These Poached Plum Coconut Cream Parfaits are an elegant, plant-based dessert layered with tender wine-poached plums and fluffy coconut whipped cream. Not only are they vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, but they’re also visually stunning when served in clear glasses. Naturally low in sugar and rich in texture and flavor, they’re perfect for dinner parties or a healthy indulgence.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Poached Plums:

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 2 cups rosé wine (or red/white wine)

• 1/2 vanilla bean, split and seeds removed

• 3-inch strip of lemon zest

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 6 large plums, thinly sliced

For the Coconut Whipped Cream:

• Two 14-ounce cans coconut cream (chilled overnight)

• 1 tbsp agave nectar (optional, for sweetness)

Directions

1. Poach the Plums:

• In a large saucepan, combine sugar, rosé, vanilla bean + seeds, lemon zest, and salt.

• Simmer gently over medium heat until sugar dissolves (about 1 minute).

• Add sliced plums and simmer for 5 minutes until just tender.

• Use a slotted spoon to remove plums.

• Boil remaining liquid over high heat until reduced to about 1½ cups and syrupy (10 minutes).

• Discard vanilla bean and return plums to the syrup, tossing to coat.

2. Make the Coconut Cream:

• Chill a mixing bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes.

• Scoop thick cream from the top of the chilled coconut cans (discard or reserve liquid).

• Beat cream for 30 seconds until creamy, then add agave and mix for 1–2 minutes until smooth.

3. Assemble the Parfaits:

• Layer poached plums and syrup alternately with coconut cream in clear glasses.

• Garnish with optional toppings like bee pollen or edible flowers.

Nutrients (Per serving, serves 6)

• Calories: 399

• Fat: ~30g (mostly from coconut cream)

• Carbohydrates: ~25g

• Sugars: ~20g

• Protein: ~2g

• Fiber: ~2g

The Magic of Poached Plums

Poaching is a gentle cooking method that enhances the natural flavor of fruit while infusing it with additional complexity. In this recipe, the plums are poached in rosé wine with vanilla, lemon zest, and just a hint of sugar and salt. The result is tender, flavorful fruit with a slight tang and a blush of pink from the wine. The reduced poaching liquid becomes a syrup that is lightly sweet and aromatic—perfect for drizzling between parfait layers.

Plums are an ideal fruit for poaching. Their natural tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the wine and coconut cream. As they soften, their deep ruby hues intensify, making them not only delicious but also visually stunning when layered in clear glasses.

While rosé is used for a bright, elegant touch, red wine can provide deeper berry notes, and white wine gives a lighter, more floral character. This flexibility allows you to adapt the flavor profile to your preference or occasion.

Coconut Whipped Cream: A Dairy-Free Dream

Coconut whipped cream is a staple in plant-based desserts for good reason. It’s creamy, rich, and easy to make with just one ingredient—chilled coconut cream. When whipped, it takes on a light and airy texture that mimics traditional whipped cream but with a slightly nutty, tropical flavor. Adding a small amount of agave nectar or maple syrup can heighten the sweetness, but the natural flavor of the coconut is often enough.

What makes coconut cream so special is its texture. When properly chilled, it separates from the watery portion of canned coconut milk, forming a thick layer that whips beautifully. This cream holds its shape well, making it perfect for layering and garnishing desserts.

Not only does coconut cream offer indulgence without dairy, but it also provides healthy fats that can contribute to satiety and overall richness without needing heavy sweeteners or fillers.

A Symphony of Texture and Flavor

What makes these parfaits shine is the interplay of textures. The poached plums are tender yet juicy, offering gentle resistance with each bite. The coconut whipped cream is light and cloud-like, melting on the tongue and soothing the bright acidity of the fruit. When spooned together, the contrast is perfection: cool cream, warm spice, soft fruit, and silky syrup.

Visually, the layers create a sense of anticipation. The translucent poached plums, glowing with syrup, alternate with the snowy white of the coconut cream. As the syrup seeps slightly into the cream, it creates beautiful, marbled streaks of pink and gold. Served in glass containers, the effect is dramatic and artful—sure to impress guests and elevate even the most casual dinner.

Health-Conscious Without Compromise

Despite its elegance and flavor, this dessert is remarkably healthy. Each serving is naturally gluten-free, refined sugar–optional, and rich in healthy fats. With about 399 calories per serving, it’s substantial without being heavy. The coconut cream contributes healthy saturated fats that are plant-derived, while the fruit adds fiber and natural vitamins.

Unlike many traditional desserts that rely on processed sugars and heavy dairy, this recipe keeps things clean and nourishing. If desired, the sugar in the poaching liquid can be reduced or replaced with stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or maple syrup for a lower glycemic option. The agave in the coconut cream is entirely optional and can be adjusted to suit your preference.

Additionally, plums offer antioxidant properties and support digestive health, making this not only a treat for the senses but also a dessert you can feel good about enjoying.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Poached Plum Coconut Cream Parfaits are incredibly versatile. They’re beautiful enough for dinner parties and holiday gatherings, yet simple enough for a weeknight dessert or a self-care moment. Because they can be made ahead of time and served chilled, they’re ideal for entertaining. You can prepare the poached plums and whipped coconut cream in advance, then assemble the parfaits just before serving.

For a touch of flair, garnish with edible flowers, a pinch of bee pollen, crushed pistachios, or toasted coconut flakes. These finishing touches add color, texture, and a bit of whimsy to the presentation. You can also play with the composition—serve in tall glasses for drama, mason jars for a rustic look, or mini parfait cups for an appetizer-sized tasting.

The recipe also scales easily. You can double it for larger gatherings or halve it for an intimate dinner for two. It’s flexible, elegant, and accommodating—just like all great desserts should be.

Conclusion

Poached Plum Coconut Cream Parfaits are a stunning example of how plant-based desserts can be both luxurious and wholesome. By combining the vibrant flavor of wine-poached plums with the silky richness of coconut cream, this dessert manages to feel indulgent without relying on dairy, gluten, or excess sugar. It’s a modern take on traditional parfaits, offering complexity, beauty, and balance in every spoonful.

Whether you’re looking for an allergy-friendly dessert option, planning an elegant dinner, or simply craving something sweet and refreshing, these parfaits deliver. Their contrast of textures, flavors, and colors makes them a standout addition to any dessert repertoire. They prove that healthy and plant-based doesn’t mean compromising on indulgence—it just means discovering new ways to delight your senses. With a few simple ingredients and thoughtful layering, you can turn your kitchen into a fine-dining experience and wow your guests—or yourself—with every bite.