Parfaits are typically made with alternate layers of frozen custard (French version) and ice cream (U.S. version) topped with whipped cream. In today's world, a parfait is a layered dessert served in a stemmed glass. It's no longer a frozen dessert, but anything you can layer, like pudding, mousse, or gelatin. If you want a quick and easy parfait dessert, layer some pudding with crushed shortbread cookies, fresh fruit, and whipped cream, and top with even more whipped cream...and a maraschino cherry might even be the cherry on top!