Quick answer: a parfait is layers of something creamy (whipped cream, yogurt, pudding or mousse), fruit, and something crunchy, built in a clear glass and finished with whipped cream. Two rounds of each layer fill a standard glass.
The formula
| Layer | Options |
|---|---|
| Creamy | Whipped cream, Greek yogurt, pudding, mousse, mascarpone cream, ice cream |
| Fruit | Berries, peaches, mango, banana, cherries, compote or jam |
| Crunch | Granola, crushed cookies, graham crumbs, toasted nuts, cake cubes |
| Top | A swirl of whipped cream, a berry, chocolate shavings |
Strawberry parfait
Toss 2 cups of sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Layer with whipped cream and crushed shortbread or pound cake cubes in four glasses. See strawberries and cream.
Fruit and yogurt parfait (breakfast)
Layer vanilla Greek yogurt, mixed berries and granola. A spoonful of lightly sweetened whipped cream folded into the yogurt makes it taste like dessert.
Chocolate parfait
Layer chocolate mousse or chocolate pudding with crushed chocolate cookies and chocolate whipped cream.
Cheesecake parfait
Layer graham cracker crumbs, cream cheese whipped cream and cherry or berry compote.
More ideas
- Tiramisu cups: coffee-dipped ladyfingers and mascarpone cream; see easy tiramisu.
- Lemon: lemon curd, whipped cream and crushed meringue, like an Eton mess.
- Banana pudding: vanilla pudding, banana and vanilla wafers.
- Peach: peaches, cream and crushed ginger cookies.
Tips
- Use a piping bag or a zip bag with the corner cut off for clean layers.
- For parfaits made ahead, use stabilized whipped cream.
- For a party, a whipped cream dispenser tops a tray of glasses in seconds; see desserts for a crowd.
- Larger format: trifle.
Frequently asked questions
What is a parfait?
In the US, a dessert or breakfast layered in a tall glass: cream, yogurt, pudding or ice cream with fruit and something crunchy. The French original is a frozen custard dessert; parfait means perfect.
What are the layers in a parfait?
Something creamy, something fruity and something crunchy, repeated, with whipped cream on top.
Can I make parfaits ahead?
Yes, a few hours ahead. Keep crunchy layers such as granola or cookies separate until serving so they stay crisp.
What glass is best for a parfait?
Any clear glass so the layers show: tall parfait glasses, small jars, wine glasses or plastic cups for a party.
