Creamy Chocolate Parfait (No Bake): A Decadent Dessert for Beginners
Craving a sweet and easy dessert? This Creamy Chocolate Parfait is the perfect treat! With layers of rich chocolate mousse, whipped cream, and crunchy Oreos, it’s a no-bake dessert that’s simple to make and sure to impress. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet snack, this parfait is an effortless way to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Oreo Crust Layer
- 25 Oreos (crushed into fine crumbs): The Oreo cookies form the base layer of the parfait, providing both texture and sweetness. You can crush them to fine crumbs for a smooth, uniform layer or leave them a bit chunkier for extra crunch.Substitution tip: If you’re not a fan of Oreos, graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies work great as a substitute. You could also try using gluten-free cookies for a gluten-free alternative.
Chocolate Mousse Layer
- 7 oz dark chocolate (melted): The dark chocolate provides the rich, deep flavor that forms the backbone of the mousse. You can opt for bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Substitution tip: If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, feel free to use milk chocolate or even white chocolate, though this will change the flavor profile slightly.
- ½ cup heavy cream: This is mixed with the melted chocolate to create a smooth, velvety base for your mousse. Substitution tip: You could use coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free dessert option.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (whipped): This creates the light, airy texture of the mousse.
- ¼ cup cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is the perfect addition to give the mousse a fuller chocolate flavor. Substitution tip: If you don’t have cocoa powder, melted chocolate can also work, though the mousse may be slightly thicker.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: The powdered sugar helps balance the richness of the chocolate and the cream.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a depth of flavor that enhances the chocolate mousse.
Whipped Cream Layer
- 1 ⅓ cups heavy cream (cold): Whipped to stiff peaks, this layer is what makes the parfait light and fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla adds an aromatic sweetness that complements both the chocolate mousse and the Oreo crust.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: The powdered sugar helps the whipped cream hold its structure and sweetness.
Instructions
1. Crush the Oreo Cookies
Start by crushing the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor for the smoothest crumbs, or you can place the cookies in a resealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them. Aim for a consistency that resembles fine sand. Set the crumbs aside to be used as the base of your parfait.
2. Make the Chocolate Mousse
Melt the dark chocolate and heavy cream together. Place the dark chocolate and ½ cup of heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them in 20-second intervals, stirring in between each interval until smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate and cream using the double boiler method on the stove. Once melted, let it cool for a few minutes. In a separate mixing bowl, whip 1 ½ cups of cold heavy cream, sift in the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and add the vanilla extract. Use an electric hand mixer to beat the mixture to stiff peaks. This will form the base for your mousse. Now, gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the whipped cream using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream. Once the two are well combined, set the mousse aside.
3. Make the Whipped Cream
In a separate bowl, whip 1 ⅓ cups of heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. The whipped cream should be light and airy. Don’t overwhip, as this could lead to graininess.
4. Assemble the Parfaits
To assemble, start by adding 1 tablespoon of crushed Oreos into each of your serving glasses. Use clear glass cups or mason jars for a beautiful presentation. Next, pipe a layer of the chocolate mousse on top of the Oreo crumbs. Then, add a layer of whipped cream. Repeat this process, adding more layers of Oreos, mousse, and whipped cream, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top. Sprinkle the remaining Oreo crumbs on top for decoration.
5. Chill the Parfaits
Once assembled, cover each parfait with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. The chill time allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld together. The parfaits will be ready to enjoy once chilled and firmed up.
Notes
- Chill Everything: Ensure that the heavy cream is cold for both the mousse and the whipped cream layers. Cold cream whips better and achieves a better texture.
- Don’t Rush the Layers: Allow each layer to set slightly before adding the next. This ensures that the layers don’t mix together and that each layer holds its own texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the melted chocolate into the whipped cream, mix gently to avoid deflating the mousse. The mousse should remain light and fluffy.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your taste preferences, you can adjust the amount of powdered sugar used in the mousse and whipped cream. If you prefer a less sweet parfait, you can reduce the sugar slightly.