Description of this recipe
The Peach Crisp Pudding Parfait is a delightful dessert that perfectly marries the comforting warmth of a classic fruit crisp with the cool, creamy indulgence of a pudding parfait. Imagine layers of sweet, juicy peaches, tender Nilla wafers, a luscious vanilla pudding infused with whipped cream, and a buttery, cinnamon-spiced oat crumble – all harmonizing in a single, irresistible bite. This recipe is not just a dessert; it’s an experience, a celebration of summer’s bounty, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Why you will love this recipe
This Peach Crisp Pudding Parfait is destined to become a favorite for numerous reasons:
- Effortless Elegance: Despite its sophisticated presentation and complex flavors, this parfait is surprisingly easy to assemble. It’s perfect for both experienced bakers and kitchen novices. The individual components can even be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for parties or busy weeknights.
- Texture and Flavor Harmony: The combination of textures and flavors is simply divine. The soft, yielding peaches contrast beautifully with the crisp oat crumble, while the creamy pudding provides a smooth, velvety base. The sweetness of the peaches and pudding is balanced by the warm spices in the crumble, creating a truly harmonious and satisfying dessert.
- Customizable and Versatile: This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. Feel free to experiment with different fruits, such as berries, nectarines, or plums, depending on the season and your preferences. You can also substitute different types of cookies for the Nilla wafers, or add a touch of citrus zest to the pudding for extra zing. The possibilities are endless!
- A Year-Round Treat: While peaches are at their peak in the summer, this parfait can be enjoyed year-round by using frozen peaches. Simply thaw them before using, and adjust the sweetness as needed. This makes it a perfect dessert for any time of year, bringing a taste of summer to even the coldest winter days.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a potluck, or a simple family gathering, this Peach Crisp Pudding Parfait is the perfect dessert to share. Its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor will impress your guests, and its easy preparation will keep you stress-free in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 6 large ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 ½ cups cold water
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 box Nilla wafers
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup quick oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, cold water, and instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 minutes, or until the pudding mixture has thickened slightly. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency and preventing the parfait from becoming too runny.
Step 2: Whip the Cream: While the pudding mixture is chilling, prepare the whipped cream. In a separate, chilled bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a hand mixer), whip the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as it can turn grainy. Stiff peaks are formed when you lift the beaters from the cream, and the peaks stand straight up without collapsing.
Step 3: Combine Pudding and Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until fully incorporated. Use a light hand to avoid deflating the whipped cream. The goal is to create a light and airy pudding mixture that is both creamy and fluffy. The folding technique involves gently cutting down through the center of the mixture with a spatula, then lifting the mixture from the bottom and folding it over the top. Repeat this process until the cream and pudding are evenly combined.
Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized bowl, combine the quick oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. Add the melted butter to the bowl and stir until the mixture is crumbly. Use your fingers to break up any large clumps and ensure that the butter is evenly incorporated.
Step 5: Bake the Crumble Topping: Spread the crumble mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents the crumble from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup easier. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the crumble topping is golden brown and fragrant. Watch it carefully to prevent it from burning. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crumble topping cool completely before assembling the parfaits.
Step 6: Assemble the Parfaits: Once all the components are prepared, it’s time to assemble the Peach Crisp Pudding Parfaits. You can use a large trifle dish for a show-stopping presentation, or individual cups or glasses for individual servings. Begin by layering the Nilla wafers at the bottom of the dish or cups. Top with a layer of sliced peaches, followed by a layer of the pudding mixture, and then a layer of the cooled crumble topping. Repeat these layers as desired, ending with a final layer of crumble topping and a few peach slices on top for garnish.
Step 7: Chill and Serve: Cover the assembled parfaits with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the Nilla wafers to soften slightly, creating a more cohesive and delicious dessert.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Peach Crisp Pudding Parfait chilled as a refreshing dessert on a warm day.
- Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
- Serve with a glass of sweet wine or a cup of coffee for a perfect after-dinner treat.
- For a festive touch, add a sprig of mint or a few edible flowers as a garnish.
Tips:
- Use ripe, but firm peaches for the best flavor and texture. If your peaches are too soft, they will become mushy when layered in the parfait.
- If you don’t have Nilla wafers, you can substitute other types of cookies, such as shortbread cookies or graham crackers.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend in the crumble topping.
- To prevent the crumble topping from becoming soggy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to use.
- If you’re making the parfaits ahead of time, wait to add the crumble topping until just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
10-12 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
Calories:
Approximately 450 per serving
Protein:
Approximately 6 grams per serving
Sodium:
Approximately 150mg per serving
Conclusion
The Peach Crisp Pudding Parfait is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of summer flavors and a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for a special occasion or a comforting treat to enjoy on a quiet evening, this recipe is sure to deliver. With its layers of sweet peaches, creamy pudding, and crunchy crumble topping, it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a dessert that will delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family.
Questions and Answers about this recipe
Q1: Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh peaches?
A: While fresh peaches are ideal for this recipe, you can certainly use canned peaches if fresh peaches are not available or in season. Be sure to drain the canned peaches well and pat them dry before using them in the parfait. You may also want to reduce the amount of sugar in the crumble topping, as canned peaches are often packed in syrup and may be sweeter than fresh peaches.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, this recipe is even better when made ahead of time, as it allows the flavors to meld together and the Nilla wafers to soften slightly. You can assemble the parfaits up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. However, it’s best to add the crumble topping just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Q3: Can I substitute the vanilla pudding mix with another flavor?
A: Yes, you can definitely experiment with different pudding flavors to customize this recipe to your liking. Butterscotch pudding, cheesecake pudding, or even white chocolate pudding would all be delicious options. Just be sure to choose a flavor that complements the peaches and other ingredients in the parfait.
Q4: Can I add nuts to the crumble topping?
A: Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts to the crumble topping is a great way to add extra flavor and texture. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds would all be delicious choices. Simply add about ½ cup of chopped nuts to the dry ingredients before adding the melted butter.
Q5: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: There are several ways to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing flavor. You can use a sugar-free pudding mix, substitute Greek yogurt for some of the heavy cream, and use whole wheat flour or oat flour in the crumble topping. You can also reduce the amount of butter and sugar in the crumble topping, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
