Vanilla Pudding Parfait Recipes

What is a pudding parfait?

A pudding parfait is a layered dessert served in a glass or jar. It usually alternates creamy pudding with something crunchy, such as crushed cookies or granola, and something fresh, such as berries or sliced banana. A dollop of whipped topping finishes it off. The word “parfait” originally referred to a French frozen dessert, but in everyday American home cooking it generally means this kind of layered cup.

They are popular because they need no baking, use mostly pantry ingredients and can be assembled in about 10 to 15 minutes, plus a short chill.

Basic formula

Think of a parfait as four building blocks:

1. Creamy layer: vanilla pudding, either instant or cooked.
2. Crunchy layer: crushed vanilla wafers, graham crackers, shortbread, gingersnaps, cookies or granola.
3. Fruit or flavor layer: berries, banana, peaches, lemon curd, caramel or chocolate sauce.
4. Topping: whipped cream or whipped topping, plus a crumb or fruit garnish.

Repeat the layers two or three times for a tall, attractive glass.

Quick berry and cookie parfaits

This simple version makes about 4 servings.

Ingredients

• 1 box (about 3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• About 14 vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
• About 1 cup fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries
• About 1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream

Instructions

1. Whisk the pudding mix and cold milk together for about 2 minutes, until thickened, then let it rest for a few minutes. Check the package directions, since amounts vary by brand.
2. Spoon a layer of crushed cookies into the bottom of each of 4 small glasses or jars.
3. Add a layer of pudding, then a layer of berries.
4. Repeat the layers.
5. Top with whipped topping and a few cookie crumbs or a berry.
6. Chill for about an hour before serving, or serve right away if you prefer crisper cookies.

How do you make a Nilla wafer parfait?

Use the recipe above with vanilla wafers (often sold as “Nilla” wafers) as your crunchy layer. Some cooks press whole wafers up the sides of the glass for a decorative look and let them soften slightly in the pudding, similar to banana pudding. For a warmer banana twist, see our caramelized banana dessert recipes.

More flavor ideas

• Banana split parfait: Layer vanilla pudding with sliced bananas, crushed pineapple (well drained), chopped strawberries, whipped topping and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Finish with a cherry if you like.
• Caramel and gingersnap: Layer vanilla pudding with crushed gingersnaps and caramel sauce.
• Chocolate and vanilla: Alternate vanilla and chocolate pudding with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.
• Lemon: Swirl lemon curd into the pudding or whipped topping for a tangy version. See more ideas in our guide to quick no-bake desserts using lemon curd.
• Peaches and cream: Use diced peaches with crushed graham crackers. Our easy no-bake peach dessert article has tips on preparing fresh, canned and frozen fruit.
• Strawberry shortcake: Use cubed pound cake or angel food cake, strawberries and pudding.
• Cheesecake style: Beat softened cream cheese into the pudding for a richer, tangier filling. See our 3-ingredient cream cheese desserts for creamy base ideas.

What can I mix with vanilla pudding?

Vanilla pudding is a mild base, so a lot of things work with it:

• Whipped topping or whipped cream, folded in for a lighter mousse-like texture
• Cream cheese, for a cheesecake-style layer
• Lemon curd, jam or fruit puree for flavor
• Crushed cookies, cake cubes or granola for texture
• Fresh or canned fruit, drained well
• Cocoa, peanut butter or caramel swirled in

If you add a lot of runny fruit or puree, pudding can loosen, so drain fruit first and add extras gradually.

Tips

• Use cold milk for instant pudding. It helps the mix thicken properly. Whisk for the time on the package.
• Pipe for neat layers. Spooning the pudding into a zip-top bag, snipping the corner and piping it gives cleaner lines in clear glasses.
• Decide on soft or crisp. If you want cookies that stay crunchy, assemble shortly before serving. If you prefer a soft, cake-like texture, assemble a few hours ahead.
• Dry the fruit. Pat berries and drain canned fruit so they do not water down the pudding.
• Go small. Small jars or cups make the portion size manageable and look charming.

Make ahead and storage

Assemble in covered jars and refrigerate. Most parfaits are best within a day, since cookies soften over time and bananas darken. Store whipped topping and crunchy garnishes separately if you plan to hold them longer. Pudding-based desserts contain dairy, so keep them chilled and do not leave them out for more than about 2 hours.

FAQ

What can I mix with vanilla pudding?

See the list above. Whipped topping, cream cheese, cookies, fruit and curd are the most common choices.

What are some easy dessert parfait recipes?

Berry and cookie, banana split and caramel gingersnap are all quick. If you enjoy the format, our rice krispie cake ideas offer another easy no-bake treat for a crowd, and the walking taco dessert turns pudding into a party snack.

What is a parfait pudding?

It is a pudding served in layers with other ingredients, rather than on its own.

Should I use instant or cooked pudding?

Instant is the fastest and works well for parfaits. Cooked pudding (or a good store-bought cup) has a richer flavor but takes more time. Either one works for layering.