Homemade Cashew Yogurt and Berry Parfait

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2 min read
Summary

While a little patience might be required when making your own yogurt, it’s definitely worth the wait! Probiotic-rich yogurt is just one ingredient for a healthy gut. And, do you know what a healthy gut means? It means better digestion so that your workouts are focused, efficient, and solid. Add antioxidant-packed berries to beat inflammation and optional chopped dates for a natural energy boost.

Yields2 ServingsPrep Time10 minsTotal Time10 mins

Homemade Cashew Yogurt and Berry Parfait

Ingredients

Cashew Yogurt
 2 cups cashews (soaked and drained overnight or for 4–6 hours)
 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
 2 pinches salt (optional)
 1 cup water
 4 tbsp plant-based yogurt (unsweetened, unflavored, plain, must have “live active cultures”)
Parfait
 1 batch cashew yogurt (homemade)
 ¾ cup blueberries
 ¾ cup organic strawberries, chopped
 ¼ cup dates, chopped (optional)
 ¼ tsp ground cinnamon +1/4 tsp as needed

Directions

1

Make your yogurt: First, rinse your soaked cashews well.

2

Add all ingredients, except the yogurt, into a high-speed blender or food processor.

3

Blend until super creamy (about 2–3 minutes) and all cashews are completely blended. This is done best in a high-speed blender, however, if you do not own a high-speed blender then you can simply blend for a longer period of time until the cashews are creamy and smooth.

4

Pour the cashew cream into a sterilized glass jar or bowl (a hand washed or dishwasher washed then dried, glass jar or bowl will do).

5

With a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, stir in the four tablespoons of yogurt. *Important: do not use a metal spoon or utensil as it inhibits the growth of bacteria.

6

Cover the jar or bowl with a piece of cheesecloth or a clean, dry paper towel. Secure with a rubber band.

7

Allow to ferment for 24–48 hours:
a. If you live in a warm climate, you can simply leave the yogurt at room temperature and test it in 24 hours to see if it’s done (you’ll know by the tangy flavor). If it’s not done then let it sit for another 24 hours. I found 48 hours to be the magic time frame.
b. If you don’t live in a warm climate then place the yogurt in your oven with the oven light on. Do not heat the oven and don’t place the yogurt inside immediately after you’ve cooked something as extreme heat will destroy the probiotics.
c. If you have an Instant Pot, Carefully place the jars into the bottom of your Instant Pot (not on the rack). Lock the lid, make sure the vent is sealed, and press the Yogurt button. Set it for 14 hours.

8

Make your parfait: Add ¼ cup layer of yogurt to each of two 16-ounce mason jars or two of your favorite parfait glasses. Next, add a layer of blueberries and strawberries to each. Add another layer of yogurt then add the dates, if using. Continue layering the yogurt, berries, yogurt and dates in both jars until you’ve reached your last layer of yogurt. You should have 4–5 layers of fruit and yogurt.

9

Sprinkle some cinnamon on top.

Chef's Notes

Substitutions
Instead of berries, try organic peaches or nectarines.

Add goji berries or other dried fruit of choice in place of the chopped dates.

Substitute Super Simple Homemade Date Paste for chopped dates by stirring it into the yogurt before making your parfait. The quantity will depend on how much sweetness you desire — taste as you go until you’ve reached the desired sweetness.

Prep Ahead
Make the yogurt ahead of time. It will keep in the refrigerator for 5–7 days or in the freezer for up to 30.

Ingredients

Cashew Yogurt
 2 cups cashews (soaked and drained overnight or for 4–6 hours)
 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
 2 pinches salt (optional)
 1 cup water
 4 tbsp plant-based yogurt (unsweetened, unflavored, plain, must have “live active cultures”)
Parfait
 1 batch cashew yogurt (homemade)
 ¾ cup blueberries
 ¾ cup organic strawberries, chopped
 ¼ cup dates, chopped (optional)
 ¼ tsp ground cinnamon +1/4 tsp as needed

Directions

1

Make your yogurt: First, rinse your soaked cashews well.

2

Add all ingredients, except the yogurt, into a high-speed blender or food processor.

3

Blend until super creamy (about 2–3 minutes) and all cashews are completely blended. This is done best in a high-speed blender, however, if you do not own a high-speed blender then you can simply blend for a longer period of time until the cashews are creamy and smooth.

4

Pour the cashew cream into a sterilized glass jar or bowl (a hand washed or dishwasher washed then dried, glass jar or bowl will do).

5

With a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, stir in the four tablespoons of yogurt. *Important: do not use a metal spoon or utensil as it inhibits the growth of bacteria.

6

Cover the jar or bowl with a piece of cheesecloth or a clean, dry paper towel. Secure with a rubber band.

7

Allow to ferment for 24–48 hours:
a. If you live in a warm climate, you can simply leave the yogurt at room temperature and test it in 24 hours to see if it’s done (you’ll know by the tangy flavor). If it’s not done then let it sit for another 24 hours. I found 48 hours to be the magic time frame.
b. If you don’t live in a warm climate then place the yogurt in your oven with the oven light on. Do not heat the oven and don’t place the yogurt inside immediately after you’ve cooked something as extreme heat will destroy the probiotics.
c. If you have an Instant Pot, Carefully place the jars into the bottom of your Instant Pot (not on the rack). Lock the lid, make sure the vent is sealed, and press the Yogurt button. Set it for 14 hours.

8

Make your parfait: Add ¼ cup layer of yogurt to each of two 16-ounce mason jars or two of your favorite parfait glasses. Next, add a layer of blueberries and strawberries to each. Add another layer of yogurt then add the dates, if using. Continue layering the yogurt, berries, yogurt and dates in both jars until you’ve reached your last layer of yogurt. You should have 4–5 layers of fruit and yogurt.

9

Sprinkle some cinnamon on top.

Homemade Cashew Yogurt and Berry Parfait