The parfait in Jello is a layered dessert made by combining various ingredients like fruit, granola, yogurt, and of course, Jello. It makes for a quick, easy, and refreshing treat that can be customized in many different ways.
Ingredients in the Parfait
The basic ingredients that go into a parfait made with Jello include:
- Jello – This provides the colorful and flavorful gelatin base. Pre-made Jello or a homemade Jello made from a boxed gelatin mix can be used.
- Fruit – Fresh or canned fruits like strawberries, blueberries, peaches, mangoes, etc. are commonly used.
- Whipped cream or yogurt – This provides a creamy texture and flavor contrast. Greek yogurt is a popular choice.
- Granola or cereals – The crunch from granola, cereal, crushed cookies or nuts adds an interesting textural element.
- Milk/ice cream – For more richness, milk, cream or ice cream can be layered too.
Apart from the core ingredients, the possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing a Jello parfait. You can pick and choose ingredients based on your preferences and dietary needs.
Steps to Assemble the Parfait
Making a beautifully layered parfait with Jello is easy. Just follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the Jello first and let it set completely. You can use pre-made Jello from the store or make it from a boxed mix by whisking hot water into gelatin powder. Pour the liquid Jello into stemmed glasses or bowls. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
- Whip some cream or plain Greek yogurt to soft peaks. Keep refrigerated until ready to assemble.
- Cut up your choice of fresh fruits into bite-sized pieces. Berries, peaches, mango, kiwi work very well. You can also open a can of mandarin oranges, fruit cocktail or pineapple tidbits.
- Toast some nuts or break up crunchy granola if you want a textural element. Crushed cookies or baked cereal clusters also work.
- Start assembling the parfait by layering the ingredients in glasses. Start with fruits, add a dollop of whipped cream/yogurt, top with some granola, add more fruits and continue layering. Repeat until the glass is full.
- Top with any remaining whipped cream/yogurt, fruits and granola. Garnish with mint leaves or chocolate shavings if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. The parfait can be prepared 1 day in advance too.
Tips for the Perfect Parfait
Keep these tips in mind for fabulous looking and tasting Jello parfaits:
- Use contrasting colors of Jello and fruits for visual appeal. For example, orange Jello with blueberries.
- Cut the fruits into small, uniform pieces for even layers. Sliced bananas and strawberries work well.
- Keep the granola crunchy by adding just before serving. Else it can get soggy.
- Use whipped cream in moderation as it can make the parfait too heavy.
- Feel free to substitute lactose-free yogurt or dairy-free whipped topping for vegan/dairy-free versions.
- Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Top with fresh fruits before serving.
- Use tall glasses or jars to show off the beautiful layers. Long spoons make it easy to eat.
15 Tasty Parfait Flavor Combinations
You can create an endless variety of parfaits by switching up the ingredients used. Here are some delicious flavor combinations to try:
Jello Flavor | Fruits | Cream/Yogurt | Crunchy Toppings |
---|---|---|---|
Strawberry | Strawberries, kiwi | Whipped cream | Granola |
Orange | Mandarin oranges, mango | Vanilla yogurt | Toasted coconut |
Raspberry | Raspberries, blueberries | Raspberry yogurt | Sliced almonds |
Lime | Kiwi, grapes, honeydew | Whipped cream | Crushed graham crackers |
Cherry | Cherries, strawberries | Vanilla Greek yogurt | Chopped walnuts |
Peach | Peaches, raspberries | Whipped cream | Granola |
Pineapple | Pineapple tidbits, blueberries | Coconut yogurt | Toasted coconut |
Watermelon | Watermelon, blackberries | Whipped cream | Chopped pistachios |
Berry Blue | Blueberries, raspberries | Vanilla Greek yogurt | Granola |
Lemon | Blueberries, kiwi | Whipped cream | Crushed shortbread cookies |
Banana | Banana slices, strawberries | Vanilla Greek yogurt | Granola |
Vanilla | Peaches, plums, mandarin oranges | Whipped cream | Granola |
Cherry-Lime | Raspberries, grapefruit segments | Lime yogurt | Pistachios |
Mixed Berry | Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries | Vanilla Greek yogurt | Granola |
Margarita | Pineapple, strawberries | Whipped cream | Crushed graham crackers |
Making Parfaits for a Party
Jello parfaits make for great party treats because they can be prepped ahead in individual servings. For a large gathering, here are some tips:
- Make 2-3 different Jello flavors so guests can pick what they like.
- Prepare fruits, granola, whipped cream etc. in bulk beforehand.
- Assemble the parfaits in disposable cups or glasses up to 2 days before.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Set up a parfait bar with different toppings like sprinkles, chocolate sauce, etc.
- Have long spoons, napkins and cups/glasses ready for convenient self-serving.
- Keep refrigerated until serving time. Add fresh fruits on top just before.
- Consider mini parfaits in shot glasses for bite-sized portions.
With some advance prep, parfaits are sure to be a hit at any party, potluck or family gathering. The gelatin keeps them from getting messy, so they are fun and neat to eat!
Storing and Freezing Parfaits
Parfaits keep well in the refrigerator but the fruits will start to weep if stored too long. Here are some storage tips:
- Prepared parfaits stay fresh in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep covered.
- The crispiness of the granola topping starts diminishing after half a day. Add just before eating.
- Letting the assembled parfaits chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors come together.
- For longer storage, freeze parfaits without the fresh fruits and granola topping.
- They will thaw in the fridge within 6-8 hours and can be topped with fruits before serving.
- Granola gets soggy when frozen. Add just before eating or use a different crunchy topping.
- Avoid freezing parfaits with whipped cream or dairy-based yogurts. The texture suffers.
With some Planning, parfaits can be prepped in advance and stored properly for maximum enjoyment. Just allow them to thaw and top them with fresh crunchy granola when ready to serve.
Conclusion
The parfait in Jello is a fun twist on the classic that can be customized in endless ways. Layering sweet gelatin, luscious cream or yogurt, fresh fruits, and crunchy granola creates a treat that delights the eyes and tastebuds. It’s simple to make yet looks impressive enough for parties or potlucks. Just be mindful of how long they are stored and add the finishing touches of fruits and nuts right before eating or serving. With such ease and versatility, Jello parfaits are sure to become your new go-to dessert anytime you need to whip something up!