Black Forest Parfait II

Black Forest Parfait II Recipe from Germany

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

The Black Forest Parfait II is a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries in a layered masterpiece. This recipe is a lighter version of the traditional Black Forest cake, making it a perfect choice for those who are looking for a dessert that is both delicious and not overly indulgent. The combination of creamy chocolate pudding, tart cherries, and smooth cream cheese creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is sure to impress.

History

The Black Forest Parfait II is inspired by the classic Black Forest cake, which originates from the Black Forest region of Germany. The traditional cake is known for its layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and cherries, often flavored with Kirsch, a cherry brandy. This parfait version simplifies the dessert into a no-bake, easy-to-assemble treat that pays homage to the original flavors while offering a modern twist.

Ingredients

3 oz (85 g) of neufchatel cream cheese
2 cups of skim milk, cold
3 oz (85 g) of a package of sugar-free instant chocolate pudding
1 tbsp of cornstarch
0.33 cup of cherry juice
1 can of red sour pitted cherries
1 lb of water packed
6 packets of equal sweetener

How to prepare

Blend 0.25 cup of skim milk with cream cheese using an electric mixer on low speed until smooth.
Add the remaining milk and pudding mix. Mix for 1 or 2 minutes until smooth.
Dissolve cornstarch in cherry juice.
Add the dissolved cornstarch to the cherries and cook until it boils for 1 minute.
Remove from heat and stir in equal.
Spoon the pudding and cherries alternately into parfait dishes, ending with pudding.
Garnish with 2 cherries.
Nutrients per serving:
Calories: 116
Fat: 3.5 g
Cholesterol: 14 mg
Carbohydrate: 16 g
Sodium: 304 mg
Exchanges:
Bread: 0.5
Milk: 0.5
Fruit: 0.5
Fat

Variations

For a twist on the classic, try using raspberries or strawberries in place of cherries. For those who prefer a boozy kick, a splash of Kirsch or cherry liqueur in the cherry layer can add depth to the flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the parfait layers are distinct and visually appealing, carefully spoon each layer into the dishes and gently smooth the surface before adding the next layer. For a smoother cream cheese mixture, allow the cream cheese to reach room temperature before blending. If the cherry mixture is too liquid, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the parfaits chilled, ideally after refrigerating for at least an hour to allow the layers to set. Garnishing with fresh cherries or a sprinkle of grated chocolate can enhance the presentation and add a touch of elegance.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe involves no cooking, except for the brief boiling of the cherry mixture to thicken it. The key technique is layering the ingredients smoothly to create a visually appealing dessert.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're unable to find cherry juice, cranberry juice makes a good substitute. For a dairy-free version, almond milk and dairy-free cream cheese can be used in place of their dairy counterparts.

Make Ahead Tips

The Black Forest Parfait II can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This makes it an excellent choice for entertaining or preparing a dessert ahead of time.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, serve the parfaits in clear glasses to showcase the layers. A mint leaf or a dusting of cocoa powder on top can add a professional touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or espresso, which complements the chocolate flavor. For a wine pairing, a sweet dessert wine or a cherry-flavored liqueur can enhance the cherry notes in the parfait.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

The Black Forest Parfait II should be stored in the refrigerator and is best enjoyed within 2 days of preparation. As this dessert does not require reheating, simply remove from the refrigerator and serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this delightful parfait contains approximately 116 calories, making it a lower-calorie option for those seeking a sweet treat without overindulging.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Black Forest Parfait II contains approximately 16 grams of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates primarily come from the cherry juice, cherries, and chocolate pudding. Opting for sugar-free pudding and using a sweetener can help reduce the carbohydrate content for those monitoring their intake.

Fats

This dessert contains 3.5 grams of fat per serving, which is relatively low for a dessert. The fats are mainly sourced from the cream cheese. Using a low-fat or fat-free cream cheese can further reduce the fat content without significantly affecting the taste or texture of the parfait.

