Easy Strawberries & Cream Parfait – A Light & Elegant Dessert

Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Cherie

This easy strawberries & cream parfait is a light, no-bake dessert perfect for Valentine’s Day, brunch, or summer! Sweet layers of berries & cream in every bite.

Few desserts feel as timeless and elegant as a strawberries and cream parfait. With its delicate layers of sweet berries, silky cream, and crunchy textures, this no-bake treat is perfect for any occasion—from casual brunches to romantic Valentine’s celebrations. Light, refreshing, and effortlessly beautiful, it’s a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

In this article, we’ll explain what a parfait is, the importance of layering and of course, we’ll share with you a delicious homemade strawberries and cream parfait recipe and step-by-step instructions on creating the ultimate Valentine’s Day treat. We’ll also share some ideas on additional layering and optional extra toppings.

If you’d prefer, you can go straight to our recipe and method by clicking the following link, or read along to find out more.

Parfaits – Easy, Striking, and Elegant

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the search for that perfect, heartfelt gesture begins. What better way to express your love and affection than with a homemade treat crafted with care?

Imagine layers of creamy vanilla ice cream mingling with the sweetness of fresh strawberries, all nestled between crunchy granola and delicately drizzled with golden honey. This indulgent dessert, reminiscent of a classic parfait, is more than just a feast for the taste buds—it’s a gesture straight from the heart.

Whether you’re preparing a romantic dessert for two, treating your best friends on Galentine’s, or simply indulging in a little self-love, this easy yet elegant parfait is the perfect way to sweeten the occasion.

The Parfait – A Combination of Layers and Flavours

Parfaits, originating from the French word meaning “perfect,” are a blend of textures and flavours. These delicious desserts typically consist of layers of ingredients stacked in a glass or bowl, creating a stunning presentation that is as visually appealing as it is to eat.

The beauty of a parfait lies in its versatility; it can be tailored to suit any occasion or preference, from breakfast to dessert. Each layer contributes its own unique flavour and texture, resulting in a delicious layered concoction that tantalises the taste buds with every spoonful.

Whether enjoyed as a light and refreshing treat or a decadent indulgence, parfaits offer a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and crunch, making them a much-loved favourite for many.

Why You’ll Love This Parfait

• No-Bake & Quick – Assembles in minutes, no cooking required!
• Fresh & Light – Sweet strawberries and airy ice cream for the perfect balance.
• Great for Any Occasion – Serve it as a romantic Valentine’s treat, a summer dessert, or a brunch showstopper.

Layering Creativity – Crafting Your Perfect Parfait

Crafting a parfait at home is a breeze. Unlike the labour-intensive process of churning ice cream, assembling a parfait is simple: layer your favourite ingredients in a glass or dish, allowing for endless creativity and customisation.

The beauty of a parfait lies not only in its flavours but also in its visually stunning layers. This dessert offers an opportunity for culinary creativity, allowing you to experiment with different textures, flavours, and colours.

Here are some ideas for different layers to try out:

• Crushed Biscuits or Cookies: Add a layer of crushed digestive biscuits, shortbread cookies, or gingerbread cookies for a buttery and crunchy texture.
• Fruit Compote or Jelly: Introduce a layer of fruit compote or jelly, such as raspberry, strawberry, or cherry, for a burst of fruity sweetness.
• Whipped Cream or Custard: Alternate layers of whipped cream or custard with the ice cream for added creaminess and richness.
• Granola or Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle a layer of granola or chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for a satisfying crunch and nutty flavour.
• Chocolate Ganache or Sauce: Drizzle a layer of chocolate ganache or sauce between the ice cream layers for a decadent touch of chocolatey goodness.

These layering ideas will add depth, texture, and flavour complexity to your parfait, transforming it into a gourmet dessert experience.

Parfait Presentation – The Art of Visual Temptation

Parfaits are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. With their elegant layers of contrasting colours, textures, and flavours, parfaits captivate the senses from the moment they are served.

Often served in glasses or glass bowls, they offer a glimpse into the intricate layers, inviting anticipation and excitement before you’ve even tasted them. From the vibrancy of the fresh fruits to the creamy swirls of yoghurt or ice cream, each element contributes to the visual display that is a parfait.

Either drizzled with honey, a sprinkle of granola, or a dusting of cocoa powder, parfaits are an opportunity for creativity, allowing for endless variations and stunning presentations that elevate any dining experience to a new level of sophistication.

