Description
This Strawberry Shortcake Parfait recipe is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert featuring layers of fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and tender sponge or angel food cake. Perfect for a quick treat or a light dessert, these parfaits combine sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors in a refreshing presentation ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberries
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Cake
- 1 package of sponge cake, angel food cake, or pound cake (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp butter (if using homemade cake, optional for buttering)
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Toss gently and let them macerate for about 10 minutes to release their juices and enhance sweetness.
- Prepare Cake: Cut the sponge cake, angel food cake, or pound cake into small cubes suitable for layering in the parfait glasses. If using homemade cake, optionally lightly butter the pieces to add richness.
- Make Whipped Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat to keep the cream light and fluffy.
- Assemble Parfaits: In serving glasses or bowls, layer the cake pieces first, followed by a layer of macerated strawberries along with their juices, then a layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layering to fill the glasses, finishing with a dollop of whipped cream and a few strawberry slices on top for garnish.
- Serve: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and cake to absorb some strawberry juices without becoming soggy.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- You can substitute sugar with a sugar substitute suitable for diabetics if needed.
- Make the whipped cream just before assembling to keep it fresh and voluminous.
- Store-bought cake options work great for convenience, but homemade cake gives a personal touch.
- These parfaits are best eaten the same day for optimal texture and taste.