Proteins

The Black Forest Parfait II provides a modest amount of protein, primarily from the skim milk and cream cheese used in the recipe. Each serving contains about 4 grams of protein, making it a dessert that can contribute to your daily protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert offers some vitamins and minerals, particularly from the cherries and milk. Cherries are a good source of vitamin C and potassium, while milk provides calcium and vitamin D. However, the amounts per serving are relatively small, so this dessert should not be relied upon as a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

The main allergens present in this recipe are dairy (cream cheese and milk) and potentially gluten, depending on the brand of chocolate pudding used. Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should exercise caution.

Summary

Overall, the Black Forest Parfait II is a relatively low-calorie dessert with moderate amounts of carbohydrates and fats, and a small contribution to daily protein intake. It offers minimal vitamins and minerals and contains common allergens such as dairy.

Summary

The Black Forest Parfait II is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that combines the classic flavors of chocolate and cherries in a lighter, parfait form. With its elegant presentation and delicious taste, it's sure to be a hit for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Black Forest Parfait II. It was a warm summer day, and I had invited my good friend Margaret over for lunch. Margaret was known for her exquisite taste in desserts, and I wanted to impress her with something special.

I had been flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother when I stumbled upon the recipe. The combination of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and creamy whipped cream sounded absolutely divine. I knew that I had to give it a try.

As I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, memories flooded back to me of all the different recipes I had learned over the years. Some came from cookbooks, others from friends or family members, and some I had picked up during my travels around the world.

One particular memory stood out to me as I prepared the Black Forest Parfait II. It was from my time living in Germany, where I had learned the art of making traditional Black Forest cake. The rich layers of chocolate cake, cherries, and whipped cream were a staple in German bakeries, and I had spent many afternoons perfecting my own version.

As the parfait began to take shape before me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in all the recipes I had learned and mastered over the years. Each one held a special place in my heart, a connection to a different time or place in my life.

Once the parfait was assembled and chilled in the refrigerator, I set the table for lunch with Margaret. As she took her first bite of the dessert, her eyes lit up with delight. She raved about the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and I couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

As we sat together enjoying our meal, Margaret asked me where I had learned to make such a delicious dessert. I chuckled and began to recount the story of how I had discovered the recipe for Black Forest Parfait II.

I told her about the old cookbook that had been passed down to me, and how I had stumbled upon the recipe by chance. I shared with her the memories of my time in Germany and how I had learned to make Black Forest cake from scratch.

Margaret listened intently, hanging on every word as I recounted the different recipes I had learned over the years. She marveled at the variety of flavors and techniques I had mastered, and I could see the admiration in her eyes.

As we finished our meal, Margaret asked if I would be willing to share the recipe for Black Forest Parfait II with her. I happily agreed, knowing that the tradition of passing down recipes was a special way to share a piece of ourselves with others.

And so, as I sat with Margaret in my kitchen, I began to write out the recipe for Black Forest Parfait II. I included detailed instructions and tips that I had learned through trial and error, ensuring that she would be able to recreate the dessert with ease.

As I handed her the recipe card, Margaret thanked me profusely and promised to try it out for herself. I knew that she would enjoy making the dessert as much as I had, and that it would become a cherished recipe in her own collection.

And as I watched Margaret leave my home that day, a sense of fulfillment washed over me. The joy of sharing my love for cooking and recipes with others was a gift that continued to bring me happiness and satisfaction.

As I cleaned up the kitchen and put away the cookbook, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for all the recipes I had learned over the years. Each one held a special memory or connection, a thread that wove together the tapestry of my life.

And as I settled down for the evening, I knew that the recipe for Black Forest Parfait II would always hold a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of the joy and passion that cooking brought into my life, and the connections it helped me forge with friends and loved ones.

As I drifted off to sleep that night, I smiled to myself, knowing that the tradition of sharing recipes and stories would continue on for generations to come. And as long as there were delicious desserts to be made and memories to be shared, I would continue to pass down the recipes that had brought me so much joy and fulfillment over the years.