Why You’ll Love this Sweet Cherry Gianduia Parfait Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines rich flavors and a stunning presentation, you’ll absolutely love this Sweet Cherry Gianduia Parfait.
The layers of chocolate-hazelnut cream and sweet cherry filling create a delightful harmony that’s hard to resist. Each spoonful offers a perfect blend of smoothness and crunch, thanks to the toasted hazelnuts.
Plus, those delicate chocolate leaves add an elegant touch that impresses at any gathering. It’s not just about taste; it’s an experience that tantalizes your senses.
Trust me, once you try this parfait, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite!
Ingredients of Sweet Cherry Gianduia Parfait
When it comes to whipping up something delicious, the Sweet Cherry Gianduia Parfait is a showstopper. It’s got everything: the rich, creamy goodness of chocolate-hazelnut spread, the sweet-tart burst of cherry pie filling, and a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts for that perfect crunch.
Plus, let’s not forget those fancy chocolate leaves that make it look like you just stepped out of a gourmet kitchen. Trust me, your friends will think you’re a dessert wizard, and you won’t even have to let them in on how simple it really is.
So, let’s get into what you’ll need to make this delightful treat.
Here’s your shopping list for the Sweet Cherry Gianduia Parfait:
- 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 (21 ounce) can Lucky Leaf dark sweet cherry pie filling
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
- 1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
Now, while gathering these ingredients, keep in mind a couple of things. If you’re not a fan of cardamom, feel free to leave it out—cherry pie filling is already packed with flavor.
And when it comes to the hazelnuts, toasting them enhances their flavor and adds that delightful crunch we’re after. If you can’t find hazelnuts, almonds are a tasty alternative.
Finally, if you’re feeling a bit lazy (we’ve all been there), you can skip the chocolate leaves. Just grab a vegetable peeler and make some chocolate curls instead. They’ll look just as fancy and save you some time.
How to Make Sweet Cherry Gianduia Parfait
Making the Sweet Cherry Gianduia Parfait is like starting a delightful adventure in your kitchen—trust me, you’re going to feel like a culinary superstar. Let’s begin with the fun part: the chocolate leaves. Grab 2 ounces of semisweet chocolate and chop it up nice and small. You can pop it in a microwave-safe bowl and nuke it at 50% power for about 1 to 1.5 minutes, stirring a couple of times until it’s all melted and smooth.
Then, to get your fancy chocolate leaves, pour that melted chocolate into a small self-sealing plastic bag, seal it up, and snip off a tiny corner. Now, release your inner artist on a lined baking sheet with parchment paper. Squeeze out leaf shapes or go freeform—whatever floats your boat. Just don’t forget to chill those designs for about 15 minutes until they firm up.
While your chocolate leaves are chilling, it’s time to whip up some creamy goodness. In a medium bowl, mix together the 21 ounces of Lucky Leaf dark sweet cherry pie filling and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom. Set aside four cherries for garnish and get ready to make some whipped cream magic.
In a large chilled mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until soft peaks form. It’s like a cloud of sweetness. Now, take 1/4 cup of chocolate hazelnut spread and fold it into about 1/4 of the whipped cream. This is where things get rich and indulgent. Then, gently fold in the remaining whipped cream until it’s all combined—smooth and dreamy.
Now, for the assembly. Grab your parfait glasses or dessert dishes, and layer half of that luscious chocolate-hazelnut whipped cream at the bottom. Then, add half of the cherry filling mixture and sprinkle on half of the toasted, chopped hazelnuts.
Repeat those layers one more time for a double dose of deliciousness. Top it all off with the reserved whipped cream and place a cherry on each parfait. Finally, carefully peel those chocolate leaves off the parchment paper and place them atop your creations.
Voila! You’ve just made a dessert that looks like it came straight from a high-end restaurant, and you didn’t even break a sweat. Enjoy every bite, and don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect—sometimes the best desserts are the ones made with a little love and a dash of chaos.
Sweet Cherry Gianduia Parfait Substitutions & Variations
While I love the classic flavors of the Sweet Cherry Gianduia Parfait, experimenting with substitutions and variations can take this dessert to new heights.
For a twist, try swapping the dark sweet cherry pie filling for raspberry or strawberry preserves. If you’re not a fan of hazelnuts, pecans or almonds work beautifully, too.
You can also replace the chocolate-hazelnut spread with peanut butter for a different nutty flavor. To lighten it up, use Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream.
And for a dairy-free option, almond milk whipped cream can be a delightful substitute that still tastes amazing!
What to Serve with Sweet Cherry Gianduia Parfait
To elevate your Sweet Cherry Gianduia Parfait experience, consider pairing it with a revitalizing dessert wine or a rich espresso.
A fruity Moscato or a dark ruby port complements the chocolate and cherries beautifully, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them.
If you prefer coffee, a well-brewed espresso brings a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the parfait.
For a lighter touch, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh raspberries on the side.
These additions not only elevate the presentation but also provide a rejuvenating balance to each indulgent spoonful of the parfait.
Enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
Since I want to guarantee your Sweet Cherry Gianduia Parfait turns out perfectly, here are a few additional tips.
First, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream; it helps achieve better volume. If you’re short on time, skip the chocolate leaves and use chocolate curls instead.
To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream. When toasting hazelnuts, keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Finally, don’t hesitate to customize the layers with extra cherries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. Enjoy!