Vanilla Dream Parfait

“Spring time is one of my favorite seasons! I love the warmer temperatures along with all the greens and plants starting to sprout again! Although the weather is not quite ready for a frozen treat just yet, I long for something cold and sweet for dessert after meals. And this Vanilla Dream Parfait is the perfect answer!

This Vanilla Dream Parfait is quite similar to a tiramisu, which is an Italian layered dessert with espresso dipped lady fingers, topped with mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder. The structure of this dessert is similar, except that this is a vanilla/white chocolate version of the infamous Italian classic.

If you love vanilla, this dessert truly is your dream comes true. In this recipe, I used Singing Dog Vanilla’s Organic Vanilla Bean Paste in the dipping liquid, their Organic Vanilla Extract in the mascarpone cream, along with Singing Dog Vanilla’s Organic Vanilla Bean Grinder in between the layers, and topped with their aromatic Vanilla Salt for a contrast of flavor and texture!”

Serves

4 (4 oz.) Cups

Equipment

Hand-held mixer

Measuring Cups

Measuring spoons

Mixing bowl(s)

Ingredients

6 tbsp milk

¼ cup white chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla bean paste

1/8 tsp vanilla salt 

12 pieces of ladyfingers

4 ounces mascarpone cheese

½ cup heavy cream 

1 tsp vanilla extract

¼ cup powdered sugar

Vanilla salt for garnish 

Ground vanilla for garnish 

Instructions

1. To Prepare the Soaking Liquid:

In a microwave safe bowl, heat the milk and chocolate chips in 20 second intervals until chocolate is melted. Stir between each interval.

1. When the chocolate chips are completely melted, stir in Vanilla Bean Paste and Vanilla Salt. Transfer the mixture to a shallow plate and set aside.
2. To Prepare the Vanilla Cream:

In a medium mixing bowl, add the mascarpone, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Beat with a hand-held mixer until stiff peak forms. (With this small quantity, a hand-held mixer works best).

1. To Assemble the Parfait:

Prepare 4 (4 oz.) serving glasses. Cut ladyfingers into smaller chunks that will fit onto the bottom of your glasses.

1. Dip the ladyfingers quickly in the soaking liquid, about 1 second on each side. Place lady fingers at the bottom of your glasses.

1. Top ladyfingers with 2 tablespoons of vanilla cream mixture. Spread the cream evenly with the back of a spoon.
2. Top the cream with a few grinds of Vanilla Bean using the Singing Dog Vanilla Bean Grinder.
3. Dip another layer of ladyfingers in the soaking liquid and place on top of the cream. When the surface of the cream is completely covered, top the glasses with more vanilla cream mixture until it reaches the edges of the glasses. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

1. When ready to serve, sprinkle vanilla salt on top, garnish with fresh strawberries and a piece of Roule- cookie if desired.
2. Enjoy!