A speedy seedy chocolate pumpkin oatmeal parfait that’s gluten-free and vegan. Healthy fats, cocoa, and whole grains make this the perfect comforting breakfast recipe to fuel and start your day with on a chilly morning!
Just a tad more pumpkin and I promise I’ll stop. But again, this was way over due to be shared, for 2 reasons. One being that I made this oatmeal on a chilly dark sad morning last year in my dorm room. The photos I shot for it were a horror, plain and simple, not fit for a food blog. So I ended up putting it off and waiting a year. Two, I and stunned, shocked, horrified, that I have never shared an actual “oatmeal” recipe on the blog!? I mean, this girl eats oatmeal multiple times week and it’s a staple to the breakfast rotation. Thankfully that is all about to change!
I think the reason I don’t have more “oatmeal” recipes is because my morning bowl is usually a random simple mix. Some oats, usually a quick Love Grown blend, MyOatmeal, or GF Harvest (or Trader Joe’s), mixed with Ancient Harvest quinoa flakes. I simple microwave that with some cinnamon, then remove and add a big cold scoop of nut butter and possibly a drizzle of chocolate stevia syrup. Done and delish! I don’t have time in the morning to make elaborate pancakes so a 3 minute, start to finish bowl is a good go. But if I do have the urge to make my oatmeal a little fancier that day, combos like this come to fruition.
What makes this oatmeal so special? First of all, it’s full of seeds! From chia to pumpkin. I’ve made this two ways. By adding all the different seeds myself, or taking the lazy route and using Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Ancient Grain & Super Seed Oatmeal. Either way you choose to do it, you’ll be getting a bunch of seedy goodness! Now obviously adding cocoa to things is a given in the yum-department, but how about layering it with pumpkin!
I mean, if you want a super creamy oatmeal, chia seeds + pumpkin, really does the trip. So yes, this has double the pumpkin. Pumpkin mixed in and pumpkin on the bottom and the top to make it a “parfait” 😉 Needless to say, it makes for some great spooning action. The comfort you feel with a warm bowl and spoon in your hands, diving into a lovely creamy bowl of chocolate pumpkin oatmeal. It’s a great thing and will automatically start your day off on a good note!
If I could I would eat oatmeals at every meal, every day. They really do satisfy and just taste so good! Of course, I would also miss more other breakfast staples, like buckwheat cereal, quinoa flakes, CEREAL, pancakes, doughnuts, etc. I diversify my breakfasts and am definitely not a person to eat the same thing each and every morning. There’s too many good things to go around! I do have one condition though, it has to sweet and carby. I can’t do a savory breakfast. I would feel so…empty the rest of the day. I need a subtle sweetness, chocolate, creamy, bready things!
I’ve always been like that though. Sorry, but the savory meals can wait until later in the day. See, I’m also pretty adamant about not making a “brinner” either. I wouldn’t pass up pancakes at dinnertime, but I also need my protein and savoriness then! So usually a no go. Just not appealing to me. So a traditionalist? I guess so. Except while I’m eating breakfast, I dream of eating it all day 😉 Such a complicated life, isn’t it!
Seedy Chocolate Pumpkin Oatmeal Parfait
- ⅓ Cup Gluten-Free Rolled Oats*
- 1 TB Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 Tsp Chia Seeds
- ½ Tsp Hemp Seeds
- 1 Tsp Pumpkin Seeds
- 1 Tsp Sunflower Seeds
- ½ Tsp Milled Flax Seed
- ¼ Tsp Cinnamon
- ¼ Tsp Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
- 7 Drops Vanilla Stevia
- 3 TB + ¼ Cup Pure Pumpkin Puree
- ⅔ Cup Water
- In a microwave safe bowl, combine all the ingredients except the extra 1.4 cup of pumpkin. Stir to combine.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes (covered). Mix, and microwave for about 1 more minute (uncovered).
- Carefully remove and grab a pretty glass or other bowl.
- Layer the bottom with 2 tablespoons of the reserved pumpkin, then add the oatmeal, then top with the last 2 tablespoons of pumpkin and extra seeds if so inclined!
 
There you have it! Yummy in the tummy oatmeal! I absolutely love what chia seeds do to oatmeal and the thick creaminess it gives since chia seeds “gel”. You know, this is just a more appetizing and filling version of  the infamous chia pudding. Still have not tried making any and don’t really plan to anytime soon. I guess chia pudding goes into to the category of savory breakfasts for me 😉
 So tell me:
+ The big question…Sweet or savory?
+ What are you thoughts on chia pudding? How is that even appetizing!?
