Parfait is a word that’s used to describe two different types of desserts. The first kind is the original French parfait, made by boiling cream, sugar, eggs, and syrup together to create a purée with a custard-like texture. Then there’s the American version of parfait—a dessert made by using alternating layers of yogurt, granola, nuts, whipped cream, and sometimes liqueurs. No matter which version you decide to choose, be sure to enjoy a chocolate parfait on National Chocolate Parfait Day. This holiday falls on May 1st and is the perfect time to enjoy a chocolate version of either the French or the American parfait.

The History of Parfait

Parfait is a dessert whose name means “perfect” in French, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that this dish originated in France. It’s a dessert whose earliest recorded recipe dates back to the end of the 19th century. Traditional French parfaits are simple desserts made of boiled cream, eggs, and syrup, unlike their more elaborate American counterparts. At this time, it’s currently unknown when chocolate parfaits were invented, but we suspect that it was probably not long after the invention of parfait.

Delicious Facts About Parfait

Okay, we’ve gone over quite a few things about parfait in honor of National Chocolate Parfait Day, but rest assured, we’re not done yet. We’ve done quite a bit of research on parfaits, and we’d like to share some of the facts we’ve gleaned from the Internet with anyone and everyone reading about this holiday. Oh, and since this holiday celebrates chocolate parfait, we’ll also list some interesting facts about chocolate as well.

• French parfaits were usually served on a plate or in a bowl, while American parfait is served in a glass.
• Japanese parfait is made of ice cream, fruit, and some kind of flavoring.
• National Parfait Day falls on November 25th.
• American chocolate parfait is made using chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and a few other ingredients.
• French chocolate parfait is made using bittersweet chocolate, heavy cream, and other ingredients.
• Approximately 400 cacao beans are needed to make just one pound of chocolate.
• Approximately 70% of all cacao beans for chocolate come from West African farms.
• In West Africa, there are over 1.5 million cacao farms.
• Benjamin Franklin sold chocolate from his Philadelphia print shop in the 18th century.
• Although cacao trees live for over two centuries, they only produce cocoa beans for about 25 years.
• Cacao is the Spanish word for cocoa.

Observing National Chocolate Parfait Day

We don’t want people to become divided over this holiday, so we’re just going to say that it doesn’t matter whether you like American or French parfait; just take the time to observe this holiday. Both versions of chocolate parfait are perfect, so choose one and enjoy it on National Chocolate Parfait Day. But there is one thing that parfait lovers in both camps should do on this holiday: use the hashtag #ChocolateParfaitDay on their social media accounts.