If you're a fan of the classic Dairy Queen Peanut Buster Parfait, you're going to love this homemade version. Creamy vanilla ice cream is layered with rich homemade chocolate sauce and crunchy salted peanuts for the perfect combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy. It's an easy dessert that always disappears fast!
Prep time
20 min
Cook time
8 min
Serves
6 parfaits
Homemade Chocolate Sauce
Parfaits
Optional Garnishes
Homemade Chocolate Sauce
Parfaits
Optional Garnishes
Make the Chocolate Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, chocolate chips, butter, and sifted icing sugar.
Place over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
Continue boiling for about 8 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce has thickened.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Allow the chocolate sauce to cool completely before assembling the parfaits.
Assemble the Parfaits
Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of chocolate sauce into the bottom of each parfait glass.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of salted peanuts over the chocolate sauce.
Add one large scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Repeat with another 2 tablespoons of chocolate sauce and 2 tablespoons of peanuts.
Add a second large scoop of ice cream.
Repeat another layer of 2 tablespoons chocolate sauce and 2 tablespoons peanuts.
Finish with one final scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Garnish with additional chocolate sauce, salted peanuts, Oreo cookie crumbs, chocolate drizzle, or whipped cream, if desired.
Serve immediately, or freeze until ready to serve. These parfaits can be made up to 1 week in advance, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert.
Melissa's Notes
Allow the chocolate sauce to cool completely before pouring it over the ice cream.
Salted peanuts give this dessert its signature sweet-and-salty flavour.
Even after freezing, the chocolate sauce stays soft and smooth rather than becoming hard, giving each bite that classic Peanut Buster Parfait texture.
Per parfait — based on 6 servings. Estimate only; varies by toppings and brands used.
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
Join the Nest
Get 10 free recipes — sign up for The Cozy Weeknight Dinner Plan.
Want to save this recipe? Print it out, share with a friend, or follow along on social.