*Recipe linking up for the week! Allergy Free Wednesdays, #RecipeOfTheWeek,#StrangeButGood, Real Food Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Savoring Saturdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Lena’s Tasty Tuesdays, Meatless Mondays, Waste Not Want Not!*
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You can’t go wrong with a parfait! This sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to try it.
Mary, Living a Sunshine Life recently posted…Holiday Shopping and Saving
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That looks good. I love everything pumpkin. I would like to invite you to post this link to my blog dare, you don’t have to post a dare, i made an option for people to post something about Thanksgiving and I think this fits. Have a great week.
Deedra recently posted…November Blog Date Dare
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This looks amazing!
Honest mum recently posted…Bloggers’ Lounge Awards: I’m Up For Best Parenting Category!
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Looks like a yummy healthy breakfast!
Amanda @The Kolb Corner recently posted…DIY Painted Gather and Feast Sign
It is! Thank you!
Thanks for another great recipe Rebecca it looks delicious.
sue recently posted…Wednesday’s Wisdom #38
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This looks really yummy! Will have to make this for the kids. Always looking for new ways to get them to eat oatmeal.
Lisa B. recently posted…Welcome Home Wednesdays #14
I think this will be a winner then!
Wait… I can have this for breakfast? Count me in! This looks (and sounds!) absolutely amazing!! Can’t wait to try it out 🙂
LZ Cathcart@ The Summery Umbrella recently posted…25 Rustic DIY Christmas Decorations
Haha, yes! I 100% breakfast!
not what I remember my grandmother would serve us in the morning. So much more tasty is my first thought, wow so yummy!
angie recently posted…Gumdrop Ornament
Some modern oatmeal 😉
This looks very delicious! Pinning!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your recipe!
Laurie recently posted…Snickerdoodle Sunday #107
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Sounds yummy–and I do think chia pudding is yummy! Anytime you add cocoa to chia, it knocks out that super seedy flavor and they are good. I will give this a try!
Confused on your directions–you say 1/4c plus 3T, right? That would be 7T total, or a little shy of 1/2c, not 1.4c like the directions say. Which is it?
Collin recently posted…This Gringa’s Birria (or Chile Spiced Shredded Beef)
It’s as written in the directions. The 3 TB of pumpkin is for the oatmeal itself, then the 1/4 cup is for the parfait layers!
Oh yum! What a fun treat!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish recently posted…Pumpkin Spice Graham Crackers from Just Take a Bite
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Chocolate and pumpkin are such a wonderful combo! Never tried them as oats, that’s awesome idea!
The Vegan 8 recently posted…20 Minute Vegan Alfredo
It’s so creamy!
Pumpkin and chocolate are such a great combo. I’ll have to make this for breakfast. Any excuse to eat chocolate for breakfast!
Brianna @Flippin’ Delicious recently posted…Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks
One of the best chocolate combo 😉
Don’t stop — there’s never too much pumpkin to love 🙂 This looks so yummy! <3
I agree, Audrey, I agree 😉
Okay this oatmeal looks like an absolute dream! I’m usually not a big fan of oatmeal (I know, what kind of food blogger am i?!?) but this actually looks really good. I think anything with pumpkin is good with me!
Megan recently posted…Pumpkin Cornbread
Hahaha, it’s okay, I only became a big oatmeal eater about a year ago 😉
I’d say so! And I see that pumpkin cornbread…going to check it out now! I love pumpkin cornbread!
It’s funny because I recently realized I didn’t have a “recipe” for the breakfast I eat several times per week, so one morning thought, duh, I should take pictures! I also updated my plantain pictures because they, and so many other of my old recipe photos were horrifying! Lots of work to be done!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…Am I Ever Not Scattered? Thinking Out Loud
Girl I know…hahaha! My recipes from “the first year”….those photos would make little children cry (but the recipes are so good!)
That looks so good! Love everything in it. 🙂 I like some chia puddings, they just have to be loaded with flavorful ingredients.
I’m just still not sold..still!
Ooooh, I love the combination of chocolate and pumpkin. This looks fabulous Rebecca! Such a delicious and healthy breakfast. Nothing beats chocolate for breakfast!!!
You have that right! Chocolate for a winning day!
I haven’t had breakfast yet and now I saw this and I am totally craving it! Looks so delish!
Time to whip some up then!
I have always liked the look of parfaits, but I am not a yogurt fan at all. Since this meal is vegan I have a parfait I can finally eat!! Everything sounds delicious and I love how chunky it is.
