Mardi Gras King Cake Parfait

Mardi Gras King Cake Parfait ingredients

• 1 lb store-bought pound cake (or simple vanilla cake)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups heavy cream, chilled
• 2 tbsp purple sanding sugar
• 2 tbsp green sanding sugar
• 2 tbsp gold sanding sugar

How to make Mardi Gras King Cake Parfait

1. Cut the pound cake into 1/2-inch cubes. In a medium bowl, gently toss the cake cubes with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg until evenly coated.
2. Spread the spiced cake cubes onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden and slightly toasted. This enhances flavor and texture. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
3. While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a large bowl, beat the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. In a separate, chilled bowl, whip 1.5 cups of cold heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to over-whip, which can cause the cream to separate.
5. Gently fold about one-third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it, then fold in the remaining whipped cream until just combined, creating a smooth and airy mousse.
6. To assemble the parfaits, spoon a layer of the toasted cake cubes into the bottom of four individual parfait glasses or small bowls. Follow with a layer of the cream cheese mousse.
7. Repeat the layering: add another layer of cake cubes, then another layer of mousse. Continue until the glasses are full, ending with a layer of mousse on top.
8. Cover the parfaits loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to chill and flavors to meld.
9. Just before serving, sprinkle the tops of the parfaits with generous amounts of purple, green, and gold sanding sugars to mimic traditional King Cake colors.

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