Chilled Caramel Custard Parfaits

Caramel custard owes its glossy depth to slowly melted sugar, a technique long loved in European desserts. These chilled American parfaits layer that silky base with whipped cream and crushed shortbread for cool, spoonable contrast.

Serves 4 · 30 min prep · 15 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 445 cal
• 7g protein
• 48g carbs
• 26g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp pinch of salt
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1/2 cup crushed shortbread cookies
• 1/4 cup extra caramel sauce for drizzle

Instructions

1. 1Make the caramel base by heating the granulated sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches a deep amber color, swirling occasionally, about 6 to 8 minutes.
2. 2Carefully whisk in the whole milk; the caramel will harden then melt. Keep over low heat, stirring until smooth, then add most of the heavy cream and bring just to a simmer.
3. 3In a bowl, whisk the cornstarch, egg yolks, remaining heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt into a smooth slurry.
4. 4Temper the slurry by ladling in a cup of the hot caramel milk while whisking. Pour everything back into the saucepan.
5. 5Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon and reaches a gentle bubble, 4 to 6 minutes. Do not boil hard.
6. 6Strain the custard into a clean bowl, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface, and chill completely in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until cold and set.
7. 7Whisk the chilled caramel custard briefly to loosen it to a spoonable consistency. Layer it into four parfait glasses alternating with crushed shortbread and dollops of whipped cream.
8. 8Finish each glass with a final swirl of caramel custard, a cloud of whipped cream, and a generous drizzle of extra caramel sauce so the bitter-sweet notes shine through every spoonful.
9. 9Serve immediately or keep chilled up to 4 hours; the contrast of silky custard, crunchy cookie, and cool cream makes these perfect for sharing.