Easy No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Parfait Recipe Perfect for Summer Desserts
A quick and easy no-bake strawberry shortcake parfait featuring layers of macerated strawberries, crumbled shortcake, and homemade whipped cream with vanilla. Perfect for a light, refreshing summer dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup shortcake biscuits or store-bought pound cake, crumbled
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Optional: chopped mint leaves for garnish
- Optional: a few drops almond extract (can substitute vanilla extract)
Instructions
- Macerate the strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to release juices.
- Prepare the shortcake crumble: Crumble shortcake biscuits or pound cake into roughly 1/2-inch pieces, mixing small crumbs and bite-sized chunks.
- Whip the cream: Pour cold heavy whipping cream into a chilled mixing bowl. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip with an electric mixer or balloon whisk on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overwhipping.
- Layer the parfaits: In serving glasses, start with a spoonful of shortcake crumble, then a layer of macerated strawberries with syrup, followed by a dollop of whipped cream. Repeat layering once or twice more, finishing with whipped cream on top.
- Garnish and chill: Sprinkle lemon zest or chopped mint leaves on top if desired. Chill parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use cold heavy cream and chilled bowl for easier whipping. Avoid overwhipping cream to prevent grainy texture. Drain excess strawberry juice if watery to avoid soggy shortcake. Assemble parfaits shortly before serving or chill for best texture. For gluten-free, use gluten-free biscuits; for dairy-free, substitute coconut cream but expect texture and flavor differences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parfait (approxima
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 16.5
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 27.5
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3.5
Keywords: strawberry shortcake, no-bake dessert, parfait, summer dessert, easy dessert, whipped cream, shortcake, fresh strawberries