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–+ servings
Melany

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

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!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Strawberry Layer:
  • 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

Method
 

Prepare the Strawberries:
  1. Combine strawberries, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir and let sit for 15 minutes to release juices.
Make the Graham Cracker Crumbs:
  1. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by hand.
  2. Mix with melted butter until evenly moistened.
Whip the Cream:
  1. Beat heavy cream with 1 tablespoon sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
  1. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add ½ cup sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until fluffy.
  2. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
Assemble the Parfaits:
  1. 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.
Chill and Serve:
  1. 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.

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