Popular Ice Cream Desserts

Appears in
Professional Baking

By Wayne Gisslen

Published 2008

  • About

Parfaits are made by alternating layers of ice cream and fruit or syrup in tall, narrow glasses. They are usually named after the syrup or topping. For example, a chocolate parfait has three scoops of vanilla or chocolate ice cream alternating with layers of chocolate syrup and topped with whipped cream and shaved chocolate. (This is the most common meaning of the term parfait in North America. for the original parfait.)

Sundaes or coupes consist of one or two scoops of ice cream or sherbet placed in a dish or glass and topped with any of a number of syrups, fruits, toppings, and garnishes. They are quick to prepare, unlimited in variety, and as simple or as elegant as you wish—served in an ordinary soda fountain glass or in a silver cup or crystal champagne glass.