Chocolate Parfaits – Skinnytaste

These rich and creamy chocolate parfaits feel like a decadent dessert but are surprisingly light. Made with homemade chocolate pudding using semi-sweet chocolate, milk, vanilla, and cornstarch, they’re layered with a touch of whipped cream for an indulgent yet airy treat.

Chocolate Parfaits

Forget the store-bought mix—this homemade chocolate pudding comes together with just a handful of ingredients: sugar-free semi-sweet chocolate, milk, egg yolks, vanilla, and cornstarch. The result? A velvety-smooth, deeply chocolatey pudding that tastes luxurious without being overly heavy. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or date night!

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Parfaits

I first made these years ago and I couldn’t stop eating them, they are so good! I personally like to use sugar-free chocolate and sweetener here, but feel free to use whatever you prefer. Here’s why they work!

• Light yet Indulgent – These parfaits have that rich chocolate flavor you crave for about 200 calories.
• Easy to Make – A simple homemade stovetop pudding, a little layering, and you’re done. No fancy techniques required.
• Perfect for Entertaining – Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a special treat, these parfaits look elegant in glass jars or dessert cups.

Chocolate Pudding Parfait Ingredients

This homemade chocolate pudding comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients (see recipe card below for exact measurements):

• Milk – Fat-free milk creates a silky-smooth base. (I haven’t tried dairy-free alternatives yet.)
• Sweetener – Monk fruit sugar substitute adds sweetness without refined sugar, but you can use your preferred sugar.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
• Cornstarch & Egg Yolks – Work together to thicken the pudding, giving it a rich yet light texture.
• Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate – I used Lily’s sugar-free chocolate for a deep, indulgent flavor.
• Whipped Topping – Tru Whip or any whipped cream of your choice for a light and creamy finish.
• Optional: Top with chocolate shavings or raspberries.

How to Make Chocolate Parfaits

Here’s how to make the chocolate pudding from scratch, see recipe card below for printable directions.

Cook the Chocolate Pudding:

• In a medium non-stick saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and cornstarch; whisk well and simmer on medium-low heat, whisking constantly until mixture has thickened, about 20 minutes.
• In a medium bowl whisk egg yolks.  Slowly add about a cup of the hot milk mixture to the yolks, whisking in about a tablespoon at a time to temper the egg so the egg doesn’t cook.
• Once the eggs are tempered, whisk into the saucepan with the milk mixture.
• Melt the chocolate squares in the microwave 20 seconds at a time, up to a minute, stirring in between until the chocolate is melted.  Pour melted chocolate into the sauce pan, whisk well.
• Add vanilla; simmer on low for 15 minutes, whisking constantly.
• Transfer the chocolate pudding into a large bowl, cover with wax paper, touching the pudding so that it doesn’t allow a film to settle on top.
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Layer with Whipped Cream

• Once cooled, spoon the pudding into serving glasses.
• Add layers of Tru Whip or your preferred whipped topping.

Chill & Serve

• Let the parfaits set in the refrigerator before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 4 days.

More Dessert Recipes:

If you’re looking for more low calories treats like this, check out my Healthy Desserts category for more light and delicious recipes plus these 5 recipes: