Vanilla Parfait: Simple and Creamy Recipe

This delicious, super creamy parfait requires only four ingredients and 15 minutes of preparation. A semi-frozen vanilla ice cream with a wow effect.

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Do you know parfait, an incredibly creamy, semi-frozen ice cream? For some reason, the word "complicated" often comes to mind with this dessert. But making a heavenly vanilla parfait at home is easier than you'd think. All you need are four ingredients, 15 minutes – and a bit of patience afterward 😉.

Of course, the homemade parfait does need several hours to freeze completely. But it’s worth the wait! The beauty of this dessert is its irresistibly soft texture 🙂. With my recipe, creating a delicious parfait without any ice crystals is no problem at all.

Ingredients

The best part? You don’t need an ice cream maker. No need for half-hourly mixing or stirring. It’s similar to the simple 2-ingredient ice cream. Why does the parfait turn out perfectly smooth instead of becoming a solid block? Because it’s delightfully luscious and made with just the best ingredients 😉. Specifically, it includes fresh egg yolks, powdered sugar, bourbon vanilla, and whipped cream.

So, to be fair, vanilla parfait isn't the lightest dessert around. At least not from a nutritional standpoint – but that's easy to overlook when it tastes this good, right 😉? Unlike traditional ice cream, the mixture sets without churning.

How to make the Vanilla Parfait

Start by lightly greasing a small loaf pan (about 8-8.5 inches / 20-22 cm) and lining it with a cut-open freezer bag or cling film. Whip the cream until stiff and set aside. In a hot water bath, beat the egg yolks with the sugar using a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. I like to heat water in a large pot and place my stainless steel mixing bowl in it. Be sure not to let the water boil, or the mixture might curdle!

Next, remove the egg mixture from the water bath. Stir in the vanilla seeds and gently fold in the whipped cream. Chill the parfait mixture in a cold water bath (like a sink or ice water) for a few minutes until it's cold. Pour the mixture into the prepared mold, smooth the top, and tap it a few times to settle. Freeze for at least 6 hours. When ready to serve, turn out the parfait, remove the freezer bag, and let it soften slightly – depending on the freezing time – before slicing. Serve with fresh berries, chopped pistachios, or fruit sauce as desired.

Top Tip

To ensure the mixture is airy and voluminous, beat the egg yolks in a hot water bath for a longer time. After several minutes, the yolks will become incredibly light and creamy. Then, simply add the vanilla and whipped cream. Some recipes include whipped egg whites or a fruity addition, but my basic parfait recipe keeps things simple. And yet it’s oh-so tempting!

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Vanilla Parfait

Easy basic parfait recipe is made with just 4 ingredients. An extra delicious creamy dessert from the freezer!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cooling Time6 hours hrs

Servings: 6 portions

Calories: 346kcal

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• 4 egg yolks, medium
• 120 grams (1 cup) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla pulp
• 400 grams (1 ¾ cups) cream

Instructions

• Lightly grease a small loaf pan (about 8-8.5 inches / 20-22 cm) and line it with a cut-open freezer bag or cling film. Whip the cream until stiff and set aside.
• In a hot water bath, beat the egg yolks with the sugar for a few minutes using a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. I heat water in a large pot and place my stainless steel mixing bowl inside. Make sure the water doesn't boil, or the mixture might curdle!
• Remove the egg mixture from the water bath. Stir in the vanilla seeds and gently fold in the whipped cream. Chill the parfait mixture in a cold water bath (like a sink filled with cold water or ice water) for a few minutes until it's cool.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared mold, smooth the surface, and tap the pan a few times to release any air bubbles. Freeze for at least 6 hours.
• To serve, turn out the parfait, remove the freezer bag, and let it soften slightly – depending on the freezing time – before slicing. Serve with fresh berries, chopped pistachios, or a drizzle of fruit sauce if desired.

Ingredient substitutions

Do you want to replace some ingredients? Here you find tips for baking ingredient substitutions!

Variations

To change things up, you can fold in some fruit or a swirl of jam. Vanilla parfait with raspberries, either hot or cold, is always a treat. Since the dessert contains raw eggs, it should be consumed within a week. But honestly, that’s a purely theoretical warning – a homemade parfait like this doesn’t last long before it's all gone 🙂.