The Peanut Buster Parfait ice cream dessert is a fusion of crunchy peanuts, hot fudge or chocolate sauce, and creamy vanilla soft-serve ice cream that tantalizes the taste buds. This dessert recipe for ice cream lovers is a joy to prepare and an even greater delight to devour.
Although ice cream is typically a summertime dessert, with rich fudge and crunchy peanuts, this is a dessert that is perfect all year long. Serve this ice cream parfait alone with this ding-dong cake or next to this turtle pie recipe.
Inspired to try a few more recipes using loads of peanuts or even peanut butter? You could try making Easy Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe which is a delicious and simple cookie recipe. Or for a different type of snack, make some Energy Bites: Chocolate + Peanut Butter, No Bake Recipe which are ideal for long days.
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It uses a few simple ingredients: With only 3 ingredients, you don’t need anything complicated to make this dessert.
- Use what you have: Because it is so simple, you can also easily change the ingredients to get different variations.
- Ready in only 5 minutes: Talk about a quick dessert option! The recipe takes only a few minutes to put together and even if you heat the fudge, that only adds another 5-10 minutes to it.
Ingredients Needed
I’ve highlighted a couple of ingredients with some relevant notes. Aside from this, the ingredients needed are pretty basic.
- Ice cream – We went for vanilla ice cream for this recipe as it works perfectly as the base for the other ingredients.
- Fudge – Hot fudge is best as this melts into the ice cream and is delicious. Use any type of rich fudge sauce you like and you can add it cold if you prefer.
- Peanuts – Salted peanuts are the favorite for this in our house but you can use plain ones if you want to cut back on the salt. Use your leftover peanuts to make this old-fashioned peanut brittle!
The ingredients are similar to turtle recipes, like these easy turtle cookies and this easy turtle pie!
Substitutions
Sometimes substitutions are necessary because of ingredients that are unavailable or needed for dietary restrictions. Here are some suggestions that can help:
- Ice Cream: For a healthier alternative, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free ice cream made from almond milk or coconut milk. For those with dietary restrictions, lactose-free ice cream is also an option. You can also choose different flavors such as vanilla bean ice cream or chocolate ice cream.
- Hot Fudge: A homemade chocolate ganache can replace the hot fudge, or you can use a sugar-free chocolate syrup for a lower-calorie option. Vegan dark chocolate can also be used for those following a vegan diet.
- Peanuts: If you’re allergic to peanuts, try substituting them with almond slivers or crushed pecans. For a nut-free version, you can use pretzel pieces or granola for that needed crunch.
Variations
- Berry Delight: Swap out the fudge and peanuts for a handful of mixed berries and a drizzle of honey. The tartness of the berries and the sweetness of the honey with layers of creamy vanilla create a refreshing flavor profile.
- Tropical Twist: For a summer-inspired variation, replace the peanuts with toasted coconut flakes and add a spoonful of pineapple chunks. Drizzle with a touch of caramel sauce for a tropical paradise in a bowl.
- Coffee Crunch: For all the coffee lovers, infuse your vanilla ice cream with a shot of espresso and replace the peanuts with chocolate-covered espresso beans for a delightful crunch and a caffeine kick.
How to Make Peanut Buster Parfait
*Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!*
STEP 1: Heat the fudge. Heat the fudge in a small saucepan until it gently bubbles. Don’t overcook it or it will burn.
STEP 2: Dish out the ice cream. Put scoops of ice cream into small bowls (how many depends on your preference!) (Image 1)
STEP 3: Add the fudge. Pour over tons of rich hot fudge sauce. (Image 2)
STEP 4: Add the peanuts. Top with chopped peanuts and serve. (Image 3)
Recipe Pro Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients: Because this recipe is so straightforward, the taste of each ingredient really shines through. So, opt for premium ice cream, fresh peanuts, and high-quality hot fudge for the best results.
- Chill your serving dishes: The best tip if you want your ice cream to stay cold for longer, consider chilling your serving dishes in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before assembling the parfaits.
- Mix and match: Feel free to get creative and mix and match the flavors. You could use a different flavor of ice cream, such as chocolate or strawberry, or try a variety of toppings like caramel sauce, whipped cream, or cherry on top.
- Serve immediately: This dessert is best enjoyed immediately after it’s made. The contrast between the hot fudge and cold ice cream is part of what makes this dessert so delightful.
- Add a cherry on top: For an extra special touch, top each parfait with a cherry. It adds a pop of color and a sweet finish to the dessert.
- Sundae: You can also use a tall sundae dish and use a layer of fudge sauce alternating with a ice cream layer and peanuts on a special occasion or birthday celebrations.
Recipe FAQs
If you don’t have hot fudge on hand, you can make a quick and easy substitute at home by melting chocolate chips with a little bit of cream. Chocolate syrup can also work in a pinch, though it may not have quite the same rich flavor.
Absolutely! While the traditional version uses peanuts, you can definitely substitute with other nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts. Just be sure to chop them up for the best texture.
Yes, you can make a vegan version by using dairy-free ice cream, vegan hot fudge, and ensuring your peanuts are not coated in any dairy products.
To reduce the sugar, you can use sugar-free ice cream and a low-sugar hot fudge sauce. Be mindful that altering the ingredients can affect the final taste and texture of the dessert.
What to Serve with Peanut Buster Parfait
The Peanut Buster Parfait is a rich and indulgent dessert that can stand alone as the star of the show. However, if you’re looking to create a more comprehensive dessert experience, consider pairing it with other treats. A slice of warm apple pie or a soft, gooey brownie could provide a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
For a lighter option, you might serve it alongside a plate of freshly cut fruits like strawberries or mangoes which can help cleanse the palate.
Storage
Storing leftover Peanut Buster Parfait can be a bit tricky due to its mixed-temperature components, but it’s not impossible. The key is to disassemble it – and not to worry if a little fudge ends up in the ice cream!
Place any leftover ice cream back in its container and return it to the freezer. Store the leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also store your leftover peanuts in an airtight container at room temperature.
When you’re ready to have it again, simply reassemble and enjoy. Remember, however, that this dessert is best enjoyed fresh.
More Ice Cream Recipes You’ll Love
It’s the height of summer and there’s no reason to stop here with the parfait royal treat! Another great idea is Cookies and Cream Milkshake which is a refreshing and easy-to-make drink for a hot day. Or go for another delicious treat, a traditional idea with an Ice Cream Sandwich Cake that works perfectly to cool everyone down.
Did you make this? I’d be so grateful if you left a “star” rating below to let me know what you thought! Then, the next time you need a quick and easy recipe, come back to Fantabulosity to browse all of my easy recipes!
Recipe
Peanut Buster Parfait
Ingredients
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- 2 Tablespoons salted peanuts
- 2 Tablespoons hot fudge
Instructions
- Place one scoop of vanilla ice cream in a parfait glass or bowl.
- Heat up hot fudge and pour over vanilla ice cream.
- Top with peanuts and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Comments
No Comments