Description
This Strawberry Cream Parfait is a luscious, layered dessert featuring creamy mascarpone cheese and whipped cream mixed with sweet strawberry compote, combined with crunchy graham cracker crumbs. It’s a no-bake, chilled treat perfect for summer or any occasion when you crave a light and elegant dessert.
Ingredients
Mascarpone Mixture
- 8 oz. mascarpone cheese
- 3/4 cup strawberry compote (or strawberry preserves), plus extra for filling shooters
Whipped Cream Topping
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp clear vanilla extract
Graham Cracker Mixture
- 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare Mascarpone Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese and 3/4 cup strawberry compote. Mix on low speed for about 1 minute until the ingredients are well blended. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and set.
- Make Whipped Cream Topping: Chill a medium bowl, then add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until frothy, about 1 minute, then increase to high speed and continue mixing until stiff peaks form, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the whipped cream to a pastry bag fitted with a star tip, twist the end, and refrigerate alongside the mascarpone mixture.
- Prepare Graham Cracker Mixture: Just before assembling the parfaits, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a small bowl. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
- Assemble the Parfaits: Using six 4-ounce glasses, layer the ingredients in the following order: start with 2 teaspoons of the graham cracker crumb mixture, and pat down gently with the back of a spoon. Add 2 teaspoons of the mascarpone mixture, patting down gently. Top this with 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of strawberry compote or preserves. Repeat with another 2 teaspoons of graham crumbs, then 2 teaspoons of mascarpone mixture, and a final 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of strawberry compote. Finish by piping or spooning the whipped cream topping on each parfait.
- Chill and Garnish: Refrigerate the assembled parfaits for 15 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the layers to set. Garnish each glass with fresh strawberries before serving for an additional burst of fresh fruit flavor.
Notes
- Use chilled bowls and utensils when whipping cream for better volume and stability.
- The graham cracker crumb mixture should be prepared last to keep it from getting soggy.
- For best flavor, use fresh strawberries as garnish.
- You can substitute strawberry compote with fresh mashed strawberries sweetened lightly if preferred.
- This dessert is best served within 24 hours to maintain texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
