These Healthy Candy Corn Parfaits are a delightful treat you can whip up in just a matter of minutes. Packed with protein from cottage cheese and sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup, this parfait is an easy and nutritious way to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying a seasonal favorite.
With autumn’s arrival, it feels like the perfect time to celebrate with colors and flavors that echo the season. As a kid, I always looked forward to Halloween and the whimsical candy corn that popped up everywhere. Now, as a caring adult, I love finding ways to keep our treats wholesome and delicious. This layered parfait embraces the spirit of fall while incorporating fresh fruit, making it a family-friendly, delicious dessert option.
Healthy Candy Corn Parfaits
A colorful and nutritious layered parfait made with cottage cheese, pineapple, and mandarin oranges, perfect for autumn celebrations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese (2% preferred)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 cups pineapple (chopped)
- 2 cans mandarin oranges (10.5 ounces each, drained)
- Candy corns for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place the cottage cheese in a food processor and blend for about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides and blend again until smooth.
- Add the maple syrup and pulse until thoroughly combined.
- In a clear glass jar or bowl, layer 1/2 cup of chopped pineapple at the bottom.
- Add a layer of mandarin oranges on top of the pineapple.
- Finish with a dollop of the whipped cottage cheese and sprinkle candy corns on top for garnish.
Notes
For added flavor, consider sprinkling cinnamon or nutmeg in the cottage cheese before blending. You can substitute fruits based on seasonality.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parfait
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Why You’ll Love This Colorful Treat
This Healthy Candy Corn Parfait takes just a few simple ingredients to create a vibrant, layered masterpiece that will be a hit with kids and adults alike. Not only is it visually stunning, but it also boasts health benefits that make it perfect for guilt-free indulgence.
Creating Your Candy Corn Parfait
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cottage cheese (2% is best)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 cups pineapple (chopped)
- 2 cans mandarin oranges (10.5 ounces each, drained)
- Candy corns for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Begin by placing the cottage cheese in a food processor. Blend for about 30 seconds, then stop and scrape down the sides with a spatula. Blend again until completely smooth.
- Add the maple syrup and pulse until thoroughly combined.
- Now, grab a clear glass jar or bowl and start layering! Place 1/2 cup of chopped pineapple at the bottom.
- On top of the pineapple, add a layer of mandarin oranges.
- Finish it off with a generous dollop of the whipped cottage cheese. For added fun, sprinkle a few candy corns on top as a cheerful garnish!
Serving Suggestions for Your Parfait
This treat is ideal for serving at family gatherings, kids’ parties, or a cozy night at home. Present these charming parfaits in clear jars, allowing everyone to see the beautiful layers of color. You can even encourage kids to build their own parfaits using fruit and the whipped cottage cheese as a dipping delight.
Storing Your Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the candy corn might lose some of its crunch, but the flavor will still be wonderful!
Tips for Making the Perfect Parfait
- If you want an extra burst of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cottage cheese before blending.
- Feel free to switch up the fruits based on your preference or what’s in season. Peaches or strawberries work wonderfully too!
- For those watching their sugar, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup or substitute it with a low-calorie sweetener.
Fun Variations to Try
- Tropical Twist: Swap out mandarin oranges for diced mango or kiwi for a tropical vibe.
- Nutty Delight: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or granola on top for added texture and crunch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a sweeter option, a light drizzle of dark chocolate syrup can put a delicious spin on your parfait!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use non-dairy substitutes in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative like creamy cashew or almond yogurt.
Is this parfait suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can prepare the base (cottage cheese mixture and fruits) in advance and layer them just before serving to retain freshness.
Can I freeze the parfait?
While the parfait can technically be frozen, I recommend enjoying it fresh to maintain the perfect texture of the layers!
Embrace the cozy spirit of autumn with these Healthy Candy Corn Parfaits! They are sure to become a cherished part of your seasonal celebrations, enjoyed by the whole family. Happy layering!