Triple Layered Pudding Parfait – All Created In Your Kitchen
Making pudding from scratch is one of those simple yet rewarding tasks that can take you back in time. While instant mixes have become the norm, there’s nothing quite like homemade pudding. It’s incredibly easy to make with just a few basic ingredients, yet the results are rich, smooth, and so satisfying. I remember getting a Brownie Badge for making pudding back in the day—talk about a throwback! As we become more aware of the additives and colorings in instant food, its good to know its not that difficult to create desserts from scratch. This dessert is not only fun to make but also visually stunning, with three different layers of pudding in one dish. Whether you use parfait glasses or any other dish, you’ll feel proud serving up this pretty and delicious dessert.
Did You Know?
Layered puddings are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any occasion. Combining different flavors and colors in one dessert glass adds an element of surprise with each spoonful. This recipe offers variations with dairy or non-dairy milk, catering to different dietary preferences without compromising on taste. Essentially, you’re creating three different pudding recipes in one! You can make the parfait as listed or choose your favorite pudding flavor to enjoy on its own.
Yield:
4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Pudding:
1 cup milk (dairy, almond, or oat)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Pudding:
1 cup milk (dairy, almond, or oat)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Butterscotch Pudding:
1 cup milk (dairy, almond, or oat)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or vegan butter for non-dairy)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Syrup:
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
Prepare the Chocolate Pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch. Gradually add the milk, whisking until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the pudding into the bottom of four dessert glasses. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
Personal Tip: For a richer flavor, use 70% dark cocoa powder. It adds depth to the pudding without making it overly sweet.
Prepare the Vanilla Pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch. Gradually add the milk, whisking until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Carefully pour the vanilla pudding over the set chocolate pudding layer in each glass. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
Personal Tip: Add a pinch of sea salt to the vanilla pudding for a slight contrast in flavor that brings out the sweetness.
Prepare the Butterscotch Pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar and cornstarch. Gradually add the milk, whisking until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Carefully pour the butterscotch pudding over the set vanilla pudding layer in each glass. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
Personal Tip: Use dark brown sugar for a deeper butterscotch flavor.
Prepare the Chocolate Syrup: In a small saucepan, whisk together water, sugar, and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow to cool before using.
Personal Tip: The syrup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
Personal Tip: Chill the bowl and beaters in the freezer for 15 minutes before whipping the cream to speed up the process.
Serve: Once all layers are set, remove the plastic wrap. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the top of each parfait. Pipe a dollop of whipped cream on top of each parfait. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries. Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful layered dessert!
Personal Tip: If serving at a party, garnish with mint leaves or chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 350, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Carbohydrates: 40g, Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 32g, Protein: 5g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Bulk Buying: Purchase ingredients like cornstarch, sugar, and cocoa powder in bulk to save money. These pantry staples are versatile and can be used in many other recipes.
- Homemade Pudding Mixes: Make dry pudding mixes in advance by combining the dry ingredients for each pudding in separate airtight containers. This makes it quicker to prepare the pudding layers when needed.
- Layering Technique: Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off to neatly pipe the pudding layers into the glasses. This keeps the presentation clean and prevents the layers from mixing.
- Chilling Time: Ensure each pudding layer is fully set before adding the next one. This prevents the layers from blending and keeps them visually distinct.
- Reusable Tools: Invest in a good set of dessert glasses or parfait glasses. These can be reused for various desserts and add an elegant touch to your presentation.
- Leftover Ingredients: Use leftover cocoa powder and sugar to make homemade hot cocoa. Store it in an airtight container for a quick treat on cold days.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavors for the pudding layers. Add espresso powder to the chocolate pudding for a mocha flavor or use caramel instead of butterscotch.
- Portion Control: Use smaller dessert glasses to create more servings. This is a great way to manage portion sizes while still enjoying a rich dessert.
- Storage: Store leftover parfaits in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap. They will keep for up to 3 days, making them a great make-ahead option.
- Freezing Option: These parfaits can be frozen for a longer shelf life. Cover them with plastic wrap and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Let’s Learn About Different Milks
Milk is a key ingredient in puddings, but not all milk is created equal. Dairy milk, almond milk, and oat milk each offer different flavors and nutritional benefits. Dairy milk provides essential vitamins like calcium and vitamin D, making it great for bone health. Almond milk, a popular non-dairy option, is low in calories and rich in vitamin E. Oat milk, another non-dairy alternative, has a naturally sweet flavor and contains fiber, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. Choosing the right milk for your pudding can enhance the flavor and cater to various diets.