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer recently posted…Homemade Turkey Soup with Creamer Potatoes
Yea, haha, not really a parfait, but this is better 😉
Great way to get the children to eat oatmeal and pumpkin thanks for sharing
Adriana recently posted…Hibiscus Flowers in Honeycomb Syrup
No one could pass up the cocoa!
Wow this looks so filling and flavorful!
Sarah recently posted…Apple Date Salad
Thanks Sarah!
Wow, what a flavor creation! I love how you packed so many different seeds in.
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free recently posted…Rustic Homemade Rolls
Tried to hit them!
I LOVE pumpkin in my oats! more of a savory breakfast here, but I do love a sweet now and then…
Kristina recently posted…Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
O man girl! Get on the sweet wagon!
Well don’t stop Rebecca, I love pumpkin!!!! ‘Tis the season, and I want this for breakfast!!!
allie @ through Her Looking Glass recently posted…Garlic Chicken Thighs
Hahaha! You’re right 😉 Thanks Allie!
I was just working on a pumpkin chocolate overnight oats- must be in the air 🙂 Looks tasty!
Lauren Harris-Pincus recently posted…Sweet Sorghum Salad with Apples, Pine Nuts and Raisins
It’s a good thing 😉 We should all be making some!
Wow!! What an amazing breakfast! I adore oatmeal and haven’t made pumpkin oats in SO long!! That must change! LOL!
Cailee recently posted…Ditch The Diet!
Yes it should!! Thanks Cailee 🙂
This looks SO yummy!! I’ve been really obsessed with oatmeal lately, so I’m totally going to get the ingredients to make this soon! Thanks for sharing!
Jasmine Eclipse recently posted…Catching Up #003
It’s just the best comforting breakfast!
I’ve also been pumpkin crazy the last few weeks so this recipe is right up my alley. I’ve never had sweet oatmeal it looks tasty.
Mary recently posted…Pumpkin Soup
What!? How do you eat oatmeal then…
Beautiful healthy breakfast or even dessert…I love this idea.
Thanks Sandi!
Do you know why I am so happy and in love with this recipe? Because it’s in a parfait glass and anything in a parfait glass makes me happy 🙂 And anything pumpkin in a parfait glass makes me very very happy! (And it means you actually own a parfait glass which means that maybe someday you will fill it with nice cream and realize that ice cream is the bomb.) It is just rocking with every kind of super seed, this would be some serious breakfast nutrition power!
But quit giving chia pudding a hard time, we’ve talked about this you just have to blend it twice and it’s smooth as silk! And I don’t even have to answer the first question, we all know 😉
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Caramel Apple Crumble Pie
These pretty glasses are what my mom always used when she made us that mix jello chocolate or vanilla pudding (topped with whipped cream!) when we were kids! I love them for photographing the oatmeals and quinoa flakes recipes 😛
Wait…yea…I should blend it….blend it with some..like…omg…I have a genius idea for a recipe! Holy crap!!!
Hahaha 😀 Go! Make it!!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Caramel Apple Crumble Pie
This sounds a great fall treat!
Yes please!
Krysten recently posted…Guest Speaking at the Toronto Tri Club
Gotta have our chocolate!
MMM!!! I love the variety of seeds, this looks so good!
Randi recently posted…What You Should Toddler Proof in Your Home RIGHT NOW.
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Looks amazing!
kristen Foster recently posted…Oatmeal with Toasted Pecans and Pears
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Great Recipe. Love all things pumpkin. Can’t wait to try this
Thanks Sarah!
I’m never going to be sick of pumpkin, especially in my oatmeal! this is a great new way to eat some morning oats, and you know i LOVE my morning oats!
rachel @ Athletic Avocado recently posted…2 Minute Flourless Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Bun
I know!!! It’s just the perfect creamy essential! Plus it packs your bowl with even more nutrients!
All sorts of goodness up in here. I bet it would have incredible texture! Chia pudding freaks me out.
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Ignite Apple Beet Preworkout Smoothie (Skoop Giveaway)
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one! I really on use chia when making overnight oats or something like this 😛
Love anything with oatmeal! This sounds (and looks) delicious!
Michele Morin recently posted…10 Critical Concepts for Women’s Ministry
Same! Oatmeal rocks!
Oh yum!! I have oats every morning but it’s usually pretty standard and boring. But this. I think I need to jazz it up a bit!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted…On My Yoga Mat
Sometimes that extra “jazz” is just what we all need!
I don’t usually make a big effort with breakfast but this looks delicious!
Corina recently posted…Sriracha Chicken Tacos
Breakfast should be the most important meal!! 😛