Description
Red Velvet Cake Parfaits offer a luxurious dessert experience with layers of rich cocoa-infused cake and silky cream cheese frosting. Southern charm meets elegant presentation in these individual glass treats that bring pure indulgence to your dessert table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (13.25 ounces / 375 grams) package red velvet cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
- ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) vegetable oil
Dairy Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounces / 225 grams) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
- ¾ cup (180 milliliters) sour cream
Sweetening and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (180 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 centimeters) baking pan by lightly coating with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, whole eggs, room temperature water, and vegetable oil. Utilize an electric mixer on low speed for 30-60 seconds, carefully scraping down the bowl’s sides.
- Continue mixing the cake batter for an additional 1-2 minutes until achieving a completely smooth, homogeneous texture without lumps.
- Transfer the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, ensuring consistent distribution.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without any wet batter clinging to it.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes approximately 60-90 minutes.
- For the cream cheese custard, combine softened cream cheese, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract in a clean mixing bowl. Beat the mixture on medium speed until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Incorporate sour cream into the custard, continuing to beat until well integrated.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating continuously until the custard reaches a thick, stable texture.
- Refrigerate the prepared custard until ready to assemble the parfaits.
- Once the cake has cooled entirely, carefully cut it into uniform 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) square pieces.
- Select clear wine glasses or a large trifle bowl for assembling the parfaits.
- Create layered parfaits by first placing 4-5 cake squares at the bottom of each glass, followed by 2-of chilled cream cheese custard.
- Repeat the layering process until all cake pieces and custard have been used, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
- Enhance the parfaits’ visual appeal by garnishing with additional red velvet cake crumbs, festive red sprinkles, or chocolate chips.
- Refrigerate the assembled parfaits until ready to serve, maintaining their structural integrity and cool temperature.
Notes
- Prep ahead by ensuring cream cheese is softened at room temperature for smooth, lump-free custard.
- Toast cake crumbs briefly for enhanced texture and deeper flavor profile before layering.
- Chill parfait glasses beforehand to keep dessert cold and maintain perfect custard consistency.
- Use clear glasses to showcase beautiful red and white layered presentation for stunning visual appeal.
- Store assembled parfaits in refrigerator up to 6 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Select full-fat dairy ingredients for richer, more decadent cream cheese custard texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 436 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg