National Chocolate Parfait Day is celebrated on May 1. Dating back to 1894, this is served as one of the most “perfect” desserts in the U.S. as well as around the world. Jump in to find out more about chocolate parfait.
History of National Chocolate Parfait Day
Parfait is a frozen dessert that is made from a base of egg, sugar syrup, and cream. The traditional French parfait is made using the above ingredients. In the U.S., chocolate parfait is made of ice cream layered with flavored syrup (chocolate, in this case) or fruit along with whipped cream and liqueurs. People often top it with nuts and more whipped cream, and even maraschino cherries. Many also make use of yogurt layered with fresh fruits and nuts. The word ‘parfait’ is a French word originating from the Latin word ‘perfectus’, translating to ‘perfect’ in English. It refers to the layering that is involved in the dessert, which can be a combination of different ice creams, syrups, and fruits.
Chocolate parfaits, and other parfaits, are usually served in a tall, narrow container (parfait glasses) along with a long spoon to reach the chocolate sauce that waits at the bottom. The fact that you can enjoy the syrup right at the end is what differentiates it from a sundae, where the syrup is only on top.
The oldest recipe associated with parfait dates back to a French cookbook in 1869. This was a coffee-flavored frozen dessert made in tall and thin molds of ice cream. Although the name of the day is Chocolate Parfait Day, you are most welcome to experiment with any other flavor of your choice. Cream and fruits both go well with chocolate along with cookie bits and pretzels. The options are endless.
National Chocolate Parfait Day timeline
One of the earliest Latin-American civilizations, the Olmec, become the first to turn cacao plants into chocolate.
The Aztecs start using cocoa as a currency and to make a refreshing drink.
Explorer Hernán Cortés brings chocolate, given to him by the Aztec emperor, to Spain.
Anne of Austria brings chocolate to the royal courts of France to celebrate her marriage with French King Louis XIII.
Dutch chemist and chocolate maker Coenraad Johannes Van Houten invents the chocolate press.
National Chocolate Parfait Day FAQs
What does the word ‘parfait’ mean?
The word ‘parfait’ is French for ‘perfect’ from Latin ‘perfectus’. Thus, chocolate parfait does full justice to its name.
Why celebrate National Chocolate Parfait Day?
There is no reason not to celebrate it. It’s a beautiful dessert of French origin that is famous all around the world. Anybody can celebrate it with his or her favorite chocolate parfait.
What are the different kinds of chocolate parfait?
There is no end to the variety of chocolate parfait you can have. Some popular ones are triple chocolate parfait; rich, chocolaty cookies and cream parfait; holy cow chocolate parfait, death by chocolate parfait, no-bake chocolate shortbread mousse parfait, and more.
National Chocolate Parfait Day Activities
Have chocolate parfait
Make your version of a chocolate parfait and enjoy it with friends and family. Use the hashtag #ChocolateParfaitDay and share your moments on social media.
Organize a small chocolate parfait festival
Make the most of the day by organizing a small chocolate parfait festival where all your friends bring over their favorite versions to share.
Find new versions
Enrich your National Chocolate Parfait Day by looking up more different varieties of chocolate parfait that you will love.
5 Facts About Chocolate That You Didn’t Know
Antioxidants
Dark chocolate is known to have more antioxidants than green tea and almost as much as blueberries
An ancient beverage
The ancient Aztecs drank chocolate as a frothy beverage, which was pretty much like the present-day hot chocolate.
Food of the Gods
Chocolate comes from the Theobroma cacao plant, which is Greek for ‘Food of the Gods’.
It reduces stress
Eating chocolate reduces stress symptoms.
White chocolate is not chocolate
White chocolate is not chocolate but is made from cocoa butter, which, in turn, comes from pressing cocoa beans.
Why We Love National Chocolate Parfait Day
Everyone loves dessert
Chocolate parfait is the best way to end your meal, be it lunch or dinner. Easy to make, it is perfect for any occasion too.
It is about chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most beloved flavors on earth. This is why almost everyone loves chocolate parfait.
There are different variations
What makes chocolate parfait so popular is that there are so many versions of it. For example, chocolate cheesecake parfait, banana parfait, triple chocolate parfait, peanut-butter chocolate parfait, and many more.
National Chocolate Parfait Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | May 1 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 1 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 1 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 1 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 1 | Monday |
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