Cherry Creme Parfait is a timeless dessert combining smooth vanilla custard with a luscious cherry topping, beautifully layered in parfait glasses. Originating from traditional American home-style desserts, this parfait balances creamy, sweet custard with tart cherries for a refreshing, elegant treat. Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or summer gatherings, it can be served in dessert dishes, tart shells, or individual parfait glasses for an impressive presentation.
Ingredients
For the Custard Layer:
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 egg (slightly beaten)
- 1 tsp Ril-Sweet (or other sweetener)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cherry Layer:
- 1 lb red sour pitted cherries
- 1 ½ tbsp cornstarch
- 1 ½ tsp Ril-Sweet (or other sweetener)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
- Mix cornstarch with a small amount of milk until smooth.
- Stir in the remaining milk, beaten egg, and Rib-Sweet, leaving out the vanilla for now.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat, add vanilla, and let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Mixture
- Blend cornstarch with juice from the canned cherries in a saucepan until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients, including cherries, Rib-Sweet, lemon juice, and red food coloring if using.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Allow to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Parfaits
- Layer cherry mixture and custard alternately into parfait glasses or dessert dishes.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips
- Chill both the custard and cherry layers fully for the cleanest parfait layers.
- Use clear parfait or dessert glasses to show the layered effect.
- For a richer custard, substitute half-and-half for part of the milk.
- For lighter calories, use low-fat milk instead of whole milk.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top before serving.
- A dash of almond extract pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Use fresh pitted cherries when in season (cook with a little water).
- For brighter color without dye, use dark sweet cherries and skip food coloring.
- Spoon layers thinly and repeat for a taller striped look.
- Serve in tart shells as suggested on the card for a plated dessert alternative.
Nutrition
Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 40mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 0.5mg
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