Creating Layered Parfait: Your Dessert Guide

Dive Into These Luscious Layers of Parfaits

What is it about parfaits that makes them so yummy? Maybe it’s the luscious layers, or because they are often identified as a “healthy” snack, breakfast and/or dessert (which makes for way less guilt!). Whatever the reason may be, parfaits sure are indulgent and one of our favorite treats to whip together and devour!

What is a Parfait?

The word “parfait” actually means “perfect” in French. Parfait’s origin can be traced back to references of a dessert in French cuisine in 1894. They’re most often prepared in tall glasses known as parfait glasses and are typically made with layers of ingredients. While parfaits are often created on the sweeter side, they have been used to serve savory dishes including seafood and vegetables.

French Parfaits vs American Parfaits

Traditional French parfaits are much simpler than what American tradition has made them to be. Traditional French parfaits included basic ingredients like cream, egg, sugar and syrup, whereas Americans often put things in our parfaits such as granola, nuts, yogurt, fruit, etc.

How to Make Parfaits

Parfaits are relatively easy to make and absolutely delicious to eat! They’re completely customizable to your preferences, so you can make your parfait exactly how you like it every time. Choose your base, add-ons and any other preferred ingredients or toppings.

Whatever add-ons and fruit you decide to mix into your parfait, there’s always an essential base:

• Yogurt: Yogurt parfait recipes are one of the most popular members of the parfait family today due to their healthy attributes.
• Greek Yogurt: As the popularity of Greek yogurt continues to soar, many people are substituting Greek yogurt for regular yogurt in their parfaits.
• Cottage Cheese: Just like yogurt, cottage cheese goes great with fruit, and the popular parfaits are a super scrumptious and healthy breakfast, snack or dessert.
• Ice Cream: Ice cream parfaits are a true dessert and are obviously much more indulgent than yogurt parfaits. An ice cream parfait involves more culinary artistic skills in comparison to an ice cream sundae where the layering is comparatively simpler.

Selecting the Right Ingredients

Every well-constructed parfait has several different layers of goodness, so pick your favorites or follow a recipe.

• Creamy Layers: When it comes to your creamy layer, you can choose from yogurts and ice cream, or you can try adding in peanut butter, cream cheese, maple syrup, or other spreads to your layered parfaits recipe.
• Crunchy Layers: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the crunchy sections of your parfaits! Add in crunchy granola, crushed cookies, diced cake or even pie to make your creation fun and delicious.
• Fruity Layers: No layered parfait is complete without a fruity layer. Chop up your favorite kinds of fresh fruit to add to your recipe, or use pie filling, jam or pureed fruit.

What’s your ideal parfait—layers of yogurt, granola and fruit? Cottage cheese, candied walnuts, fruit and honey? Let us know in the comments below! For more delicious desserts, check out our Desserts Recipes Category Page.