Banana Coconut Parfait
I used to dread mornings. Every day began exactly the same way: being jolted awake too soon by the sound of a beeping alarm clock, groggily dragging myself into the shower, getting dolled up and then chugging coffee as if my life depended on it as I maneuvered my way around angry city commuters (side note: why is it that people are always in such a rush to get to work in the morning?)
Mornings are very different these days.
I never thought I would say this but morning has become my favorite time of the day. At some point along the way I went from being a night owl to a semi-early bird. These days I wake up naturally at around 7am, often before my alarm even goes off. The angry beeping clock is gone; when the alarm does wake me up I hear soft music.
I love the quiet haze of morning as the yellow-tinted sunlight creeps through the window. Â I love sitting with my cat and catching up on the news with that first perfect cup of coffee.
My breakfasts aren’t usually very exciting. I alternate between smoothies, quinoa porridge or egg, cheddar and Sriracha on an english muffin. When I’m feeling like more of a treat, I love having a parfait.
I like to prepare several of these parfaits at once and then eat them for breakfast throughout the week. When it comes time to enjoy them I mix everything together in a bowl. But it looks so pretty in layers, doesn’t it?
This granola recipe is intentionally not very sweet. When paired with ripe bananas… it’s perfect. The fattiness of the coconut cream brings everything together but if you’d like a more traditional parfait, plain yogurt can be substituted in place of coconut milk. Also, the granola might lose some of it’s crunchiness if it’s in the refrigerator for too long. It still has texture so it doesn’t bother me. But one way to avoid this is to place a small parchment round between the granola and coconut cream layer.  Simply remove the parchment before enjoying.
Banana Coconut Parfait
Ingredients
- 1 14.5 ounce can full fat coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons honey, divided
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon water
- 4 very ripe bananas, peeled
Instructions
- Place the can of coconut milk in the refrigerator overnight. This will cause the liquid to separate and a solid layer of coconut cream will form on top. Carefully open the can and scoop the solid layer into the bowl of a stand mixer (or a regular bowl if using a hand mixer). Add 1 tablespoon of honey. Using the whisk attachment, whip the coconut cream on high speed until light and fluffy. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.
- In a medium bowl combine oats, sunflower seeds, coconut flakes, cinnamon and salt. In a separate bowl whisk together remaining honey, vanilla and water. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir well to combine. Line granola in a thin layer on a baking sheet and bake for 35-45 minutes, until dry and crunchy. Stir the granola every 10-15 minutes to prevent the coconut flakes from burning.
- Place the bananas in a bowl and use a potato masher to make a puree. Divide the bananas into 4-6 serving bowls.
- Top banana puree with the granola and then finish with the whipped coconut cream. Serve or cover and refrigerate.
Notes
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
For immediate help troubleshooting a recipe, please email me using the form on my contact page. I’ll try to respond to urgent questions as quickly as possible! For all general questions, please leave a comment here :)
Honey What's Cooking says
you’ve got such a gorgeous website here. really nice job. this banana coconut parfait looks delicious. i posted something with banana and coconut today too. :-)
Erin says
This parfait would brighten any day Jen!
carol says
I am totally with you, I love mornings! I get twice as much done before 10:00 a.m., than I do the remainder of the day! I love that now I have something new to try in my morning routine…this parfait looks divine, Jen!
Monet says
Like you, I’ve come to love the mornings. And I know I would feel even more affection if I had one of these beautiful parfaits. Thank you for sharing the recipe and your lovely photographs/words. I hope you are having a good Monday!
Crista says
ooh, that looks amazing. i think i’d make my granola the night before.
Nutmeg Nanny says
This is so beautiful! Exactly the type of food to brighten up any morning :)
Valerie says
Getting up before everyone else feels liberating – it’s like getting a jump-start on the world. I’m sure this parfait would only elevate that sensation. :)
Jennie says
This looks like breakfast perfection. I wish my mornings were more like yours. They sound peaceful.
Marta says
Mornings are my favorite. I thought that there’s an apple on a bottom and must say that it was a nice surprise to read that t’s a banana.
amy says
I’m a morning person, too, especially on the weekends when my husband/dog sleep in for an extra few hours + have the quiet house to myself. =) This would be a perfect breakfast for those leisurely, relaxing mornings!
Lollie8888 says
Dont your banana’s turn black after a few days?
Jennifer Farley says
Between the two of us they don’t usually last in the fridge longer than 48 hours. I have not seen a problem in that time! Maybe because air can’t get to the bananas from the bottom layer? I think that’s what causes them to oxidize.
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says
Aaaaaand if you find me on your doorstep one day, don’t be surprised.
OHMYYYYYY.
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
This looks incredible. Mornings must be so much more pleasant with these parfaits in your life. And preparing them ahead of time for the week is a great idea! I think I need to try a strawberry version. :)
Shannon @ Pretty Plain Janes says
Yum yum yum!! Im always looking for creative new breakfast idea- I love this! :)
-Shannon
kelley {mountain mama cooks} says
These look amazing! I’m always looking for new breakfast ideas and these are perfect for summer!