This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #QuakerTime #CollectiveBias

Boost Your Morning: Delicious & Easy Apple Pie Breakfast Parfaits with Quaker

Mornings can often feel like a whirlwind, especially as we head into the busy back-to-school season. For many of us, the alarm clock signals the start of a frantic race against time, where every minute counts. In my household, the day often kicks off with a cacophony of joyful chaos: dogs eagerly nudging for their morning walk, a child sprinting down the hallway as if late for an imaginary train, and another sweetly (or not-so-sweetly) nudging me out of bed to claim my warm spot next to their dad. Before I can even fully process the morning’s demands, my mind automatically drifts to the one thing that can anchor my day: a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. Ah, my personal barista – which, of course, is me, groggily making my way to the Keurig, hoping the caffeine will soon kick in and bring some much-needed clarity.

With backpacks packed, lunches prepped, and outfits laid out, it’s easy to feel like you’ve conquered the morning’s major hurdles. But then it hits you: breakfast. The most important meal of the day, yet often the most overlooked in the rush. What can I serve my family that’s not only quick and easy but also genuinely nutritious? I want something that avoids the dreaded sugar crash, offers sustained energy, and keeps those little minds sharp throughout their school day. This is precisely where the magic of wholesome breakfast parfaits steps in, bringing a sense of calm and delicious balance to our otherwise hectic mornings.

Transforming Morning Mayhem into Delicious Moments

If your mornings sound anything like mine, you’re likely no stranger to that frazzled, blurry-eyed feeling before your first sip of coffee. But amidst the morning rush, there’s one area where my children consistently excel: breakfast time. While dinner can sometimes turn into a pea-tossing spectacle, breakfast is sacred. Perhaps their growing bellies are simply ravenous after a long night’s sleep, or maybe, just maybe, they truly adore what I serve. I’ll happily choose to believe the latter, finding joy in knowing they start their day well-fueled.

As a parent, I’m constantly on the lookout for breakfast solutions that are not only appealing but also genuinely beneficial for their health. While I’m certainly not opposed to the occasional bowl of sugary cereal—let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy a nostalgic treat now and then?—I strive for options that offer more nutritional value. I aim for breakfasts packed with essential nutrients, setting a positive tone for the day ahead, helping to sustain their energy and focus long after the breakfast table.

Discovering Wholesome Breakfast Inspiration with Quaker

My quest for better-for-you breakfast ideas recently led me to the Quaker Pinterest page, and for anyone who knows me, you know I have a serious Pinterest obsession! Their page is an absolute treasure trove, brimming with an incredible array of inspiring recipes tailored for every meal and occasion. What truly solidified my appreciation for Quaker products, however, is their commitment to wholesome ingredients. Knowing that their offerings are packed with whole grains, essential vitamins, vital calcium, and contain minimal added sugars gives me immense peace of mind. It allows me to feel confident and good about what I’m preparing for my children, my husband, and even myself, ensuring our family starts each day nourished and ready to tackle whatever comes our way.

It was during one of my routine grocery runs, after my husband had taken his last packet of oatmeal to work, that my quest for nourishing breakfast options truly began. Off to Walmart I went, determined to replenish our pantry with hearty choices. As I navigated the bustling breakfast aisle, my eyes landed on something familiar yet new: Quaker Life Cereal in Maple & Brown Sugar flavor. I distinctly remembered loving the original Life cereal as a child, but this new flavor promised an exciting twist. Without hesitation, it found its way into my shopping cart. Alongside it, I grabbed a box of Quaker Chewy Dipps Peanut Butter Bars – a constant favorite for my son, whose love for granola bars means we always need a healthy supply. He was particularly thrilled to discover a bonus birthday cake bar nestled within the pack, immediately claiming it as his own special treat.

The ‘Apple Pie’ Inspiration: Creating Wholesome Parfaits

Arriving home and unloading my bounty of groceries, a brilliant idea for a breakfast parfait suddenly sparked. With autumn just around the corner, my mind was already swirling with visions of apple picking and cozy fall baking. While shopping, I had instinctively picked up crisp Granny Smith apples, creamy apple pie-flavored Greek yogurt, and crunchy walnuts, all destined for future autumnal creations. It wasn’t until I laid everything out on the kitchen counter that the pieces clicked into place: these ingredients weren’t just for baking; they were practically begging to be transformed into simple, yet utterly delightful, Apple Pie Breakfast Parfaits. The concept was so clear, so appealing, it felt almost destined.

