Oops I did it again- ate a dessert meant for two people all by myself. In two minutes flat. #sorryimnotsorry. But combining decadent chocolate with layers of pecan pie-inspired chia pudding, topped with maple-cinnamon glazed pecans is simply irresistible and unsharable. I promise you’ll do the same when you try these chocolate chia pecan pie parfaits.
Pecan pie was never one of my favorites for Thanksgiving until recently. Something about a nut pie always weirded me out, until I tried chocolate pecan pie. Like WOAH. It’s no surprise that chocolate pretty much makes everything better, but seriously how can you not like a fudgy-bottomed pie with a creamy, sweet and crunchy pecan top? It’s serious decadence for serious dessert lovers.
Buuuuut decadence usually means super unhealthy. And if you’re like me, practicing self-control when it comes to sweets is REALLY flippin’ hard. Hence why I make healthier desserts like this, so I can eat two servings and be like “WHAT?”
Yes this is insanely delicious and hard to have just a few bites, but you guys, how pretty do they look? I just picture a bunch of these mason jars of chocolate chia pecan pie parfaits sitting on a rustic-looking tray on a big table of pumpkins and tealight candles during Thanksgiving dinner. At least that is my fantasy – one day we WILL have a sophisticated Thanksgiving. Until then, it will be pot-luck style with whatever other lonely souls need company during the holiday. Because living thousands of miles away from family SUCKS. Which is probably another reason why I wallow in desserts when I’m missing my fam back home.
Next time I’m not even putting these parfaits in cute mason jars, I’m just throwing it all in an old tupperware container, crawling into bed with my 2001 state dance competition T-shirt, and diving in face first. I’ll post that shot on Instagram….
PS are you following me in Instagram yet? It’s kind of my new daily thrill – to find the humor the craziness of motherhood and record Instagram stories about it. Sorry, off topic.
These chocolate chia pecan pie parfaits are made with a thick layer of chocolate pudding made with coconut cream, cocoa powder, and pure maple syrup, topped with molasses, maple, and spiced chia pudding, then garnished with crunchy and sticky cinnamon maple pecans. The perfect dessert that is way lighter than traditional chocolate pecan pie, sweetened naturally, and it’s paleo and vegan (sans the collagen)!
PLUS adding a big scoop of Vital Proteins collagen peptides makes this dessert extra amazing. Incorporating collagen into your diet has been linked to improving gut health and digestion, since our gut tracts are made of the same amino acids found in collagen. Collagen also aids the protection of our joints, AND prevents the signs of early aging by reducing fine lines and improving skin’s moisture. So why not add something that makes us look and feel awesome, right?!
A little tip for making these when entertaining – you can absolutely make ahead to save yourself the “OMG I have people coming over and still so much to do” headache. Simply make and assemble the chocolate pudding and chia seed pudding in jars or glasses beforehand, then store in the refrigerator a day or two before the big event. I suggest NOT making the pecan topping until you are ready to serve, since refrigerating will make the nuts hard to separate when digging in!
- ⅔ cup coconut cream (the top part of canned, full-fat coconut milk)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 scoop Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (omit if vegan)
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 cup almond milk
- ½ teaspoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅓ cup pecans
- Combine the coconut cream, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and collagen. Stir well and refrigerate at least one hour
- Combine the chia seeds, almond milk, molasses, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir well and refrigerate at least one hour
- After both puddings have set, assemble in small mason jars or cups by scooping half the chocolate pudding into the bottom of one jar, the other half reserved for the other jar. Do the same with the chia seed pudding, layering it on top of the chocolate pudding
- Pour the maple syrup and vanilla extract into a small saucepan and add the cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium high heat and add the pecans. Lower the heat and stir the pecans frequently, until most of the maple liquid has coated the pecans - around 2-4 minutes
- Let the pecans cool slightly then top the parfaits
- Assemble and serve
This post is sponsored by the awesome people at Vital Proteins. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting Physical Kitchness!
Love the addition of coconut cream–this looks amazing! I feel this would be excellent for Thanksgiving day breakfast!
