7 Parfait Recipes That Are a Treat Any Time of Day

Great for Breakfast or Dessert

By
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
A freelance journalist and avid home cook, Cathy Jacobs has more than 10 years of food writing experience, with a focus on curating approachable menus and recipe collections.
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Updated on 08/6/21
Strawberry Parfait
Elaine Lemm

Parfaits are a fabulous, creamy, sweet treat that you can enjoy at any time of day. From simple granola-and-fruit breakfast parfaits to decadent layered desserts, these sweet confections are worth a try.

  • 01 of 07

    Acai Berry Parfait

    Acai Berry Parfait-

    Leah Maroney

    Acai berries are considered a "superfood" because they're packed with antioxidants. This parfait recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the berry. Paired with frozen banana, honey, pumpkin and pomegranate seeds, and your favorite brand of crunchy granola, this decadent layered parfait is a great treat no matter what time of day.

  • 02 of 07

    Strawberry Creme Parfaits

    Strawberry Parfait

    The Spruce / Elaine Lemm

    Strawberries and cream are one of the best flavor combinations out there and this pretty make-ahead recipe showcases them in a dessert you could serve at Mother's Day brunch, at bridal and baby showers, or anytime you want to celebrate the fresh summer fruit. The sliced berries are layered with vanilla-scented whipped cream, melted marshmallows, and crumbled meringue cookies for a treat that satisfies your cravings. Be sure to allow three to six hours for chilling before serving.

  • 03 of 07

    Peruvian Caramel Meringue Parfait

    Peruvian Caramel Meringue Parfait

     Marian Blazes

    The original name of this Peruvian dessert is "suspiro de limeña", which translates to "the sigh of a woman from Lima," giving a hint that it's something quite special. Purchased or homemade dulce de leche is enriched with egg yolks to form the sweet and creamy base for this parfait. It's finished with a port wine meringue piped on top and sprinkling of ground cinnamon. Serve it as the perfect finishing touch after a South American-inspired dinner, such as chimichurri chicken.

  • 04 of 07

    Chinese Strawberry Almond Tofu Dessert

    Chinese Strawberry Almond Tofu Dessert

    Liv Wan

    Chinese almond tofu is a popular Asian treat that doesn't contain tofu, but shares a similar texture. It's actually a soft jellied dessert made with soy milk, sugar, gelatin, and almonds. This recipe walks you through the steps for making homemade almond tofu with your food processor, then using it to create a multi-layered dessert parfait, along with diced fresh strawberries, and a thick, sweetened berry sauce. Enjoy this dessert as a sweet treat after a dim sim feast or other Asian-inspired meals.

    Continue to 5 of 7 below.
  • 05 of 07

    Japanese Style Parfait

    Japanese Style Parfait

    Kenji Mori/Getty Images

    Parfaits are an iconic dessert in Japanese cuisine, which places great importance on the presentation of food. Not only is this scrumptious parfait a treat for the taste buds, it's also delightful to behold. Crunchy corn flakes typically form the bottom layer for this dessert, which is topped with ice cream or frozen yogurt, then chocolate sauce (or fruit jam if you prefer), layers of fresh fruit, and whipped cream. You may stop there or repeat all the layers again, finishing the parfait with festive garnishes, such as cookies, sprinkles, additional fresh fruit, or gelatin cubes.

  • 06 of 07

    Raspberry Cool Whip Jello Parfait Mold

    Raspberry cool whip jello dessert recipe

    The Spruce Eats / Teena Agnel

    Make this fun retro-inspired dessert for a tasty blast from the past you can serve at pool parties, buffet events, children's tea parties, or family holiday gatherings. You could even serve this pretty pink parfait-style treat at bridal showers or gender reveal parties. It's so easy to make by combining raspberry jello with whipped topping, then layering this with a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and Cool Whip. Be sure to use a clear decorative bowl, so everyone can ooh and ahh at the attractive layers.

  • 07 of 07

    Passion Fruit Mousse

    Passion Fruit Mousse

    Fandrade/Getty Images

    This zingy mousse is a wonderful way to enjoy the sweet, distinctive tropical flavor of passion fruit. In this recipe, a little rum or orange liqueur is added to the creamy fruit mousse for an added boost of flavor. Serve it in parfait glasses, layered with shredded coconut, chopped nuts, whipped cream, fresh fruit, and raspberry or strawberry sauce, for a pretty and palate-pleasing summer dessert.