Strawberry Kiwi Oatmeal Parfaits

There’s just something about using simple ingredients and technique that makes a recipe more comforting and satisfying.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: Really Caitlin, you think those parfaits look simple? Well, to someone who is a food blogger, I’d call them pretty simple! Honestly, getting the fruit to stick to the side of a glass cup or jar is a LOT easier than it looks. All you need is a good knife to cut the fruit thinly, and to gently, but firmly, press said fruit into the side of the glass. The fruit should be moist enough that it will act as a sort of suction cup and will hold its place, whatever you decide to pour on top of it.

I know smoothie parfaits are what’s trending on the internet, but I thought I would make some with oats instead, because (1) morning bowls of oats and basically the equivalent of a warm hug, and (2) you’re not going to catch me shivering and wrapped up in blanket, just so I can drink a smoothie in the dead of winter. Plus, Lee From America keeps making the most dreamy non-smoothie parfaits, and I wanted to see if I could whip up something half as amazing as her creations.

I cook my oats in water because I have grown accustomed to that taste and still find them to be creamy, but if you cook your oats in plant milk (or a mix of water and milk), feel free to do that as well. Obviously you do not have to make your parfaits look as pretty as I did either, but I will say it was a great stress reliever for me! If you do end up taking a photo, be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see your masterpiece.

Strawberry Kiwi Parfaits

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Serves: 1 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup quick or rolled oats*
• 2 1/4 cups water
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 - 1/2 cup vegan yogurt
• 1 kiwi
• 4 - 5 strawberries
• Cacao Nibs, for topping

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the oats, water, chia seeds, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir.
2. Cook the oats over medium heat for 10 minutes or until they are thick and creamy, stirring occasionally
3. In the meantime, prep your kiwi and strawberries. I sliced both of the fruits thinly, and made a kiwi rose as well. (If you are not planning on taking a picture of your finished product, you could just dice them for ease of eating)
4. Once the oats have finished cooking, take them off of the heat and allow them to cool down a little.
5. Layer the fruit, yogurt, and oats in two glass cups in any order or design of your preference. I started with a layer of strawberries, then added in the oats, then finished with a layer of kiwis and a thick pour of yogurt.
6. Finish with cacao nibs, or any other crunchy toppings you have in your pantry. Enjoy!

Notes

* If you are gluten free, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats // I used Forager Unsweetened Plain Yogurt, which is made from cashews. // If you would like your oats to be even more creamy, substitute half or all of the water with your choice of plant milk.

Want more breakfast inspiration? Check out this video I made which features 3 more cozy breakfast ideas.