Reese’s Cake Parfait: A Decadent Dessert Delight
Are you a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup fanatic? Do you crave layers of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter? Then prepare to be obsessed with this Reese’s Cake Parfait! This dessert is incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking and minimal effort. It’s the perfect treat for a weeknight indulgence, a party dessert that will wow your guests, or anytime you need a serious chocolate-peanut butter fix.
This parfait is a symphony of textures and flavors. We’re talking moist chocolate cake, luscious peanut butter mousse, creamy whipped topping, chopped Reese’s cups, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for good measure. Each spoonful is a burst of chocolatey, peanut buttery goodness that will leave you wanting more.
Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this irresistible Reese’s Cake Parfait!
## What Makes This Reese’s Cake Parfait So Good?
Before we get to the recipe, let’s talk about why this parfait is so incredibly delicious:
* **No-Bake:** That’s right, no oven required! This is a perfect dessert for warm weather or when you just don’t feel like baking.
* **Quick and Easy:** This parfait comes together in minutes. The most time-consuming part is assembling the layers, which is actually quite fun!
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences. Use different types of chocolate cake, add more or less peanut butter, or experiment with other toppings.
* **Show-Stopping Presentation:** The layered presentation of the parfait is visually stunning. It looks like you spent hours creating it, even though it only took minutes.
* **Intense Flavor:** The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a match made in heaven. The addition of Reese’s cups elevates the flavor to a whole new level.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this Reese’s Cake Parfait. Don’t worry; you likely have many of these items in your pantry already!
* **Chocolate Cake:** You can use store-bought chocolate cake (devil’s food cake works great), a boxed cake mix that you’ve baked, or even leftover chocolate cake from a previous dessert. The key is to have a moist and flavorful chocolate cake. About 8-10 cups crumbled or cubed.
* **Peanut Butter:** Creamy peanut butter is the best choice for the mousse. Avoid natural peanut butter that separates easily, as it can affect the texture of the mousse. One cup is needed for the mousse, plus extra for optional drizzle.
* **Cream Cheese:** Softened cream cheese is essential for creating a smooth and stable peanut butter mousse. Make sure it’s at room temperature before you start. Eight ounces, or one standard package.
* **Powdered Sugar:** Powdered sugar sweetens the peanut butter mousse and helps to create a light and airy texture. 1/2 cup is sufficient.
* **Heavy Cream:** Heavy cream is whipped to create both the whipped topping and to add richness to the peanut butter mousse. You’ll need about 2 cups total.
* **Vanilla Extract:** A touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of both the whipped topping and the peanut butter mousse. One teaspoon is enough.
* **Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups:** These are the star of the show! You’ll need about 10-12 Reese’s cups, chopped into bite-sized pieces. Save a few for garnish. More if you’re a super-fan!
* **Chocolate Syrup:** For drizzling over the parfaits. This is optional, but it adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
## Equipment You’ll Need
Fortunately, you don’t need any fancy equipment to make this parfait. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Mixing Bowls:** Several mixing bowls for preparing the mousse and whipped topping.
* **Electric Mixer:** A hand mixer or stand mixer is helpful for whipping the heavy cream and combining the ingredients for the mousse.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring of the ingredients.
* **Spatula:** For folding ingredients and scraping the bowls.
* **Parfait Glasses or Dessert Cups:** Choose clear glasses or cups to showcase the beautiful layers of the parfait. The size is up to you, but 8-12 ounce glasses are a good starting point.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping the Reese’s cups.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part: making the Reese’s Cake Parfait!
**Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake**
* If you’re using store-bought or leftover chocolate cake, crumble or cube it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
* If you’re baking a cake from a mix, follow the instructions on the box. Let the cake cool completely before crumbling or cubing it.
**Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Mousse**
* In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
* Add the peanut butter and powdered sugar to the cream cheese and beat until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and free of lumps. This takes another 2-3 minutes.
* In a separate mixing bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with the vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, or it will turn into butter.
* Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will deflate the whipped cream. The mousse should be light and airy.
**Step 3: Make the Whipped Topping**
* In a clean mixing bowl, whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream with a teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Again, be careful not to overwhip.
