Sundae vs. Parfait — What's the Difference?

A sundae ( ) is an ice cream dessert that typically consists of one or more scoops of ice cream topped with sauce or syrup and in some cases other toppings such as: sprinkles, whipped cream, marshmallows, peanuts, maraschino cherries, or other fruits (e.g. bananas and pineapple in a banana split).

Parfait (, also UK: , French: [paʁfɛ] (listen); meaning "perfect") is either of two types of dessert. In France, where the dish originated, parfait is made by boiling cream, egg, sugar and syrup to create a custard-like puree.

A dish of ice cream served with various toppings such as syrup, fruits, nuts, candies, or whipped cream.

A dessert made of cream, eggs, sugar, and flavoring frozen together and served in a tall glass.

A dessert consisting of ice cream with various toppings.

A sweet dish usually made of ice cream, yogurt, or other creamy food layered with fruit, granola, nuts, or other ingredients, often served in a tall glass.

Ice cream served with a topping

A French parfait (parfait glacé), an iced dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, cream, and flavouring (usually fruit), sometimes with the addition of a liqueur.

An American parfait, a layered dessert often consisting of fruit, ice cream, pastries, whipped topping, etc. and served in a glass, often a parfait glass.

(UK) A smooth pâté, usually made from liver and flavoured with liqueurs.

Layers of ice cream and syrup and whipped cream