parfait

American  

[pahr-fey] / pɑrˈfeɪ /

noun

1. a dessert of ice cream and fruit or ice cream and syrup in alternate layers, often topped with whipped cream and served in a tall, narrow, short-stemmed glass.

2. any frozen dessert in which fruit, nuts, etc., have been folded into whipped cream or egg custard.

---

parfait British  

/ pɑːˈfeɪ /

noun

1. a rich frozen dessert made from eggs and cream with ice cream, fruit, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of parfait

1890–95; < French: literally, perfect < Latin perfectus. See perfect

Explanation

A parfait is a sweet dessert made of layered ingredients in a tall glass. If you order a parfait at your favorite ice cream shop, it may have layers of ice cream, fruit sauce, and whipped cream. Yum! The parfait originated in France around 1890, where it was conceived as a frozen custard made by boiling eggs, sugar, and cream. In French, the word appropriately means "perfect." Over the years since, the parfait has been reimagined as a layered dessert served in a clear glass. Ingredients usually include ice cream or whipped cream, although healthier versions might feature yogurt, granola, and fruit. Tasty, sure — but is it perfect?

Example Sentences

It’s a parfait that knows how to hold two ideas at once.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

Here’s Pugh, playing celebrated chef Almut Brühl, gathering ingredients for a Douglas fir parfait, an iffy creation that signals her daring brilliance.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2024

Add pumpkin seeds and pumpkin butter for an autumnal parfait.

From Salon • Sep. 16, 2022

Certainly his new novel, “The Kingdoms of Savannah,” doesn’t read as sweaty or overworked: It’s layered, but like a parfait goes down sweet, chilled and easy.

From New York Times • Jul. 20, 2022

Her dress was a cream-colored parfait of flounces and bows, but her expression, so gay and animated a moment before, was now furious and tight-lipped.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood