This tropical vegan parfait is filled with vibrant layers of creamy coconut yogurt, sweet mango chunks, tart acai chia seed pudding, and a tangy kiwi topping! Switch up your usual breakfast or snack with this easy to make and tasty, protein-rich treat.
Skip the boring bowl of cereal this morning and give this tropical vegan yogurt parfait a try instead! This easy vegan breakfast features layers of juicy mango chunks and kiwi, creamy vegan coconut yogurt, and acai chia seed pudding!
The combination of sweet coconut yogurt with tangy acai chia seed pudding and juicy mangos is the perfect bite! It's sweet, tart, creamy, full of texture, and it's protein-rich! Not only does this vegan acai mango coconut parfait taste delicious and look beautiful, but it's very easy to make with minimal prep (that you can do the night before!) required. You can enjoy this treat for breakfast or a quick afternoon snack.
What is Acai?
Acai berries are a grape-like fruit that comes from acai palm trees that are native to the rainforests of South America. It's harvested from the palm trees that are used for hearts of palm. Acai juice tastes a little bit tart, like a mix of raspberries and pomegranate. It's unique, vibrant, and absolutely delicious!
Where Can Find You Acai Juice?
Since acai berries are grown in Central and South America, fresh berries aren't readily available in North America. However, you can find acai juice and frozen acai berries at most grocery stores. To make this vegan parfait recipe, you can use:
- Bottled Acai Juice - This is what I did because it's convenient and my local Costco carries organic Sambazon acai juice. Be aware that the premade juices usually have added sugar.
- Frozen Acai Packs - You can usually find frozen packs of acai to use for smoothie bowls. However, you can let the pack defrost and mix it with water or plant milk to thin it out and use it as the liquid component in chia seed pudding. This is a good option to use if you don't want the added sugar because there are unsweetened or "pure" acai smoothie packs available.
How to Make a Vegan Parfait
Before you can build the vegan parfait, you need to make the chia seed pudding. I like to do this the night before so the pudding is ready to go in the morning. Put the chia seeds and acai juice in a container and mix it well. Store the chia seed mixture covered in the fridge for 6-8 hours or overnight. The chia seed pudding is ready when all the liquid has been absorbed and the chia seeds are puffy.
Fill a cup with alternating layers of fresh mango, vegan yogurt, acai chia seed pudding (about two layers each), and top with diced kiwi. How easy is that? Enjoy!
What Kind of Yogurt is Vegan?
There are so many varieties of vegan yogurt available now that it really depends on your personal preference. Do you want fruit-flavored, low-sugar, no sugar, greek-style...there are so many options! You can read about the most highly rated vegan yogurt options, here.
My personal preference for this vegan parfait recipe is to use So Delicious coconut yogurt because it's super creamy and the coconut flavor goes perfectly with the other flavors in this tropical vegan parfait.
Can You Make the Vegan Parfaits in Advance?
I think the vegan coconut parfaits are best made fresh or 1-2 hours in advance, covered and then stored in the fridge. However, you can make the parfaits 1-2 days before if you need to. I just like it when the layers are really distinct.
If assembled more than 1-2 days in advance, the layers will start to meld into each other and it will look a little sloppy. Also, if you're planning on adding any crunchy toppings, like granola, wait to add it until right before serving so they don't get mushy.
How Long Does it Last in the Refrigerator?
If you store the leftover vegan parfait ingredients separately in the fridge, they will stay fresh for 3-4 days. If you assemble the parfait cups, make sure to cover it well and store it in the fridge for 1-2 days. The ingredients are still safe to eat but the layers may start to get a little wet and drippy after a few days in the fridge.
Can You Freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze the vegan chia seed parfaits in small mason jars with airtight lids. When you're ready to eat the parfait, remove it from the freezer and put it in the fridge to defrost for 24 hours.
Ways to Adapt This Recipe
This recipe is delicious as-is, but you can switch it up with different toppings or enjoy it in different ways.
- Add a Crunchy Layer: You can add a layer of crispy baked chunks of granola or soft and crumbly rawnola or sprinkle it on top of the vegan chia seed parfait.
- Make a Smoothie: Instead of layering the parfait in a cup, blend all of the ingredients together to make a delicious smoothie. You may need to add more acai juice if the mixture is too thick. Use frozen fruit if possible.
- Make a Smoothie Bowl: Instead of serving the smoothie in a cup, arrange it in a bowl and top it with lots of fresh fruit, dried coconut, and granola.
- Vegan Frozen Parfait: You could swap the vegan yogurt for vegan ice cream or fruit sorbet to enjoy as a frosty tropical treat for dessert!
Notes & Substitutions
- Acai Juice Substitution: Instead of acai juice, you can use defrosted acai smoothie packs, any flavored fruit juice, or plant milk that you have available.
- Fruit Substitutions: Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, pineapple, papaya, or orange slices are good options to use instead of mango and kiwi.
- Coconut Yogurt Substitution: You can use any fruit-flavored or plain plant-based yogurt instead of the coconut yogurt. If you prefer to use an unsweetened greek yogurt, I recommend Kite Hill unsweetened plain greek yogurt.
Success Tips
- If you can't find acai juice, you can use the frozen smoothie packs instead. You'll need to defrost the frozen pouch and water it down a little bit so there is enough liquid for the chia seeds to absorb. You may need to add 1 tbsp of maple syrup or date syrup to sweeten the chia seed pudding.
- You can assemble the vegan parfaits 1-2 days in advance, but I recommend that you build the parfait right before you're ready to serve it for the prettiest presentation.
- You can serve these chia seed parfaits in any type of cup, but if you're making these parfaits for a special occasion, it looks really pretty to use a clear glass cup so you can see the beautiful layers. I used a stemless wine glass to make it feel extra special and a little bit fancy when I made these for Easter breakfast.
- Store the leftover parfait ingredients separately in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
More Vegan Breakfast Ideas You'll Love!
Slow Cooker Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal
Cherry Mango Chia Seed Pudding Cup
Tropical Vegan Parfait
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 cup acai juice
- 1 large mango cubed
- 1 cup vegan coconut yogurt
- 1 medium kiwi diced
Instructions
- Combine the chia seeds and acai juice in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight. You'll be able to tell that the chia seed pudding is ready when all the liquid has been absorbed and the chia seeds are plump.
- In a large cup, start with one layer of mango chunks as the base and then top it with 4 tbsp coconut yogurt and 4 tbsp chia seed pudding Repeat these layers and top with fresh kiwi.
Notes
- If you can't find acai juice, you can use the frozen smoothie packs instead. You'll need to defrost the frozen pouch and water it down a little bit so there is enough liquid for the chia seeds to absorb. You may need to add 1 tbsp of maple syrup or date syrup to sweeten the chia seed pudding.
- You can assemble the vegan parfaits 1-2 days in advance, but I recommend that you build the parfait right before you're ready to serve it for the prettiest presentation.
- You can serve these parfaits in any type of cup, but if you're making these parfaits for a special occasion, it looks really pretty to use a clear glass cup so you can see the beautiful layers.
- Store the leftover parfait ingredients separately in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
*This recipe was originally shared on 8/25/16, but I updated it with better recipe instructions on 6/8/20.
I have made this recipe a few times now. I love it! This may be my new go-to for puddings. So delish, thanks for sharing!!
I'm so glad you like it!