Red, White, and Blue Ice Cream Granola Parfaits
Try this Red, White and Blue Ice Cream Granola Parfaits recipe.
Try this Red, White and Blue Ice Cream Granola Parfaits recipe.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups slivered almonds
- for the granola:
- 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- for the berry syrup/ice cream:
- 4 cups fresh berries i used a combination of blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, but blackberries would work great, too
- 1 quart good quality vanilla ice cream
- `
- Carbohydrate 495.395920233343 g
- Cholesterol 11.2124999905215 mg
- Fat 187.706669722058 g
- Fiber 70.4995002940739 g
- Protein 85.0175137889099 g
- Saturated Fat 33.202320633551 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Recipe (1502g)
- Sodium 277.440166721076 mg
- Sugar 424.896419939269 g
- Trans Fat 10.2138831301968 g
- Calories 3849 calories
Step-by-step
- For the granola: Preheat oven to 250 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut and brown sugar.
- In a separate bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine maple syrup, oil and salt.
- Combine both mixtures by slowly pouring the liquid over the oatmeal mixture and stirring well.
- Divide in half and pour onto two 11x17-inch rimmed baking sheets, spreading out into an even layer on each sheet.
- Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until golden.
- Remove from the oven and transfer into a large bowl, slightly breaking up the clumps.
- For the berry syrup: Wash and gently dry the berries.
- Place them in a medium bowl.
- Add the balsamic vinegar and sugar and toss well.
- Let the berries sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes so the berries can macerate and release their juices.
- When ready to serve, scoop a spoonful of the berries and syrup in the bottom of a dessert or parfait glass.
- Top with one scoop ice cream.
- Repeat the layers.
- Top with granola and serve immediately.
Red, White, and Blue Ice Cream Granola Parfaits: A Summertime Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time for anything beyond work and family feels like a Herculean task. But summer is my favorite time of year, not just because of the sunny days and lazy evenings, but because it brings opportunities for quick and refreshing treats that satisfy everyone's sweet tooth without demanding hours in the kitchen. This Red, White, and Blue Ice Cream Granola Parfait recipe perfectly encapsulates that summer spirit – a vibrant, patriotic dessert that's surprisingly easy to assemble, and even easier to enjoy.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap out the berries for whatever is in season at your local farmer's market; peaches, nectarines, or even a mix of cherries and blueberries would all work wonderfully. Don't have slivered almonds? Use pecans, walnuts, or even skip the nuts entirely – it's all about adapting to what you have on hand. This recipe truly embodies the ethos of "make it your own", which is a philosophy I've found essential in navigating my busy life.
The granola, with its satisfying crunch, provides a perfect contrast to the creamy vanilla ice cream and the juicy, slightly tangy berries. The balsamic vinegar in the berry syrup adds an unexpected depth of flavor, enhancing the sweetness of the berries without overpowering them. This is not your grandmother's ice cream sundae; it's a modern take on a classic, designed to be both visually appealing and delightfully delicious.
I often find myself preparing these parfaits in advance for quick weekday breakfasts or as a healthy-ish dessert after a particularly long day. The layered construction allows for easy portioning, meaning I can quickly prepare individual servings for my family without spending a lot of time fussing around. In fact, my kids have taken to helping me assemble them, making it a fun family activity.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's no complicated baking, no special equipment, and no need to be a culinary expert. Even if you consider yourself kitchen-challenged, you can absolutely master this recipe. It is a testament to the fact that amazing desserts don't always require hours of preparation and intricate techniques. Sometimes, the most satisfying treats are the ones that are easy to make, especially when they're this delicious.
This Red, White, and Blue Ice Cream Granola Parfait is more than just a dessert; it's a celebration of summer, a symbol of simple pleasures, and a reminder that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, there's always time for a little bit of sweetness.
So, gather your ingredients, grab your favorite ice cream, and get ready to indulge in a truly delightful summer treat. Believe me, it's worth every bite!
