconut and the berries.
Oh you have to try them, and this is a great way to start!
Oh do you ever have a busy summer ahead. I can’t wait to see you and hear you speak a the Food and Wine Conference. I’m really looking forward to your session.