Creamy yogurt, warmly spiced pumpkin and crunchy whole grain cereal come together in this simple fall-inspired parfait. The colourful layers make pumpkin fun to explore and give children a chance to experience different flavours and textures in every spoonful.
You’ll need
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup canned pure pumpkin purée or boiled pumpkin purée
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of ground ginger
- ½ cup whole grain cereal or granola
- Optional: unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the pumpkin purée, maple syrup, cinnamon and ginger until well combined.
- Spoon a layer of crushed whole grain cereal into the bottom of each cup.
- Add a layer of Greek yogurt, followed by a layer of the pumpkin mixture.
- Repeat the layers as desired, finishing with yogurt or pumpkin.
- Sprinkle a small amount of cereal on top just before serving to help it stay crisp.
Dietitian’s tips
Layering the ingredients rather than mixing them together gives children an opportunity to see and explore each food individually. They can taste the yogurt and pumpkin separately or combine them as they eat, supporting food exploration without pressure.
For another whole grain option, try an unsweetened bran cereal in place of granola. Ground flaxseed can also be mixed into the pumpkin purée.
For a dairy-free option, substitute an appropriate unsweetened plant-based yogurt. Always check ingredient labels and follow your centre’s allergy and food safety procedures when choosing ingredients and toppings.