Decadent Dairy Parfaits

These mini parfaits are rich and creamy, and mimic tiramisu flavor. They present beautifully as well. You have options for the base to make it easier, and it yields a lot. Definitely worth the effort. Thanks to my daughter-in-law Shoshi for the inspiration.

YIELDS 24 PARFAITS

BASE

• 6 eggs, separated
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 3¹⁄₂-oz (100-g) pkg instant chocolate pudding mix
• pinch salt
• 1 full Tbsp flour (GF flour is fine)
• good-quality coffee liqueur (I used Sabra)

CREAM CHEESE LAYER

• 2 8-oz (250-ml) containers heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 3¹⁄₂-oz (100-g) pkg instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 Tbsp vanilla sugar (optional)
• 2–3 Tbsp confectioners’ sugar, or to taste
• 3–4 full Tbsp cream cheese

GANACHE

• 1 3¹⁄₂-oz (100-g) bar good-quality dark chocolate
• 4 oz (125 ml) heavy cream

GARNISH

• ¹⁄₂ 3¹⁄₂-oz (100-g) bar two-tone Rosemarie chocolate

To make the base: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat egg whites with sugar for 5 minutes, until soft peaks form. Lower speed. Add yolks, pudding mix, salt, and flour and mix until well combined.

Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch (20x30- cm) baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 40 minutes or until set. Cool.

Cut or tear the cooled cake into small pieces and press down well on the bottom of 24 small parfait cups to form a thin base layer. Drizzle with coffee liqueur to taste. Set aside. (Alternatively, you can use a thin layer of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies pressed down on the bottom of each trifle cup. No baking necessary.)

To make the cream cheese layer: Beat together the heavy cream, milk, pudding mix, and vanilla sugar, if using. Add the sugar and cream cheese and mix until well combined. Pour mixture into a piping bag and pipe into cups, tapping them lightly so you have an even layer. Place in freezer until firm.

To make the ganache, melt together chocolate and heavy cream in the microwave until ganache is pourable. With a spoon, pour a little chocolate ganache over the cream cheese mixture in each cup, tilting slightly so the entire layer is covered.

For the garnish, use a vegetable peeler to peel the Rosemarie chocolate into curls. Place a few curls on top of the ganache in each cup. Return to freezer until serving. When ready to serve, leave at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.

Tip: When filling a piping bag for the parfaits, place it inside a glass, folding the edges over the sides of the glass. This keeps it stable and prevents spills. Cut a large enough hole in the bottom of the bag so you can pipe the cream cheese mixture easily.

(Originally featured in Family Table, Issue 693)