Easy frozen blueberry banana chia yogurt parfait recipe and some insight about chia seeds!
A recipe that both fitness and comfort food people love to eat. This dish perfectly balances yogurt and heavy cream with other nutritious ingredients.
Even though we don’t use condensed milk as an emulsifier for this Easy Frozen Blueberry Banana Chia Yogurt Parfait Recipe, so it becomes more like a no-churn ice cream, it still turns out creamy and decadent. I think the secret is a ripe banana!
I developed this Easy Frozen Blueberry Banana Chia Yogurt Parfait Recipe for a local dairy brand years ago as a collaborative project. It’s still evergreen, though, especially suitable in the summertime and for fitness enthusiasts. But first things first, let’s dive a bit deeper into the key ingredient of the recipe: drum-roll please: of course that would be CHIA SEEDS.
Chia seeds are becoming a staple in many diets, with a growing popularity that has seen a 75% increase in consumption over the last five years.
Packed with nutrients, these tiny seeds offer an impressive nutritional profile, including fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. This article showcases chia seeds’ versatility and explores various delicious recipes and health benefits associated with their use.
As I am not a nutritionist, I am happy to refer to a legitimate article that hopefully proves the value of this cute tiny seed: Chia seed benefits.
Health Benefits Supported by Research
Studies have shown that chia seeds can improve digestion, aid heart health, and promote weight loss. Research indicates that incorporating chia seeds in your diet can lower cholesterol levels. Experts emphasize their role in providing sustained energy and reducing inflammation.
Chia seeds are remarkably versatile and easy to incorporate into a variety of dishes. From sweet puddings to savory sauces, their applications are endless. With numerous health benefits, it’s clear that these tiny seeds can significantly enhance your diet. Experiment with chia seeds in your kitchen and unlock their full potential!
Some ideas for using chia seeds, except for this Easy Frozen Blueberry Banana Chia Yogurt Parfait Recipe!
- Chia Seed Pudding: A Quick & Easy Breakfast Delight. For example: mix cocoa powder with almond milk and chia seeds for a decadent start to your day. Add vanilla extract and sweetener and incorporate blended berries for a fruity twist.
- Chia Seed Smoothies. Try blending banana, spinach, almond milk, and chia seeds for a nutrient-dense smoothie that’s delicious and energizing.
- Replacing Eggs with Chia Seeds. Use chia seeds as an egg substitute to make recipes vegan-friendly. Combine 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens, and then use it as you would a regular egg.
- Incorporating Chia Seeds into Bread Recipes. For example: add chia seeds to your favorite whole wheat bread recipe for extra fiber and texture or mix chia seeds into a banana bread to enhance the nutritional value.
- Chia Seeds in Salads and Bowls. Sprinkle chia seeds over salads for a delightful crunch and nutritional boost. They blend well with greens, grains, and roasted veggies.
- Chia Seed Pesto. Recipe: blend fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and chia seeds for a unique, nutrient-rich pesto perfect for pasta or spreading on sandwiches.
- Chia Seeds as a Thickening Agent in Soups and Stews. Use chia seeds instead of flour or cornstarch to thicken soups. They absorb liquid and create a creamy texture without adding extra calories.
But first, let’s try to make this recipe together. The color of this light frozen dessert is deep pink. It is creamy, but the texture is enhanced by blueberry bits, chia seeds, and a nut crumb that adds an extra kick on top.
Suppose you want to pair this Easy Frozen Blueberry Banana Chia Yogurt Parfait Recipe with something even more decadent. In that case, you can always make ice cream sandwiches with my Large Chocolate Chip Cookies! Just take two cookies, scoop a good amount of soft, slightly melted parfait, drop the scoop on the flat side of one cookie, and cover it with the other.
The recipe can easily be turned into vegan, if you substitute the heavy cream and yogurt with vegan alternatives!
Easy Frozen Chia Parfait
Did you know that chia seeds have been a top superfood choice for many health enthusiasts? With their impressive nutritional profile, they can offer multiple health benefits, making them a must-try ingredient in your kitchen. These tiny seeds are packed with fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a powerhouse for health and wellness. However, you can make a highly satisfying, and decadent dessert out of them!
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
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Cream
Whip the cream until stiff. -
Banana
Puree the bananas with a blender. -
Mixing
Mix all the ingredients, except for the blueberries and crumbs for decoration, without over-beating.
For mixing, use a bowl with as round a bottom as possible. This will make it convenient to mix with a whisk later, when the mixture starts to freeze. -
Blueberries
Add the blueberries directly from the cold.Fold them in evenly, but be careful not to overmix because the cream can lose it's fluffiness this way.
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Freezing
Place the bowl in the freezer and mix thoroughly with spatula every hour (about 4 times).
If you use an ice cream machine, this step is of course not necessary and the machine will do the work itself.
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Garnishing
Sprinkle your crumb as much as you like on the top of either the whole bowl or to the individual portions.
Let the parfait sit outside of the freezer for at least 5 minutes, before scooping the balls from it. Putting your scoop or spoon to hot water also helps to get beautiful round balls.
Note
Boosting Your Health with Chia Seeds: Nutritional Breakdown and Benefits
Chia seeds are nutritionally dense. Here's what makes them a healthy choice:
Nutritional Profile of Chia Seeds
- Fiber: 11 grams per ounce
- Protein: 4 grams per ounce
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 5 grams per ounce
- Calcium: 18% of the recommended daily intake per ounce
