Are you craving a delightful dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! This Strawberry Shortcake Parfait recipe is your answer. Forget complicated baking; this recipe uses simple ingredients and minimal effort to create a layered masterpiece of sweet strawberries, fluffy biscuits, and creamy whipped cream. It's the perfect quick dinner dessert or a delightful treat for any occasion. This easy recipe is ideal for beginners and experienced cooks alike, promising a delicious outcome every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (or your favorite homemade recipe!), split and halved
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Strawberries:
- In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices and slightly macerate. This simple step enhances the flavor significantly!
Make the Whipped Cream:
- In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip!
Assemble the Parfaits:
- In individual glasses or dessert bowls, layer the ingredients as follows: Start with a layer of biscuits, followed by a layer of macerated strawberries, and then a dollop of whipped cream.
- Repeat the layers until you reach the top of your glass, ending with a final layer of whipped cream.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves (optional) for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Parfait:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your parfait depends heavily on the quality of your strawberries and cream. Fresh, ripe strawberries make all the difference!
- Don't over-macerate the strawberries: While letting them sit for 15 minutes is ideal, avoid letting them sit too long, as they may become too mushy.
- Chill the cream: Chilling your heavy cream before whipping is crucial for achieving stiff peaks.
- Gentle handling: Handle the biscuits gently to avoid crumbling them excessively.
Variations:
- Add a touch of spice: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the whipped cream for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Use different berries: Replace the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of your favorite berries.
- Make it decadent: Drizzle a little honey or strawberry sauce over the top for extra sweetness.
- Homemade Biscuits: Elevate your parfait by making your own biscuits! Numerous homemade biscuit recipes are easily found online.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It’s always best to calculate based on your specific ingredients if precision is required.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Around 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Around 40-45g
- Protein: Around 5-7g
This Strawberry Shortcake Parfait is a quick, easy, and healthy-ish dessert option. It’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this delicious and refreshing treat! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering, big or small. This recipe is one of the best recipes for a light yet satisfying homemade dessert.