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Halloween Candy Corn Parfaits

These layered parfaits feature vibrant colors and textures that mimic classic candy corn. They are assembled with a vanilla custard, airy whipped topping, and crunchy candy corn layers to create a visually appealing dessert with a balance of creamy and crispy textures.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups whole milk for custard
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream whipped into soft peaks
  • 1 cup candy corn for layering and topping
  • optional food coloring (orange, white, yellow) to enhance layers

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Parfait glasses or clear cups
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Small saucepan
  • Spoon or piping bag for layering

Method
 

  1. Pour the milk into a small saucepan and warm over medium heat until just steaming, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and flour until smooth and slightly pale—this helps the custard thicken evenly.
  3. Slowly ladle a few spoons of warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
  4. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove the custard from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and transfer it to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
  6. While the custard cools, whip the heavy cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form—this will add lightness to your parfaits.
  7. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled custard until well combined and smooth—this creates a creamy, airy custard base.
  8. Optional: tint portions of the custard with food coloring to match the layers—mix a few drops of orange, yellow, and white dye into separate bowls of the custard.
  9. Start layering your parfaits by spooning a base of custard into each glass, then add a handful of candy corn for crunch and color.
  10. Repeat the layers—custard, candy corn, and optional colorful custard—until the glass is filled, finishing with a topping of candy corn for a festive look.
  11. Chill the assembled parfaits in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the layers set slightly—serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped cookies or pretzels on top. To make it more visually striking, layer different colors of custard in the glass. These parfaits can be assembled a few hours ahead of serving and kept refrigerated.