Easy Strawberry Parfaits

These Easy Strawberry Parfaits are the perfect quick and simple dessert for summer or any time you need a sweet treat! Featuring a creamy no-bake cheesecake layer, sweet and juicy macerated strawberries, and crunchy buttery vanilla wafer crumbs, this small batch dessert comes together in just minutes. Ideal for weeknight treats, picnics, or last-minute entertaining!

Ingredients to Make Strawberry Parfaits Recipe

Strawberry parfaits are one of our favorite summer desserts, especially on busy days when quick and easy treats are a must. Whether it’s peak strawberry season or I just need a simple small batch dessert, you can’t beat the classic combination of strawberries and cream. And with fresh strawberries available year-round, we don’t have to wait for summer to enjoy these sweet, refreshing parfaits anytime we like.

These kind of desserts are perfect for individual serving desserts for picnics, potlucks, the holidays and entertaining friends and family. The different layers require little prep time to make and they’re so pretty! Parfaits can be made in wine glasses, parfait glasses, mason jars or glass tea cups in a pinch, so you can see the mouthwatering layers.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients to Make Easy Strawberry Parfaits: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Strawberries – 1 1/2 quarts strawberries for the layers and whole strawberries for garnishing.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar for sweetness.
• Crumb Layer – Vanilla wafer or graham cracker crumbs mixed with melted butter for richness.
• Cream Cheese – Neufchatel cream cheese. You can use full fat cream cheese, but it’s not necessary, Neufchatel works perfectly.
• Liquid – One can sweetened condensed milk is added to the cream cheese for sweetness. It also gives the cheesecake layer a creamy texture.
• Flavoring – Vanilla extract for creamy floral notes.
• Whipped Cream – Thawed whipped topping, i.e. Cool Whip or similar for the filling and the topping.
• Fresh Whipped Cream – See how to make fresh whipped cream in the recipe card.

How to Make the Best Easy Strawberry Parfaits Recipe

These parfaits are simple to assemble and you can relax, there’s really no wrong way to layer the ingredients. A few pointers to keep in mind:

• Macerate Strawberries – Slice and cube strawberries. Stir strawberries with sugar let stand to macerate. (You can add a splash of lemon juice!)
• Vanilla Wafer Crumbs – Melt butter. Toss butter with vanilla wafer crumbs. (You can also use graham cracker crumbs.) Set aside.
• Cheesecake Filling – Using an electric mixer whip together cream cheese, condensed milk, 1/2 whipped topping and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Assemble Parfaits – Start with 2 heaping tablespoons of cream cheese mixture, then 2 heaping tablespoons vanilla wafer crumbs and 2 heaping tablespoons of strawberries. Repeat layers ending with cream cheese mixture.
• Garnish Parfaits – Top each parfait with a remaining crumbs, and pipe whipped cream on top. Decorate with one whole berry or strawberry slices.
• Refrigerate – Chill Strawberry Parfaits until serving.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Strawberry Parfaits

• Large bowl and small bowl.
• Parfait glasses or small mason jars.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer to make the cheesecake filling.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Strawberry huller or paring knife and chopping board.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Fruit Variations – You can make this parfait recipe with fresh raspberries, blackberries or blueberries.
• Vanilla Wafer Substitution – You could use graham crackers for a more traditional cheesecake taste with a graham cracker crust. You could also cube pound cake for a strawberry shortcake parfait.
• Cheesecake Layer – You could adapt the cheesecake filling using instant cheesecake pudding mix and Greek yogurt.
• Strawberry Jam – You could swirl a small amount of strawberry jam through the cheesecake layer.
• Flavoring Substitutions – You can add alternate flavorings to the the cheesecake layer by using lemon extract or almond extract in place of, vanilla extract.
• Citrus – You could add lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a citrus twist.
• Garnish – You could use white chocolate shavings or chocolate curls as a garnish.
• Adjust the Size According to Servings – Depending on the size of the parfait glasses. mason jars or glasses used, the yield can vary. The parfaits in the images are made in 8 ounce parfait glasses.
• Use Fresh Strawberries – Can I use frozen strawberries for parfaits? Frozen strawberries have a tasty flavor, but the texture isn’t the best choice for this particular recipe for parfaits. Even after thawing, they’re more likely to saturate the crumbs and make them soggy.
• Timesaving Tip – You can make the crumbs, macerated strawberries and cheesecake layer in advance then assemble the parfaits just before serving.
• Layer Your Way – The vanilla wafer crumb layer can soften just a bit from the macerated strawberries. If this bothers you, layer them apart from the berries.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store assembled Strawberry Parfaits covered with plastic wrap and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer – You can freeze parfaits for up to 1 month. thaw in the fridge and enjoy. Please note, the vanilla wafer layer will soften when chilled or frozen. It’s similar to ‘Nilla wafers in banana pudding in texture.

More Strawberry Desserts to Make

I’m extremely grateful we can get our hands on fresh strawberries year-round. Due to this, they’re often on our dessert menu. Other strawberry recipes you may also like to try:

• Strawberry Shortcake Brownie Cupcakes start with a brownie mix.
• Strawberry Lime Margaritas can be made family friendly, too.
• This Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle is a special dessert for a special occasion.
• Scratch made Strawberry Pound Cake is drizzled with a vanilla cream glaze.
• Strawberry Shortcake are a classic.
• Strawberry Sauce from Will Cook for Smiles.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Mixer
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Set
• Dessert Bowls