These parfaits are a testament to how effortlessly delicious and nutritious breakfasts can be. The assembly is incredibly quick, making them ideal for even the busiest mornings. I began by swiftly dicing the Granny Smith apples, then sautéed them gently in a fragrant blend of brown sugar and aromatic spices until tender and caramelized. Simultaneously, I stirred nutrient-rich chia seeds into the creamy apple pie yogurt, adding an extra boost of fiber and omega-3s. The final step was simply layering these delightful components into a glass: a spoonful of yogurt, a generous helping of warm, spiced apples, followed by a satisfying crunch of Quaker Life Cereal. Repeat the layers, and just like that – boom, done! A truly satisfying and wholesome breakfast, ready in mere minutes.

As the apples simmered on the stovetop, an irresistible aroma began to fill my kitchen, instantly evoking the comforting essence of autumn. It was a beautiful, spicy, and sweet scent that truly signaled the season’s arrival. I overheard my son, multiple times, exclaiming about how wonderfully the house smelled and how eagerly he anticipated tasting whatever delicious creation was brewing. These are the words every cook loves to hear, confirming that the effort, however minimal, is truly appreciated and building excitement for the meal to come.

Apple Pie Breakfast Parfaits: The Recipe

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 12 mins

Total Time: 17 mins

Author: Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yield: 2 parfaits

Ingredients

• Homemade Apple Pie Spice
• 1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• Sauteed Apples
• 3 Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 3 tablespoons homemade apple pie spice
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons 100% apple juice
• To assemble parfaits
• 2 containers each – 5.3 oz Greek yogurt (I used Apple Pie flavor)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 cup Quaker Life Cereal, Maple and Brown Sugar
• 1 tablespoon walnuts, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Homemade Apple Pie Spice
2. Stir all ingredients (cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger) in a small bowl and set aside.
3. Sauteed Apples
4. Combine diced apples, homemade apple pie spice, and brown sugar in a bowl and mix thoroughly to coat.
5. Preheat a pan to medium heat and add your butter.
6. When the butter has melted, add in your apple juice and the spiced apples.
7. Sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, then reduce heat to medium-low.
8. Continue to cook until apples are fork-tender, about 8-10 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and let apples cool slightly.
10. To assemble parfaits
11. Stir 1/2 tablespoon chia seeds into each container of Greek yogurt.
12. Place 1/4 cup of the yogurt mixture in the bottom of your parfait glass.
13. Top with 3 tablespoons of the sautéed apples.
14. Layer the apple mixture with a portion of Quaker Life Cereal.
15. Repeat the layers: yogurt, apples, cereal.
16. Garnish the top with any remaining sautéed apples and chopped walnuts, if desired.

Notes

I recommend assembling the parfaits just before serving. If you pre-make them the night before, the cereal in the center may become soggy. However, you can make the sautéed apples ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them.

Fueling Success: Back-to-School with Quaker

As we dive deeper into the back-to-school season, stocking your kitchen with convenient and nutritious options is key to a smooth transition. Be sure to look out for Quaker’s special Back to School bonus packs at Walmart, designed to keep your pantry full longer. For even more inspiration, explore Quaker’s dedicated back-to-school page, which is a fantastic resource featuring a plethora of great recipes. You’ll find innovative ideas for school lunches, satisfying after-school snacks, and, of course, a variety of delicious and easy breakfast options that go beyond these parfaits. To stay updated and inspired, follow Quaker on Facebook, where they share creative videos aimed at sparking inspiration for you and your kids, both in and out of the kitchen, fostering a love for good food and active living.

These Apple Pie Breakfast Parfaits aren’t just limited to the breakfast table; their versatility makes them an excellent choice for a wholesome after-school snack. Both kids and parents will appreciate the delicious flavors and sustained energy they provide, making them a perfect pick-me-up during those busy afternoon hours. I genuinely hope that everyone finds their rhythm and eases back into the school routine with grace and enthusiasm. To all the first-time kindergarten moms and dads, just like myself, I want to send a heartfelt message: hang in there. Our little ones are embarking on incredible journeys and are destined for great things. Best of luck to you all, and don’t worry, I’ll be right there with you, shedding those emotional, happy-sad tears. Now, go grab a spoon and dig into this delightful treat!

Let’s connect! How will Quaker products help you and your children start this school year successfully, making mornings a little less chaotic and a lot more delicious?

Enjoy crafting these wholesome parfaits! If you whip up this recipe, we’d absolutely love to see your creations. Please share a photo on your favorite social media platforms and tag it with #strawberryblondiekitchen and #Quaker. Your unique versions are always a joy to discover!