Dessert Parfait

When it comes to simple yet impressive desserts, nothing quite beats a Dessert Parfait. Layered with luscious cream and vibrant fruits, this delightful treat is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving something sweet, this Dessert Parfait is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With a combination of strawberries, pineapple, and blackberries, every bite is bursting with flavor and freshness. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will have your friends and family begging for seconds!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Dessert Parfait is not only stunning to look at but also incredibly easy to make. Here’s what you will love about it:

• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the fruits based on what’s in season or your personal favorites.
• Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can whip this up in no time.
• Beautiful Presentation: The layers of cream and fruit create an eye-catching dessert.
• Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for birthday parties, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home.

Ingredient Notes

• Strawberries: Make sure to hull and halve them for easy layering.
• Pineapple: Fresh or canned, cut into bite-sized pieces for a juicy burst.
• Blackberries: These add a beautiful color contrast and a touch of tartness.
• Cream Cheese: Softened for easy mixing, it provides a rich texture.
• Butter or Margarine: Use either for a creamy, smooth mixture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream without adding graininess.
• Cool Whip: This adds lightness and fluffiness to the dessert.
• Instant White Chocolate or Vanilla Pudding: A quick and easy way to add flavor and creaminess.
• Milk: Use whole or any milk of your preference to prepare the pudding.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash for added flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Gear Up: What to Grab

• Mixing Bowls: For blending the cream cheese and pudding.
• Whisk: To mix the pudding and cream smoothly.
• Spatula: For folding in the Cool Whip and ensuring a light texture.
• Parfait Glasses or Cups: To beautifully present your Dessert Parfait.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in measurements.

Dessert Parfait: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by hulled and halving the strawberries, cutting the pineapple into bite-sized pieces, and rinsing the blackberries. Set these aside.

Step 2: Make the Cream Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter (or margarine). Beat together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until well incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Cool Whip

Gently fold in the Cool Whip into the cream mixture until fully combined. This will create a light and fluffy cream layer.

Step 4: Prepare the Pudding

In another bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix with milk and vanilla extract. Stir until it thickens, usually about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Layer the Parfait

In your parfait glasses or cups, start by adding a layer of the cream mixture at the bottom. Follow this with a layer of strawberries, then a layer of pineapple, and finally a layer of blackberries. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled, finishing with a dollop of cream on top and a few berries for garnish.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful layers of flavor!

Quick Replacement Ideas

• Swap the cream cheese for mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of Cool Whip for a healthier option.
• Try other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or bananas for variety.
• Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk for a dairy-free version.

Insider Tips

• For an extra touch, drizzle some chocolate syrup or honey over the top before serving.
• Make the cream mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge to save time.
• Try using different flavored pudding mixes to switch up the taste.
• For a crunch element, consider adding granola or crushed cookies between the layers.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

Store any leftover Dessert Parfait in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the parfaits covered to maintain freshness. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh, as the fruits may start to soften over time.

Handy Q&A

Can I make Dessert Parfait ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the layers and assemble the parfaits a few hours in advance. Just make sure to keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

What other fruits can I use in this parfait?

Feel free to experiment with your favorite fruits! Blueberries, kiwi, and mango are all great alternatives that will add different flavors and colors to your parfait.

Can I use a different type of pudding?

Absolutely! Vanilla, chocolate, or even butterscotch pudding will work wonderfully in this Dessert Parfait.

Is this dessert suitable for kids?

Definitely! This Dessert Parfait is a fun and colorful treat that kids will love, and it’s easy for them to help assemble too.

Desserts to Finish

• Cheesecake
• Chocolate Mousse
• Vegan Chocolate Cake
• Vanilla Cupcakes

Final Thoughts

This Dessert Parfait is a delightful way to enjoy fresh fruits and creamy textures all in one beautiful presentation. The layers of strawberries, pineapple, and blackberries create a visual treat, while the creamy filling adds a delicious richness that complements the fruit perfectly. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or as a sweet treat for yourself, it’s sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in this delicious Dessert Parfait that will have everyone coming back for more!

Dessert Parfait

This Dessert Parfait is a stunningly simple treat! Layered with cream and fresh fruits, it's perfect for any occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Parfait:

• 1 cup Strawberries hulled and halved
• 1 cup Pineapple cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup Blackberries rinsed
• 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
• 4 tbsp Butter or Margarine
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 cup Cool Whip
• 1 pkg Instant White Chocolate or Vanilla Pudding
• 2 cups Milk whole or preferred milk
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Parfait Glasses or Cups
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

Instructions:

1. Start by hulled and halving the strawberries, cutting the pineapple into bite-sized pieces, and rinsing the blackberries. Set these aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter (or margarine). Beat together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until well incorporated.
3. Gently fold in the Cool Whip into the cream mixture until fully combined. This will create a light and fluffy cream layer.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix with milk and vanilla extract. Stir until it thickens, usually about 2 minutes.
5. In your parfait glasses or cups, start by adding a layer of the cream mixture at the bottom. Follow this with a layer of strawberries, then a layer of pineapple, and finally a layer of blackberries. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled, finishing with a dollop of cream on top and a few berries for garnish.
6. Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful layers of flavor!

Notes

• For an extra touch, drizzle some chocolate syrup or honey over the top before serving.
• Make the cream mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge to save time.
• Try using different flavored pudding mixes to switch up the taste.
• For a crunch element, consider adding granola or crushed cookies between the layers.