Gingerbread Parfait with Chocolate Sauce

Name: Gingerbread Parfait with Chocolate Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 large egg; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; Whipped cream; Gingerbread cookies, crumbled

Highlighted under: Gourmet Baking Bliss

A delightful blend of spiced gingerbread layers and rich chocolate sauce, this parfait is a festive treat perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-04T22:01:51.198Z

This Gingerbread Parfait with Chocolate Sauce is a celebration of the holiday season, bringing together the warm spices of gingerbread and the indulgent richness of chocolate. Each layer of this parfait is a harmony of flavors and textures, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The warm spices of gingerbread create a cozy and festive flavor.
Rich chocolate sauce adds a decadent touch to every bite.
The layered presentation makes it a stunning dessert for any gathering.

      

The Perfect Holiday Dessert

Gingerbread parfaits perfectly capture the essence of the holiday season. With their warm spices and rich flavors, they evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia. This dessert is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for festive gatherings. The layers of gingerbread, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce create a delightful contrast that is sure to impress your guests.

What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice levels to suit your taste or even incorporate additional flavors such as orange zest or nutmeg. This adaptability ensures that your gingerbread parfaits will always be a hit, no matter the occasion.

An Easy Yet Impressive Recipe

One of the best aspects of this gingerbread parfait recipe is how simple it is to prepare. The ingredients are straightforward, and the steps are easy to follow, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. Plus, the use of common pantry ingredients means you won't have to make a special trip to the store.

While the gingerbread layers bake, you can whip up the chocolate sauce in just a few minutes. This means you can focus on assembling the parfaits, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the festivities with your friends and family.

Customizing Your Parfait

Feel free to get creative with your gingerbread parfait! You can add layers of seasonal fruits like poached pears or cranberries for a refreshing twist. Additionally, consider drizzling caramel sauce or adding a sprinkle of nuts for extra texture and flavor. These variations allow you to tailor the dessert to your tastes and make it uniquely yours.

For a special touch, garnish the parfaits with a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar. Not only does it elevate the presentation, but it also adds a pop of color that makes your dessert even more inviting.

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Layers

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg

For the Chocolate Sauce

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For Assembly

Whipped cream
Gingerbread cookies, crumbled

Gather all the ingredients before you start to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Instructions

Prepare the Gingerbread Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, molasses, and egg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch baking pan and bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Make the Chocolate Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter. Stir continuously until the chocolate is melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Assemble the Parfaits

Once the gingerbread has cooled, crumble it into pieces. In serving glasses, layer the gingerbread crumbles, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled, finishing with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crumbled gingerbread on top.

Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Storage Tips

To keep your gingerbread parfaits fresh, it's best to assemble them just before serving. If you need to prepare them ahead of time, store the gingerbread layers and chocolate sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The gingerbread can last for up to a week, while the chocolate sauce should be used within a few days for the best flavor.

If you have leftover parfaits, cover them with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Enjoy them within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture. However, be aware that the whipped cream may lose its fluffiness over time.

Serving Suggestions

Gingerbread parfaits make a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table. Serve them alongside other festive treats like peppermint bark or pumpkin pie for a delightful holiday spread. Pair your parfaits with a warm beverage such as spiced apple cider or hot chocolate to enhance the cozy, seasonal vibe.

Consider presenting the parfaits in individual jars or glasses for a charming touch. This not only makes serving easier but also adds to the visual appeal. Guests will love the personal touch of having their own portion, allowing them to savor every layer of this delicious dessert.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this parfait ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the gingerbread layers and chocolate sauce a day in advance. Assemble the parfaits just before serving.

→ Can I substitute the molasses?

You can use honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will be different from traditional gingerbread.

→ What can I use instead of whipped cream?

You can use a dairy-free whipped topping or yogurt as a lighter alternative.

→ How long will these parfaits last in the fridge?

The parfaits can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.