A solid chocolate parfait doesn’t need much to be an outstanding dessert, but the right topping can push it from a nice dessert, to something that lingers on people’s minds way after the dessert is gone and the party's over, afterall, what are Indians if not all about their sweet nothings? You can always go for the regular crushed Oreos, nuts or cocoa powder dust, but how about something creative for a change that does not feel like you tried way too hard?Perhaps something crunchy, salt and maybe a little sweet, think salt, popcorn or toffee which will contrast well with the sweeter parfait layers. So, here are 3 topping ideas that are fun and easy to make.
Peanut butter and chocolate are a no-brainer combo, it's foolproof and stands out given how it is not that sweet, contrasting finely with the sweetness of the chilled parfait layers. This little detail pulls back the sweetness of the dessert, and brings in salt and fat to break up all that creaminess. For this, take a small bowl, mix in 2:1 ingredients of smooth peanut butter with heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Microwave for 10-15 seconds and stir again until it’s pourable but still thick. Drizzle it over the top layer just before serving. Why it works: This topping is a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the Silk chocolate parfait, with a creamy, salty hit that sticks to the roof of your mouth in the best way.
The trick here is to balance out the sweetness of the parfait with something that strikes a balance – meet toffee with sea salt, a classic but simple combination with a nice bite to it. The sweet toffee gives you that hard crunch, best would be if you crush it well, and paired with the sea salt, it sharpens every bite of mousse and whipped cream underneath of the Silk chocolate parfait. For this, grab good-quality toffee, and smash it into small bits using a pestle. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top of the parfait and finish with a generous layer of crushed toffee, right before serving. Why it works: The buttery caramel flavor of the toffee pairs well with the chocolate mousse, and the salt lifts everything, for it brings out the chocolate flavor, balances the sweetness of the cream, and adds just the right edge.
This one’s fast, no-fuss, and surprisingly good, for it is crunchy, salty, and sweet all in one bite. It also needs no baking and zero cooling racks. Just a quick stir of crushed popcorn with melted chocolate, and et voila you’re done! Here’s how to make it: In a bowl, mix ½ cup crushed popcorn, with 2 tablespoons melted dark chocolate and a pinch of sea salt. Mix to coat. Spread them out on parchment paper or or just a plate for 5-10 minutes until the chocolate firms up. Break into clusters and pile them on top of the parfait just before serving. You can also swap the popcorn with granola or muesli or even corn flakes. But popcorn is a tad unusual so we urge you to give this one a try.