Strawberry Shortcake Parfait
Highlighted under: Deluxe Baking Inspirations
A delightful dessert that layers fresh strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and buttery shortcake for a perfect treat.
Strawberry Shortcake Parfait is a classic dessert that combines the bright flavors of strawberries with the richness of cream and the lightness of cake. Perfect for any occasion, this parfait is not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Layers of fresh strawberries bursting with flavor
- Light and airy whipped cream complements the softness of the cake
- A beautiful presentation that impresses at any gathering
The Perfect Summer Treat
Strawberry Shortcake Parfait is an ideal dessert for warm summer days. The vibrant colors of fresh strawberries and the lightness of whipped cream create a refreshing treat that can brighten any occasion. Whether you're hosting a garden party or simply enjoying a family dinner, these parfaits are sure to impress. Their delightful layers not only look beautiful but also provide a delicious contrast of textures and flavors that will leave your guests craving more.
This parfait is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different fruits or swapping out the shortcake for other types of cake, such as sponge or pound cake. This means you can enjoy the same concept with seasonal fruits, making it a year-round favorite. The combination of strawberries and whipped cream, however, remains a classic that everyone loves.
Tips for Success
To elevate your Strawberry Shortcake Parfait, consider using organic strawberries for the best flavor. Ripe, in-season strawberries are sweeter and juicier, creating a more enjoyable dessert. When preparing the strawberries, allow them to macerate longer than 10 minutes if you prefer a thicker syrup; this will enhance the strawberry flavor in the parfait.
When making the whipped cream, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are cold. This helps the cream whip up faster and achieve the perfect fluffy consistency. Additionally, keep an eye on the cream as it whips to avoid overwhipping, which can lead to a grainy texture. Soft peaks are ideal for easy layering and a smooth finish.
Serving Suggestions
For a beautiful presentation, serve the parfaits in clear glasses or mason jars, allowing the vibrant layers to be visible. You can also garnish each parfait with a fresh mint leaf or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture and color. This little touch can transform your dessert from simple to stunning, making it perfect for special occasions.
If you want to add a touch of elegance, consider drizzling a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce between the layers. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful visual appeal. Whether it's a birthday celebration or a casual get-together, these details can make your Strawberry Shortcake Parfait stand out.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Strawberry Shortcake Parfait.
For the Shortcake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Strawberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
With these ingredients ready, let's move on to the preparation steps!
Preparation Steps
Follow these steps to create your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Parfait.
Make the Shortcake
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until just combined.
Prepare the Strawberries
In a mixing bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Toss to coat and let sit for about 10 minutes to release juices.
Whip the Cream
In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
Assemble the Parfaits
In serving glasses, layer shortcake pieces, strawberries, and whipped cream. Repeat layers until glasses are full. Top with additional strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.
Your Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits are now ready to be enjoyed!
Storage Tips
Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare some components in advance. Store the shortcake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, and keep the strawberries in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the parfaits. If you have leftover whipped cream, it can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days, just be sure to give it a gentle re-whip before serving.
Assembled parfaits are best consumed within a few hours to maintain the integrity of the layers. If you need to make them ahead of time, consider preparing the layers separately and assembling them just before serving. This will help keep the whipped cream fluffy and the shortcake from becoming soggy.
Nutritional Information
Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits can be a relatively light dessert option, especially when made with fresh ingredients. Strawberries are low in calories and high in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Additionally, they provide antioxidants that can support overall health.
While the whipped cream adds some richness, you can lighten the recipe by using a reduced-fat version or by substituting with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. This will not only cut down on calories but also add a boost of protein, making your dessert a bit more nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but fresh strawberries will give a better texture and flavor.
→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
→ Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
You can prepare the components in advance but assemble just before serving to keep the layers fresh.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping for a lighter option.
Strawberry Shortcake Parfait
A delightful dessert that layers fresh strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and buttery shortcake for a perfect treat.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Deluxe Baking Inspirations
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Shortcake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Strawberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until just combined. Turn onto a floured surface and knead gently. Roll out to 1/2 inch thick and cut into rectangles. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes or until golden. Let cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Toss to coat and let sit for about 10 minutes to release juices.
In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
In serving glasses, layer shortcake pieces, strawberries, and whipped cream. Repeat layers until glasses are full. Top with additional strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g