Easy Ricotta Dream Parfait in 15 Minutes

This recipe for Easy Ricotta Dream Parfait in 15 Minutes features dark chocolate, fresh cherries and salted pistachios. If you’re looking for a fast, easy, less-sweet and elegant gluten free dessert or brunch item, look no further.

Variations on a theme

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For this recipe you can use either whole milk or part-skim ricotta. I’ve used either with equal success. I also make a chocolate and orange version of this Ricotta Dream Parfait that is reminiscent of my family’s recipe for cannoli filling. Simply substitute 1/2 tsp. of vanilla for the almond extract and add 1 tsp. of finely diced candied orange peel. One cup of fresh orange and/or blood orange supremes can be substituted for the layer of cherries.

If you like the flavor combination of orange and chocolate, you may be interested in trying my recipe for Cannoli Creme Crepe Cake that is brushed with Lillet Rosé – a fortified wine.

Ideas for serving

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Because this parfait is so rich and flavorful, it’s a dessert best served in small portions. If I’m having a party, I will sometimes, make a batch of each flavor and pipe them into shot-size serving glasses. Not only are they pretty to look at, but they’re fun, portable 2-3 bites of whipped goodness.

A word on preparing this dessert ahead of time

This recipe for Easy Ricotta Dream Parfait in 15 Minutes is best when prepared two hours ahead of the time you plan to serve. Ideally, the mixture needs a little time to chill down and set up in the refrigerator. However, it can be served immediately after preparing.

The parfaits are best consumed within 24 hours of being assembled. Because this is such a delicate desert, they will begin to break down after that. They will still taste delicious a couple days in, but they won’t be as pretty.

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Easy Ricotta Dream Parfait in 15 Minutes

Recipe by Maria Ostrander Course: DessertCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

A delightfully creamy ricotta parfait with dark chocolate, pistachios and fresh cherries.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped

• 1 cup whole milk or part-skim ricotta cheese

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1/4 tsp. almond extract

• 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup dark chocolate, chopped (or mini chocolate chips)

• 3 Tbsp. roasted & salted pistachios, roughly chopped

• 1 cup fresh cherries, washed, pitted and cut in half, plus six whole cherries for topping the dessert.

Directions

• Using a hand mixer, place the heavy cream in a small bowl and whip until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
• In a separate bowl, whip the ricotta, powdered sugar, almond extract and cinnamon until smooth.
• Fold the cream and chopped chocolate into the ricotta mixture by hand.
• Fill the cups halfway with the ricotta cream mixture. You can use either a spoon or piping bag for this step.
• Divide the cut cherries evenly between the six cups.
• Sprinkle 1 1/2 Tbsp. of pistachios over the top of the cherries. Reserve the other 1 1/2 Tbsp. for topping the parfaits.
• Top the parfaits with the remaining cream mixture.
• Top with a whole cherry and sprinkle the remaining pistachios on top.
• Chill for 2 hours before serving.

Notes

• For this recipe you can use either whole milk or part-skim ricotta.