Oh, the pure joy of strawberries and cream—it’s like a love letter to summer with every bite. These mini parfaits?
They’re the perfect mix of creamy, dreamy, and a bit rebellious, like that time I tried to grow strawberries on my balcony (spoiler: didn’t work out).
But these, they’re foolproof and delightful, a tiny celebration in a cup.
Steps
- Macerate the strawberries by combining sliced strawberries with granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved and let the mixture sit, covered, at room temperature for at least 45 minutes.
- Make the vanilla whipped cream by whipping heavy cream in an electric mixer on medium/high speed until slightly thickened. Turn the mixer to high speed and continue whipping until medium peaks form.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the bowl, then mix on low speed until the sugar is mostly incorporated. Increase the speed to high and whip until the cream forms stiff peaks.
- Transfer the whipped cream into a large piping bag fitted with a star or round tip and refrigerate until needed.
- Assemble the parfaits by adding a couple of spoonfuls of macerated strawberries to each of the six 5-ounce dessert glasses. Pipe a layer of vanilla whipped cream over the strawberries.
- Add another layer of strawberries, followed by more whipped cream on top. Garnish each parfait with a slice of fresh strawberry before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups sliced strawberries (heaping cups)
- 3-4 tablespoons granulated sugar (35-50 grams)
- 2 cups heavy cream (16 ounces)
- 3/4 cups powdered sugar (98 grams, or less if desired)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 grams)
- Additional sliced strawberries for garnish
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2262kcal | Carbohydrates: 168g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 180g | Saturated Fat: 108g | Cholesterol: 654mg | Sodium: 186mg | Potassium: 906mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 144g | Vitamin A: 6996IU | Vitamin C: 216mg | Calcium: 366mg | Iron: 6mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare strawberry parfaits ahead of time?
- It’s best to assemble strawberry parfaits just before serving to maintain their visual appeal. While they can be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours, the strawberry juice may cause the layers to blend, affecting the presentation.
- What are some alternative ways to serve strawberries and whipped cream?
- If you’re not in the mood for parfaits, consider serving strawberries and whipped cream over homemade waffles or pancakes. You can also mix them with Greek yogurt for added protein, top ice cream or frozen custard, or add other fruits like peaches, pineapple, or bananas. A drizzle of chocolate syrup can also create a delightful chocolate-covered strawberry effect.
- How many parfaits does this recipe yield?
- The recipe yields approximately 6 parfaits, although the exact number may vary depending on the size of your glasses or bowls.
- What is the purpose of macerating strawberries?
- Macerating strawberries with granulated sugar enhances their sweet and tart flavors and helps release their natural juices, adding depth to the dessert.
- Can I adjust the sweetness of the whipped cream?
- Yes, you can adjust the sweetness of the whipped cream by varying the amount of powdered sugar. Use less if you prefer a less sweet topping.
Tips
- To enhance the presentation of your parfaits, prepare and assemble them just before serving. While they can be stored in the fridge for a few hours, the strawberry juices might seep and affect the visual appeal of the layers.
- When macerating strawberries, allow them to sit with sugar for at least 45 minutes at room temperature. This process helps to fully release their juices and enhances their sweet and tart flavors.
- For a healthier twist, consider incorporating Greek yogurt into your parfaits. This can add a boost of protein and a creamy texture that pairs well with the strawberries and whipped cream.
- For added variety, try mixing in other fruits such as diced peaches, pineapples, or bananas. A drizzle of chocolate syrup can also transform this dessert into a delightful chocolate-covered strawberry treat.
Equipment
- Piping bag
- Wilton tip 1M or 2D (for piping bag)
- Electric mixer with a whisk attachment (or a hand mixer if you don’t have one)
- 5-ounce glass parfait cups or dessert glasses (for serving)