Strawberries & Cream Parfait Recipe

Here’s our recipe for Easy Strawberries & Cream Parfait;

Ingredients:

• 500ml double cream
• 200g condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 200g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 50g granola
• Honey for drizzling

Method:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whip the double cream until it forms stiff peaks.
2. Gently fold in the condensed milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Layer a portion of the whipped cream mixture into the bottom of a freezer-safe container.
4. Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the cream mixture.
5. Sprinkle a layer of granola over the strawberries.
6. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
7. Drizzle honey over the top layer for added sweetness.
8. Cover the container with a lid or cling film and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until the ice cream is firm.
9. Once frozen, scoop the parfait ice cream into serving bowls or glasses, and enjoy!

This delicious parfait-inspired dessert is perfect for sharing with someone special on Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

Perfect Pairings

👉🏽 Click on the following links to pair your Strawberries & Cream Parfait with:

• Red Velvet Ice Cream – A classic match of berries & chocolate.
• Valentine’s Ice Cream Sundae – Build a decadent parfait-style sundae.
• Champagne & Strawberry Sorbet – A bubbly twist for a special celebration.

Parfait Dietary Variations

• Healthier Option – Swap whipped cream for Greek yoghurt to add a dose of protein and probiotics, while keeping it just as creamy. Use honey instead of sugar for a more natural sweetness.
• Keto Version – Keep it low-carb by replacing biscuit crumbles with almond flour granola and using sugar-free whipped cream. The natural sweetness of strawberries makes this a perfect guilt-free indulgence.
• Dairy-Free – Love parfaits but need to avoid dairy? No problem! Use coconut whipped cream for a silky texture with a hint of tropical flavour. Pair it with toasted nuts or dairy-free granola for extra crunch.

The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity and versatility—you can create a version that’s decadent, light, or completely plant-based while still keeping it elegant and delicious.

Optional Extras

As if the above wasn’t enough, we’ve listed below a selection of additional accompaniments that would pair wonderfully with your Homemade Strawberries and Cream Parfait Ice Cream:

• Fresh Mint Leaves: Add a pop of freshness and a hint of herbaceous flavour.
• Whipped Cream: Dollop some whipped cream on top for extra creaminess.
• Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle some chocolate shavings for a touch of indulgence.
• Toasted Almonds or Pecans: Add some crunch and nuttiness to complement the creamy texture.
• Strawberry Sauce: Drizzle a homemade or store-bought strawberry sauce for added fruity sweetness.
• Fresh Berries: Serve alongside additional fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a burst of colour and flavour.
• Shortbread or Biscuits: Serve with a side of buttery shortbread or biscuits for a contrasting texture.
• Edible Flowers: Garnish with edible flowers like rose petals or pansies for a romantic touch.
• Lemon Zest: Sprinkle some lemon zest over the top for a hint of citrusy brightness.
• Sparkling Wine: Pair with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for an elegant Valentine’s Day dessert experience.

These accompaniments will elevate the flavours and presentation of the Strawberries and Cream Parfait Ice Cream, making it a delicious and memorable treat for any special occasion.

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Parfaits – Ice Cream or Not?

The question of whether a parfait qualifies as ice cream often arises due to its creamy texture and frozen elements. While parfaits do contain layers of frozen treats like ice cream or frozen yoghurt, they also incorporate various other ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and granola.

This diversity in composition blurs the lines between traditional ice cream desserts and parfaits, leading to confusion among dessert enthusiasts. To unravel this mystery, let’s delve deeper into the essence of parfaits and explore the unique characteristics that set them apart from conventional ice cream treats.

While ice cream is typically churned to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency, parfaits take on a layered presentation, allowing for a diverse array of textures and flavours within a single dessert.

Parfaits often feature contrasting elements like crunchy granola, fresh fruit compotes, or velvety whipped cream, creating a textural interplay of tastes and sensations. Additionally, parfaits are served in tall glasses or bowls, showcasing their intricate layers and inviting diners to savour each component individually before blending them together.

This emphasis on visual appeal and textural diversity distinguishes parfaits as a unique dessert experience, elevating them beyond the simplicity of traditional ice cream treats.

👉🏽 Click here to find more delicious Strawberry Recipes
We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Easy Strawberries & Cream Parfait – A Light & Elegant Dessert – and that we have inspired you to give this easy and elegant recipe a go.

If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below and we will be happy to get back to you.

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