Gingerbread Parfait with Chocolate Sauce
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Indulge in the delightful layers of gingerbread and chocolate with this Gingerbread Parfait. A perfect dessert to celebrate the holiday season!
This Gingerbread Parfait combines the warm spices of gingerbread with a rich chocolate sauce, creating a dessert that is both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat at any time!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A delightful blend of ginger and chocolate flavors
- Layered presentation makes it perfect for entertaining
- Easy to prepare ahead of time for stress-free serving
- Perfectly spiced for the holiday season
The Magic of Gingerbread
Gingerbread is a classic holiday treat that evokes warmth and nostalgia. The combination of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen, making it the perfect addition to festive gatherings. This Gingerbread Parfait takes the traditional flavors of gingerbread cookies and elevates them into a stunning dessert. Each layer brings the essence of the holidays, making it a delightful finale to any holiday meal.
Not only does gingerbread taste incredible, but it also offers a beautiful texture contrast in the parfait. The soft, moist layers of gingerbread complement the airy whipped cream, while the rich chocolate sauce adds a luxurious finish. This dessert is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
Perfect for Holiday Celebrations
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or attending a festive potluck, this Gingerbread Parfait is an ideal choice. Its layered presentation is not only visually appealing but also makes serving a breeze. You can prepare the layers in advance, allowing you to enjoy the celebration without the stress of last-minute dessert preparations.
Moreover, this parfait can be easily customized to suit various tastes. Consider adding layers of fruit, like poached pears or spiced apples, for an extra burst of flavor. Alternatively, you can swap out the chocolate sauce for a caramel drizzle, making it versatile for any occasion.
Make-Ahead Convenience
One of the best aspects of the Gingerbread Parfait is its make-ahead convenience. You can prepare the gingerbread layers and chocolate sauce a day in advance. Once cooled, simply store them in airtight containers until you’re ready to assemble the parfait. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors, as the gingerbread layers become even more infused with the spices overnight.
When it’s time to serve, just whip up the cream and layer everything together. This ease of preparation allows you to focus on enjoying the festivities with your loved ones, making this dessert a favorite during the busy holiday season.
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Layers
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
For the Chocolate Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Parfait Assembly
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1/2 cup crushed gingerbread cookies for garnish
These ingredients will create a delicious gingerbread parfait layered with rich chocolate sauce.
Instructions
Make the Gingerbread Layers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses and egg.
Prepare the Chocolate Sauce
In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Parfaits
Cut the cooled gingerbread into cubes. In serving glasses, layer gingerbread cubes, whipped cream, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled, finishing with a layer of whipped cream and topped with crushed gingerbread cookies.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Gingerbread Parfait experience, consider serving it with a side of spiced nuts or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. These additions can enhance the flavors and provide a delightful crunch or creaminess that complements the dessert beautifully. For an extra festive touch, garnish each parfait with a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of edible gold dust.
You can also create a themed dessert table featuring other holiday treats, such as peppermint bark or eggnog cupcakes, to offer your guests a variety of flavors. Pairing this parfait with warm beverages like mulled wine or hot cocoa can enhance the cozy holiday atmosphere.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store the assembled parfaits in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to layer the parfaits just before serving. The gingerbread may become soggy if left in the whipped cream for too long, so keep the components separate until you’re ready to indulge.
You can also freeze the gingerbread layers and chocolate sauce for longer storage. Just ensure they are well-wrapped and stored in airtight containers. When ready to use, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before assembling your parfaits for a quick and delicious treat.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the gingerbread layers ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the gingerbread layers a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.
→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the chocolate sauce?
You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
→ Can I use store-bought gingerbread cookies?
Absolutely! Store-bought cookies can save you time and still provide great flavor.
→ How long can I store the parfaits?
The parfaits can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it's best to enjoy them fresh.
Gingerbread Parfait with Chocolate Sauce
Indulge in the delightful layers of gingerbread and chocolate with this Gingerbread Parfait. A perfect dessert to celebrate the holiday season!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Gingerbread Layers
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
For the Chocolate Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Parfait Assembly
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1/2 cup crushed gingerbread cookies for garnish
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses and egg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool completely.
In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly.
Cut the cooled gingerbread into cubes. In serving glasses, layer gingerbread cubes, whipped cream, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled, finishing with a layer of whipped cream and topped with crushed gingerbread cookies.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g