Best Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits – A Fresh, Fun Dessert Idea!

Hi I'm Melany

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on

This post contains affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend kitchen tools, ingredients, and supplements we trust and use ourselves!

Advertisement

When you need a dessert that’s easy to make, bursting with fresh flavor, and visually stunning, look no further than these Best Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits – A Fresh, Fun Dessert Idea! Whether you’re hosting a party or treating your family, these parfaits are sure to be a hit. With layers of sweet strawberries, creamy filling, and buttery graham cracker crumbs, every bite is a little taste of summer.

Why Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Strawberry shortcake parfaits offer the perfect balance of flavor and texture. They combine fresh fruit, creamy cheesecake-like filling, and crunchy graham crackers in a way that’s both comforting and elegant. Plus, they’re served in individual glasses or jars, making them easy to serve and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to create these delectable parfaits:


Advertisement

For the Strawberry Layer

IngredientQuantity
Fresh or frozen strawberries1 lb
Sugar¼ cup
Lemon zest1 teaspoon
Lemon juice1 tablespoon

For the Graham Cracker Crumbs

IngredientQuantity
Graham crackers1 sleeve (or 1 ½ cups crumbs)
Butter (melted)¼ cup

For the Creamy Filling

IngredientQuantity
Heavy cream1 ¼ cups
Sugar½ cup + 1 tablespoon
Cream cheese2 (8-ounce) blocks
Milk2 tablespoons
Vanilla extract1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberries

  1. If using fresh strawberries, rinse them thoroughly and remove the stems. Slice them into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place the strawberries in a bowl with ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Stir well to combine and let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to release the natural juices.
  3. If using frozen strawberries, defrost them completely before mixing with the sugar and lemon.

2. Make the Graham Cracker Crumbs

  1. Place the graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until they’re finely ground. Alternatively, place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
  2. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with ¼ cup melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened. Set aside.

3. Whip the Cream

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 ¼ cups heavy cream with 1 tablespoon sugar using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or an electric hand mixer. Whisk until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

  1. In a separate bowl, beat 2 blocks of softened cream cheese until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add the remaining ½ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until fully combined.

5. Assemble the Parfaits

  1. Gather your serving glasses or jars.
  2. Add a layer of graham cracker crumbs to the bottom of each glass, followed by a layer of the cream cheese filling, and then a layer of strawberries with their juices.
  3. Repeat the layers until the glasses are full, finishing with a dollop of cream and a garnish of fresh strawberry slices or graham cracker crumbs.

6. Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries

The quality of the strawberries can make or break this dessert. Opt for ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor.

2. Don’t Skip the Lemon

Lemon juice and zest brighten the flavor of the strawberries, making them taste even fresher.

3. Customize the Layers

Feel free to add extras like sliced bananas, blueberries, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist.

4. Make Ahead

These parfaits can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Nutritional Information

NutrientPer Serving (1 parfait)
Calories320
Total Fat18g
Saturated Fat10g
Cholesterol60mg
Sodium150mg
Total Carbohydrates35g
Sugars20g
Protein4g

Creative Variations

1. Chocolate Strawberry Parfaits

Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce between the layers or mix cocoa powder into the graham cracker crumbs.

2. Tropical Twist

Swap the strawberries for mangoes or pineapples, and use crushed vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers.

3. Vegan Version

Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream, and vegan butter to make these parfaits entirely plant-based.

4. Mini Parfaits

Assemble the parfaits in small shot glasses or mini jars for bite-sized servings perfect for parties.

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes! Just make sure to defrost them completely before mixing with the sugar and lemon.

2. What if I don’t have graham crackers?

You can substitute crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or shortbread cookies.

3. How long can I store leftover parfaits?

Parfaits can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. After that, the graham cracker layer may lose its crunch.

4. Can I freeze these parfaits?

While freezing is not recommended due to the creamy filling, you can freeze the strawberry layer and the graham cracker crumbs separately for later assembly.

5. What type of cream cheese works best?

Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor, but you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if preferred.

6. Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes! Adjust the sugar levels to your taste or replace it with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

Make These Parfaits Today!

These Best Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits – A Fresh, Fun Dessert Idea! are as easy to make as they are delicious. With their stunning layers and vibrant flavors, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this dessert delivers joy in every bite.

Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients and whip up these parfaits today for a sweet treat everyone will love!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Best Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits – A Fresh, Fun Dessert Idea!


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Melany
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Looking for an easy, fresh, and crowd-pleasing dessert? These Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits deliver layers of juicy strawberries, creamy cheesecake filling, and buttery graham cracker crumbs. Perfect for parties or an everyday treat, they’re as stunning as they are delicious!


Ingredients

For the Strawberry Layer:


Advertisement
  • 1 lb fresh or frozen strawberries (sliced if fresh)
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Graham Cracker Crumbs:

  • 1 sleeve graham crackers (about 1 ½ cups crushed)
  • ¼ cup melted butter

For the Creamy Filling:

  • 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup + 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 blocks cream cheese (8 oz each, softened)
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

  • Fresh strawberry slices
  • Extra graham cracker crumbs
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Strawberries:
    • Combine strawberries, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir and let sit for 15 minutes to release juices.
  2. Make the Graham Cracker Crumbs:
    • Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by hand.
    • Mix with melted butter until evenly moistened.
  3. Whip the Cream:
    • Beat heavy cream with 1 tablespoon sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
    • Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add ½ cup sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until fluffy.
    • Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
  5. Assemble the Parfaits:
    • Layer graham cracker crumbs, cream cheese filling, and strawberries in serving glasses or jars. Repeat layers as needed, finishing with a dollop of cream and garnish.
  6. Chill and Serve:
    • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and filling to set.

Notes

  • For the freshest flavor, use ripe, in-season strawberries.
  • Make these parfaits up to 24 hours ahead for easy entertaining.
  • Feel free to customize with your favorite fruits or add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: None
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star