Fruit Parfaits Are An Easy, Impressive, Fun Dessert For Any Time of Year
We’ve all been there—unexpected guests drop by, and you want to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where fruit parfaits come in handy. They’re quick, easy, and oh-so-impressive when served in pretty glasses. The best part? You can use any fruits you have on hand, making it a versatile dessert for any season. Just layer some fresh fruits, creamy yogurt fluff, and a drizzle of homemade chocolate syrup, and you’ve got a dessert that looks like you’ve spent hours preparing. Pop them in the fridge for a couple of hours, and when it’s time to serve, your guests will be wowed by the beautiful, refreshing treat.
Did You Know?
Strawberries: The Sweet Stars of Your Fruit Parfait
Strawberries aren’t just delicious; they’re packed with nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. However, they’re also known to be part of the “Dirty Dozen,” a list of fruits and vegetables that tend to have higher pesticide residues. Because of this, many people opt for organic strawberries to reduce exposure to these chemicals. Harvested by hand, strawberries are delicate fruits that require careful handling. They’re often picked early in the morning when they’re at their sweetest and juiciest. So the next time you enjoy a strawberry in your parfait, know that a lot of care went into getting that little red gem onto your plate!
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
Macerated Strawberries:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Pineapple Layer:
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, juice drained, or fresh pineapple chunks
Yogurt Fluff:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Syrup:
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Toasted Coconut Flakes:
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
Garnish:
- 4 fresh strawberry halves
Instructions:
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Macerate the Strawberries:
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Mix well and let sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices.
Personal Tip: You can prepare the strawberries a day ahead and store them in the fridge to save time. -
Prepare the Yogurt Fluff:
In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
In a separate bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the yogurt mixture until well combined and fluffy.
Personal Tip: For a lighter texture, use chilled bowls and utensils when whipping the cream. -
Make the Chocolate Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and water. Whisk until smooth.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the syrup thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool to room temperature.
Personal Tip: Make extra chocolate syrup to drizzle over ice cream or pancakes later! -
Toast the Coconut Flakes:
In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the coconut flakes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool.
Personal Tip: Keep a close eye on the coconut flakes—they can go from golden to burnt very quickly. -
Assemble the Parfaits:
Spoon a layer of chocolate syrup on the bottom of each glass.
Spoon a layer of yogurt fluff over the chocolate syrup.
Divide the macerated strawberries evenly among 4 serving glasses, creating the next layer.
Add a layer of pineapple chunks over the strawberries.
Top with a generous layer of the yogurt fluff.
Drizzle with the homemade chocolate syrup.
Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes.
Garnish each parfait with a fresh strawberry half.
Personal Tip: Use clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers and make the dessert even more appealing. -
Serve:
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Personal Tip: If refrigerating, cover the parfaits with plastic wrap to prevent them from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 250, Protein: 4g, Carbohydrates: 35g, Sugars: 25g, Total Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Sodium: 40mg, Fiber: 3g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
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Strawberries: Macerating the strawberries with sugar enhances their natural sweetness and creates a syrupy consistency. This step can be done ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
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Pineapple: Using canned pineapple chunks is convenient, but fresh pineapple will provide a better texture and flavor. Drain the juice well to prevent the parfait from becoming soggy.
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Yogurt Fluff: Whipping the heavy cream and folding it into the Greek yogurt lightens the mixture, giving it a fluffy texture. Use full-fat yogurt for the best results.
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Chocolate Syrup: Homemade chocolate syrup is easy to make and tastes much better than store-bought. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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Coconut Flakes: Toasting the coconut flakes enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the parfait. Keep a close eye on them while toasting, as they can burn quickly.
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Layering: Ensure even layers for a beautiful presentation. Clear glasses or mason jars work well to showcase the layers.
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Garnish: Fresh strawberry halves add a touch of color and freshness to the parfait. You can also garnish with a mint leaf for extra visual appeal.
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Variations: Experiment with different fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or mango for a unique twist. You can also add granola for extra texture.
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Make Ahead: Prepare all the components in advance and assemble the parfaits just before serving to save time. This is especially useful for entertaining guests.
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Serving Size: Adjust the serving size according to your needs. This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
You Can Use Any Kind of Glass for Parfaits
One of the best things about parfaits is how customizable they are—not just in flavor but in presentation, too. You don’t need to have fancy glassware to make your parfaits look impressive. Small canning jars, for example, are perfect for individual servings and add a rustic charm. Thrift stores are also treasure troves for unique glassware at a fraction of the price. Whether it’s vintage goblets, mismatched wine glasses, or even small tumblers, a creative presentation can elevate your dessert from simple to spectacular. So next time you’re making parfaits, think outside the box (or the kitchen cabinet) and have fun with how you serve them!