Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this festive and delicious layered parfait featuring vanilla pudding, lime gelatin, whipped cream, and crunchy graham crackers or granola. Garnished with green candies and chocolate shavings, this no-bake dessert is easy to assemble and perfect for serving 4-6 guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)
- 1-2 cups whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 package lime gelatin (to create the green layer)
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers or granola (for crunch)
Optional Garnish
- 1 cup green candy or M&M’s
- 1/4 cup chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Gelatin and Pudding Mixture: In a medium bowl, prepare the lime gelatin according to the package instructions. Once set, mix the gelatin with the vanilla pudding until well combined to create a light green, creamy layer.
- Make Whipped Cream (if homemade): If using homemade whipped cream, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Then fold 1 cup of the whipped cream into the gelatin-pudding mixture to make it lighter and fluffier.
- Layer the Parfaits: Using clear glasses or cups, start by adding a layer of the lime pudding mixture, followed by a layer of whipped cream. Repeat layering until the glass is filled, ending with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Add Crunchy Layers: Sprinkle a layer of crushed graham crackers or granola between the layers for added texture and crunch.
- Garnish the Parfaits: Top each parfait with green candies such as M&M’s or green sprinkles, and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips to add a festive and colorful touch.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled parfaits for at least 30 minutes to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- The lime gelatin adds a festive green color and a citrus flavor that complements the creamy pudding.
- You can use store-bought whipped cream for convenience or make your own homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- To make the dessert vegan or dairy-free, substitute pudding and whipped cream with plant-based alternatives and ensure the gelatin is replaced with a vegan gelatin substitute like agar agar.
- The crushed graham crackers or granola can be adjusted based on dietary preferences or availability—consider gluten-free options if needed.
- For enhanced presentation, use clear glasses or cups to showcase the colorful layers.
