1. In the United States, this dessert consists of ice cream layered with flavored syrup or fruit and whipped cream. It's often topped with whipped cream, nuts and sometimes a maraschino cherry. 2. A French parfait is a frozen custard dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, whipped cream and a flavoring such as fruit puree. In French, parfait means "perfect," which is how many view this dessert. Both American and French parfaits are served in tall, narrow, footed "parfait glasses. "