**Step 4: Assemble the Parfaits**
* Now comes the fun part! Grab your parfait glasses or dessert cups and get ready to layer.
* Start with a layer of crumbled chocolate cake at the bottom of each glass. About 1/2 to 1 cup, depending on the size of your glasses.
* Next, add a layer of peanut butter mousse, about 1/4 to 1/2 cup.
* Sprinkle a generous amount of chopped Reese’s cups over the mousse layer.
* Repeat the layers: chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse, and chopped Reese’s cups.
* Top each parfait with a dollop of whipped topping.
* Drizzle with chocolate syrup (optional).
* Garnish with extra chopped Reese’s cups.
**Step 5: Chill and Serve**
* For the best flavor and texture, chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the mousse to set up slightly.
* Serve cold and enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this Reese’s Cake Parfait to your liking:
* **Use Different Types of Cake:** Try using chocolate fudge cake, brownie bites, or even chocolate cheesecake for a different flavor profile.
* **Add Chocolate Pudding:** Layer in a layer of chocolate pudding for extra creaminess and chocolate flavor.
* **Substitute the Peanut Butter:** If you’re allergic to peanuts, you can use almond butter, sunflower seed butter (sunbutter), or cashew butter as a substitute. Just be aware that the flavor will be different.
* **Add a Salted Caramel Drizzle:** For a salty-sweet twist, drizzle salted caramel sauce over the parfaits.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use vegan chocolate cake, vegan cream cheese, vegan whipped cream, and vegan Reese’s cups (available at some health food stores) to make this dessert vegan-friendly.
* **Make Mini Parfaits:** Use smaller glasses or shot glasses to create mini parfaits for a party or gathering.
* **Add a Crunchy Element:** Sprinkle crushed pretzels or chopped peanuts on top for added texture.
* **Don’t Have Reese’s Cups?:** Use other chocolate peanut butter candies like Snickers or generic peanut butter cups.
* **Make Ahead:** The parfaits can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until ready to serve. However, the whipped cream may deflate slightly over time, so it’s best to add it just before serving.
## Serving Suggestions
This Reese’s Cake Parfait is perfect for any occasion. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Weeknight Dessert:** Treat yourself to a decadent dessert after a long day.
* **Party Dessert:** Impress your guests with this show-stopping parfait.
* **Holiday Dessert:** Add it to your holiday dessert spread for a chocolate-peanut butter delight.
* **Birthday Dessert:** A perfect alternative to cake for a Reese’s lover’s birthday.
* **Potluck Dessert:** This parfait is easy to transport and share at a potluck.
## How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover Reese’s Cake Parfait (which is unlikely!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cake may become slightly soggy over time, but it will still taste delicious.
## Recipe Card
**Reese’s Cake Parfait**
A decadent no-bake dessert featuring layers of chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse, whipped topping, and Reese’s cups.
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Chill Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 50 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8
**Ingredients:**
* 8-10 cups crumbled or cubed chocolate cake (store-bought, boxed, or leftover)
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup creamy peanut butter
* 1/2 cup powdered sugar
* 2 cups heavy cream, divided
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 10-12 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped, plus extra for garnish
* Chocolate syrup, for drizzling (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chocolate Cake:** Crumble or cube the chocolate cake into bite-sized pieces.
2. **Make the Peanut Butter Mousse:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the peanut butter and powdered sugar and beat until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with the vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until just combined.
3. **Make the Whipped Topping:** In a clean mixing bowl, whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream with the vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
4. **Assemble the Parfaits:** Layer the chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse, and chopped Reese’s cups in parfait glasses or dessert cups. Repeat the layers. Top with whipped topping, drizzle with chocolate syrup (optional), and garnish with extra Reese’s cups.
5. **Chill and Serve:** Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve cold and enjoy!
## Nutrition Information (per serving, estimate)
* Calories: 550-700
* Fat: 30-40g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 100-150mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-70g
* Sugar: 40-50g
* Protein: 10-15g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Conclusion
This Reese’s Cake Parfait is a dessert lover’s dream come true. It’s easy to make, customizable, and bursting with chocolate and peanut butter flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight treat or a show-stopping party dessert, this parfait is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this decadent delight!
Enjoy!