Gingerbread Parfait with Chocolate Sauce

Name: Gingerbread Parfait with Chocolate Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup molasses; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 egg; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/4 cup heavy cream

Highlighted under: Simple Sweet Recipes

Indulge in the festive flavors of our Gingerbread Parfait with Chocolate Sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-04T19:46:51.744Z

This Gingerbread Parfait is a delightful dessert that layers spiced gingerbread, creamy layers, and rich chocolate sauce. It’s a festive way to end any meal!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Warm spices that evoke holiday cheer
Layers of creamy goodness and crunchy texture
Decadent chocolate sauce drizzled over the top

      

The Perfect Holiday Dessert

A Gingerbread Parfait with Chocolate Sauce is not just a dessert; it's an experience that captures the essence of the holiday season. With its warm spices and comforting flavors, this parfait will transport you to a cozy winter evening, making it the perfect ending to any festive meal. The combination of gingerbread layers and creamy goodness will delight your taste buds, leaving you with a sweet memory long after the last bite.

The beauty of this parfait lies in its versatility. You can easily layer it in individual serving glasses for an elegant presentation or serve it in a large bowl for a communal dessert. Either way, the delightful layers of gingerbread and cream interspersed with rich chocolate sauce will impress your guests and make your holiday gatherings even more special.

Hints for Perfect Layers

Achieving the perfect layers in your Gingerbread Parfait is all about technique. Ensure your gingerbread is completely cooled before crumbling it into pieces; this prevents the layers from becoming soggy. When layering, start with a base of crumbled gingerbread, followed by the creamy layer and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Repeat this process until your glasses are filled, ensuring each layer is visible and beautifully distinct.

For an added touch, consider garnishing the top of your parfait with a sprinkle of crushed gingerbread or a dollop of whipped cream. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds extra texture and flavor. Remember, presentation is key, especially during the festive season when guests appreciate a beautiful dessert.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

If you have any leftovers, store your Gingerbread Parfait covered in the refrigerator. However, it's best enjoyed within a couple of days, as the gingerbread may soften over time. If you plan to prepare it in advance, consider making the gingerbread and creamy layer separately, then assemble the parfait just before serving to ensure the best texture.

For serving, pair your parfait with a warm beverage, such as spiced cider or hot cocoa, to enhance the cozy experience. The rich flavors of the dessert complement the warmth of these drinks beautifully, making for a perfect holiday treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Gingerbread Layers

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg

Creamy Layer

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Sauce

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy cream

Combine these ingredients to create delicious layers of flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Gingerbread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, combine the molasses, vegetable oil, and egg. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.

Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool before crumbling it into pieces.

Make the Creamy Layer

In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Set aside.

Prepare the Chocolate Sauce

In a small saucepan, heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Assemble the Parfaits

In serving glasses, layer the crumbled gingerbread, the creamy mixture, and drizzle some chocolate sauce. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled. Top with extra chocolate sauce and serve immediately or chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

Enjoy your delicious Gingerbread Parfaits!

Ingredient Tips

When selecting ingredients for your Gingerbread Parfait, opt for high-quality molasses and spices. The depth of flavor in your gingerbread will greatly depend on the quality of these components. Look for unsulfured molasses, which offers a richer taste and is less bitter than its sulfured counterpart.

For the chocolate sauce, using dark chocolate chips will provide a deep and intense flavor that balances the sweetness of the gingerbread and cream. If you prefer a milk chocolate sauce, consider adjusting the sweetness of the creamy layer to maintain a balanced flavor profile.

Making It Your Own

Feel free to customize your Gingerbread Parfait! Add layers of your favorite fruits, like sliced bananas or berries, to introduce a fresh element. You can also incorporate nuts for an additional crunch, or even a splash of your favorite liqueur into the creamy layer for an adult twist.

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring that all other ingredients are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this festive treat without compromising on flavor or texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this parfait ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the gingerbread and creamy layer a day in advance and assemble just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for molasses?

You can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour.

→ Can I use store-bought chocolate sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought chocolate sauce can save time and still taste great.