🌱 Light & Fresh Vegan Pumpkin Parfait (30-Min) – Guilt-Free Thanksgiving Dessert
A 30-minute vegan pumpkin parfait with coconut yogurt, spiced pumpkin puree, and crunchy granola—light, healthy, and perfect for Thanksgiving!
This vegan pumpkin parfait is a Thanksgiving game-changer! Layer creamy coconut yogurt, spiced pumpkin puree, and homemade granola for a dessert that’s light, guilt-free, and ready in 30 minutes. Ideal for health-conscious guests who want to enjoy a sweet finish without the heaviness of traditional pies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup full-fat canned coconut yogurt (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix pumpkin puree, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until smooth. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine oats, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle with coconut oil and stir until evenly coated. Spread on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and crunchy.
- Step 3: Layer the parfait in glasses or mason jars. Start with a spoonful of coconut yogurt, followed by a layer of spiced pumpkin puree, then a handful of toasted granola. Repeat layers, finishing with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of granola. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick & Easy
Ready in 30 minutes with minimal effort—perfect for last-minute Thanksgiving guests or a post-dinner treat without the hassle.
💰 Budget-Friendly
Uses pantry staples like oats, pumpkin puree, and coconut oil to create a luxurious dessert at a fraction of the cost of store-bought options.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free—this parfait satisfies dietary restrictions while delighting everyone with its warm spices and crunchy texture.
🌟 Versatile
Customize with toppings variations like chocolate shavings, fresh cranberries, or a drizzle of spiced maple syrup for a personalized touch.
Vegan Pumpkin Parfait Recipe
Light, healthy, and ready in 30 minutes!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 cup coconut yogurt
- - 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- - 1/4 cup maple syrup
- - 1 tbsp cinnamon
- - 1 tsp ginger
- - 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- - 1/2 cup oats
- - 1/4 cup walnuts
- - 1 tbsp coconut oil
👨🍳 Instructions
Spice the Pumpkin: Mix pumpkin puree with maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until smooth. Set aside.
💡 Use a silicone spatula to ensure no lumps remain in the puree.
Make the Granola: Toss oats, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, and salt with coconut oil. Toast at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.
💡 Stir halfway for even browning—watch closely to avoid burning!
Layer the Parfait: Alternate layers of coconut yogurt, spiced pumpkin puree, and granola in glasses. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.
💡 For a festive touch, top with a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of shredded coconut.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Coconut Yogurt
Provides a creamy base without dairy. Use full-fat for the best texture.
Substitutions: Greek yogurt (for non-vegan), silken tofu blended with lemon juice.
Pumpkin Puree
Adds natural sweetness and moisture. Canned is easiest, but you can roast fresh pumpkin.
Substitutions: Butternut squash puree, sweet potato puree.
Maple Syrup
Sweetens the spiced pumpkin. Adjust quantity to taste.
Substitutions: Agave nectar, date syrup, or coconut nectar.
Coconut Oil
Binds the granola and adds richness. Use refined coconut oil for neutral flavor.
Substitutions: Olive oil, melted vegan butter.
Pro Tips for Perfect Parfait
🍂 Spice Balance
Taste the spiced pumpkin puree before layering. Adjust cinnamon and ginger to your preference.
🥄 Layering Technique
Use a small offset spatula to smooth each layer for a professional finish.
🌱 Make-Ahead Tip
Prepare the granola and pumpkin puree up to 2 days in advance and store separately.
📸 Presentation
Serve in clear glass jars to showcase the beautiful layers!
Variations & Customizations
Chocolate Drizzle
Melt vegan chocolate with a dash of cinnamon and drizzle over the parfait.
Berry Boost
Add a layer of fresh raspberries or blueberries between the yogurt and pumpkin puree.
Nut-Free
Replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or omit for a nut-free version.
Protein Power
Mix 1 scoop of vegan protein powder into the yogurt layer for an extra boost.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Crusty sourdough bread with pumpkin butter spread
- Spiced apple cider or a glass of vegan chocolate milk
- A side of roasted Brussels sprouts with maple glaze
🍷 Drink Pairings:
A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Gris or a spiced chai tea complements the autumn flavors beautifully.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the granola and pumpkin puree up to 2 days in advance. Store separately in airt containers.
Refrigerator Storage
Assemble the parfaits and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The layers will firm up beautifully.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unlayered components for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling.
Reheating Instructions
No reheating needed—serve chilled for optimal texture. If warming granola, use a microwave for 10 seconds.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My granola is too soft!
A: Toast longer next time—granola can take 15-20 minutes to achieve maximum crunch.
Q: Can I use almond milk yogurt?
A: Yes! Almond yogurt works well, but it may make the parfait slightly runnier. Chill longer to firm up.
Q: How to prevent pumpkin puree from separating?
A: Blend the spiced pumpkin mixture in a food processor for 10 seconds to create a smooth, pourable consistency.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free and use pumpkin puree without additives. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
Final Thoughts
This vegan pumpkin parfait is a Thanksgiving showstopper that satisfies both dietary needs and cravings for a sweet finish. With its creamy, crunchy, and spiced layers, it’s a guilt-free dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Pin it now and serve it with pride!
For best Pinterest visibility, post this parfait pin as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: anchor main dish first, followed by complementary sides, finishing with a dessert completion pin.