Oh that’s a good call! Thanksgiving breakfast – duh!
Well maybe a chocolate pecan pie will get me to like ti as well 😉 And in this fun form…that always helps!
Chocolate makes everything good. I think you could learn to like this Rebecca 😉
What a wholesome and delicious looking parfait. So perfect for breakfast or dessert. This is going to be my next morning meal.
Yes! Breakfast, dessert, or afternoon snack just because 😉 Thanks Gunjan!
Mmmm I love chia pudding! I have never made chocolate though. Ill have to try this out:)
It’s the best oh so so so yummy combo everrrrr!!!!
This looks so amazeballs. I have pinned twice and I may make it tonight!!
Oooo lovin’ that pin love. And love that you said amazeballs 😉
Chrissa!!! I need to make this ASAP! I love chia sees! I went through a serious phase where I ate them like all day erryday! And these are too cute! I love a good parfait
Rachel | The Confused Millennial
Thanks Rachel! I used to make chia seed pudding like it was my job too – then I just stopped. I feel like it got sick of them. So this was a nice way to add a little flair and rekindle my love 😉 Enjoy my friend!
Healthy pecan pie…sign me up!! This sounds wonderful
Signed, sealed, delivered!
I have been loving chia seed lately – this looks so tasty and decadent!!
Chia seed puddings are such a fun way to snack!
Wow do these look amazing! I can’t wait to give them a try – perfect (healthy) treat for the season!
We need more healthy treats this time of year! The unhealthy ones are just too dang tempting! Thanks Patricia.
This looks so good, I have already pinned it! YUM
xx nicole
http://www.nicoleparise.com
Thanks for the pin love Nicole!
Anything with pecans I am in for! This looks so good and a more cleaner alternative to pie!
WAAAAAAY cleaner than the pecan pie! And actually, I kind of prefer it that way. I don’t feel so heavy and icky after devouring this!
Pecans are my favorite!! This looks so good! What an awesome idea!!
It’s a tie for me between pecans and cashews. Equally amazing nuts! Thanks Ruthie 🙂
I have a whole bunch of chia seeds and this sounds like the perfect way to use them! I have never had pecan pie so I don’t know if I would even like it!
I feel like I always have a huge bag of chia seeds in my pantry too. A little bag goes so far! You may or may not like pecan pie, but I think you will like this nummy dessert!
lol it’s so funny you say that about pecan pie! I never really liked it much either, until last year at our friends and she put chocolate chips in it. Like WOAH. Something about the dark chocolate balancing out the super sugar sweetness? If that makes sense? lol. I can definitely get down with this version though too!
Serious I mean, chocolate makes anything better. Especially on NUTZ right?! Totally makes sense to me, I get you. We get each other…
Omg! Are you serious?! I can eat several of these by myself! Haha! This recipe looks amazing, I’m gonna make it asap!
Serious as a heart attack. You gotta try this one! 😉 Thanks for stopping by Jessica!
Adding collagen was a really good idea, and I have to tell you that I love your Instagram stories. You make me smile with your matter of fact love for the mama life. 🙂 And wow, I’ve never LOVED pecan pie, but the chocolate pecan combo sounds like a winner. 🙂
I’m so happy to hear that! Sometimes I’m like, “hmmm is this TMI?” You’re the best girl.
I was never a huge fan of pecan pie either but chocolate pecan pie!? I can totally get around to that! Also love that I can eat multiple servings of this chia pudding 🙂
It’s hard to stop at one jar – and it’s A LOT in one jar. Chocolate and pecans are now my fav 😉
This looks like balls of fun !!! ha ha! Seriously – mouth party!!
And guess what? You’re invited 🙂
Just had a big dinner and this is making me craaazy ready for dessert! Pecan pie is heavenly in all forms
I made this AGAIN since posting and have a few bites every night for dessert. Practicing more self control this time around 🙂 Thanks Cayanne!
These look amazing and would be a great way to get my pecan pie fix! I’m a huge lover of dessert for breakfast! 😉
Oh me too! There is nothing better than a little sweet treat with morning coffee!