The Sweetest Trick: Halloween Candy Corn Parfaits with a Twist

Halloween is the one time of year when chaos and creativity collide in the kitchen. These Candy Corn Parfaits turn the traditional candy into a layered spectacle that captures the essence of fall and childhood nostalgia. Imagine the vibrant colors of candy corn suspended in silky layers of whipped cream and pumpkin-spiced pudding—it’s like a candy harvest in a glass.

This recipe dances between elegance and whimsy, making it perfect for both spooky parties and intimate family gatherings. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to assemble, yet the visual impact is downright dazzling. Your guests will think you’ve conjured magic from the pantry.

Candy Corn Parfaits

Candy Corn Parfaits feature colorful layers of whipped cream and pumpkin-spiced pudding, with chopped candy corn embedded throughout to create a festive dessert. The dish is assembled in transparent glasses, showcasing vibrant colors and smooth textures. It combines a silky pudding base with airy whipped cream, culminating in a visually appealing, creamy treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 cups milk for pudding
• 1 cup pumpkin puree adds flavor and color
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar sweetens the pudding
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon spice flavor
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg adds warmth
• 1 cup heavy cream for whipping
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar sweetens whipped cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract flavor enhancer
• 1 cup chopped candy corn for layering and garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parfait glasses or clear cups
• Rubber spatula

Method

 

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well combined. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly and begins to bubble, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This should take about 3-4 minutes with a hand or stand mixer.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled pumpkin pudding mixture using a rubber spatula. Mix carefully to keep the mixture light and airy.
4. Chop the candy corn into small pieces and set aside. These will be layered into the parfaits for bursts of color and texture.
5. Begin assembling the parfaits by adding a layer of the pumpkin pudding into each glass, filling about one-third of the way.
6. Sprinkle a handful of chopped candy corn over the pudding layer for colorful contrast.
7. Add another layer of pumpkin pudding on top of the candy corn, smoothing it out gently.
8. Top the parfaits with a final dollop of whipped cream and garnish with additional candy corn for a festive look.
9. Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let the layers set and flavors meld. Serve cold and enjoy the vibrant, creamy layers that resemble a candy harvest in a glass.

Notes

For extra visual appeal, layer the parfaits carefully to showcase the colorful candy corn throughout. You can customize sweetness by adjusting the amount of powdered sugar in the whipped cream.

As the season shifts and festive gatherings pick up, these parfaits serve as both a sweet finale and a playful centerpiece. They celebrate the chaos of candy, the comfort of creamy textures, and the warmth of fall flavors in every spoonful. No matter how many times you make them, each spoonful feels like a celebration of sweetness and creativity.

In a world where Halloween treats tend to blur into sameness, these parfaits stand out with their bright colors and layered textures. They remind us to embrace the fun, the mess, and the magic of the holiday. After all, it’s the small, colorful moments that make this season memorable.