With this Vegan Chocolate Pudding Parfait, you'll indulge in layers of velvety, rich vegan chocolate pudding made with silken tofu, vegan yogurt, and crunchy granola. It's a delicious dessert, ready for your next gathering or even after a weeknight meal or snack.
Last weekend, I had a serious chocolate craving and made this Vegan Chocolate Pudding Parfait. This super easy dessert is now a current favorite for the whole family.
This is two desserts in one - you can go fancy with a parfait or dive into a bowl of pudding. Sure, parfaits look pretty, but sometimes you need a big ol' scoop of that creamy pudding goodness straight up!
I made it healthier by using sugar-free chocolate chips so I could indulge a little without the guilt.
If you're looking for other vegan desserts, try Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes, Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Fondue, or Vegan Chocolate Chip Energy Balls.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It satisfies chocolate cravings.
- It's a healthy dessert with protein and antioxidants, so you can indulge without guilt - especially if you use vegan, sugar-free chocolate chips.
- This parfait comes together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
- Even picky eaters will love this treat!
Does The Chocolate Pudding Taste Like Tofu?
Not at all! Tofu itself is pretty neutral in flavor, so once you add the chocolate and other ingredients, any trace of tofu is completely masked. You’re left with a rich, creamy dessert that’s all about the chocolatey goodness.
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following simple ingredients to make this amazing vegan parfait. See the recipe card for quantities.
- Silken Tofu: You can find silken tofu at some major grocery chains, but Whole Foods is your best bet locally. You can also find it on Amazon. Don't bother draining it. Just open and drop everything in the blender.
- Maple Syrup: You can use agave syrup, coconut sugar, or other preferred sweetener. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Chocolate: The cocoa powder and melted chocolate make this a decadent, chocolatey treat. So, if you like chocolate, you'll love this dessert. You can alter the amount of cocoa powder and use sugar-free vegan chocolate chips for a healthier choice. The sugar-free chocolate from the brand Hu is delicious.
- Berries: These are optional but a delicious addition.
Variations
- Add a swirl of almond, peanut butter, or cashew butter as a layer for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds as a layer or on top for added crunch.
- Add a layer of dried fruit like cranberries, apricots, or raisins for a sweet and chewy contrast.
- Mix in a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder for a mocha-flavored pudding.
- Replace granola with crushed Oreo cookies for a decadent treat.
How To Make Vegan Chocolate Pudding Parfait
You can whip up this easy vegan chocolate pudding recipe in no time. Check the recipe card for details.
Step 1 - Melt the Chocolate: Melt the vegan chocolate chips until smooth, then let cool slightly. I use the microwave for easy melting, but you can use a double boiler if needed.
Step 2 - Blend: Blend silken tofu, melted vegan chocolate chips, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a food processor or blender until smooth. Adjust sweetness if needed.
You can refrigerate the pudding in a covered bowl or build the parfaits first and then refrigerate. Layer chocolate pudding, granola, vegan yogurt, and top with more pudding and shaved chocolate in serving glasses or jars. Divide the ingredients into four to make 4 servings, but leave a few spoonfuls of pudding to add to the top of each serving.
Recipe Tips
- Melt vegan chocolate in the microwave by heating it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or use a double boiler.
- I prefer assembling and refrigerating the parfaits rather than chilling the pudding first. Working with the pudding straight out of the blender is easier since it thickens once in the fridge.
- Start with the pudding at the bottom to create a solid base. Then add granola and yogurt for a perfect mix of textures. My glasses only fit one layer of each, but keep layering until it reaches the top of your glass. I like to top it with a dollop of pudding at the top.
How To Melt Chocolate In A Double Boiler
Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler by placing them in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth.
Serving Suggestions
- My favorite way to serve these parfaits is in clear glasses or jars to show off the layers.
- Layer the pudding, granola, and yogurt in a large trifle dish for a family-style dessert. Let everyone scoop out their own servings.
- Garnish with shaved vegan chocolate, crumbled Oreos, a chunk of chocolate, or more granola for added decadence.
Storage
- Storage: Store any leftover parfaits in the fridge covered with plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: I've never frozen this parfait. I have one in the freezer right now as a test, so I'll update this post when I'm done. Let me know in the comments if you do.
Recipe FAQS
No. It's best to use silken tofu for a smooth and creamy texture. Firm tofu will result in a grainy pudding. Use extra firm silken tofu for the best results.
Yes. You can make the pudding a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the parfaits when you're ready to serve. The pudding hardens slightly when chilled so it's a little more of a challenge to make the layers after it is chilled, but totally doable if you let it rest on the counter for a bit.
I wouldn't recommend making this by hand without a food processor - it'll turn out unexpectedly chunky, which isn't the best texture for a parfait.
More Chilled Vegan Desserts You'll Love
Vegan Chocolate Pudding Parfait
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Pudding
- 12 ounces silken tofu (use extra firm silken)
- ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips melted
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
For the Parfait Layers
- 1 -2 cups granola
- 1 -2 cups vegan yogurt
- 1 cup fresh berries optional
- ½ cup dairy-free whipped cream optional
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate chips until smooth.
- Blend: In a blender or food processor, combine the silken tofu, melted chocolate, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Assemble: Spoon a layer of chocolate pudding into the bottom of four serving glasses or jars, leaving enough pudding for the dollop you'll place on top of each. Then, add a layer of granola and a layer of vegan yogurt on top of the pudding. Finally, add a dollop of pudding to the top of each parfait.
- Topping: (Optional) Finish with berries, granola, a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream, and grated chocolate shavings, if desired.
- Serve & Enjoy: Chill for at least an hour for a cold, refreshing treat.
Madison says
This is my new favorite, Reg. I skipped the granola and went after the pudding with the yogurt. It's super decadent and gave me a chocolate fix. Those vegan chocolate chips from Enjoy are so good, I topped the pudding for even more chocolate flavor. The kids loved it too which is always a plus.
Regi Pearce says
That's how my husband enjoys it too. He actually loves the pudding all by itself and can eat the whole large serving...ha. Those Enjoy chocolate chips are super delicious and I never feel that I'm missing out. So glad you commented!