Short And Sweet. Make Ahead Chocolate and Caramel Ice Cream Parfaits.

Make Ahead are two words that I am loving more and more. Even the busiest of days can end with a cool, creamy treat like these Chocolate and Caramel Ice Cream Parfaits. Just make ahead and there they are waiting dutifully in the freezer.

Each parfait has homemade graham-oat-caramel chip crunch layered between ice cream and chocolate syrup. A big dollop of brown sugar sweetened whipped cream is the crowning touch.

Chocolate and Caramel Ice Cream Parfaits

Ingredients:

Caramel Crunch (recipe follows)
Whipped Cream (recipe follows)
56 oz Chocolate or Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Chocolate Syrup

Directions:

1. Let the ice cream soften for about 5 minutes.

2. Put a small amount of crumbs in the bottom of 10 glasses. Top with chocolate syrup (drizzle it around the edge so it touches the side of the glass).

2. Spoon the ice cream on top of crumbs then top with another layer of chocolate syrup, being sure it touches side of glass.

3. Spoon the whipped cream on top of the ice cream, then drizzle more chocolate syrup on top.

Serves 10

Caramel Crunch

Ingredients:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs (from 9 whole graham crackers)
1 cup old fashioned oats
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup caramel or butterscotch chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place the graham cracker crumbs in a medium bowl Add the oatmeal, vanilla and oil and stir to combine so that the crumbs are moistened.

3. Spread the crumb mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet.

4. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately stir in the caramel chips. Set aside to cool completely.

Whipped Cream

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, beaten until stiff, or Cool Whip
¼ cup dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a large bowl stir together the cream, brown sugar and vanilla until combined. Set aside.

Recipe from Overtime Cook