Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that combines the luscious sweetness of fresh strawberries with the rich, velvety smoothness of mascarpone cream. This Italian-inspired dessert is not just a treat – it's a work of art that will transform your ordinary dessert experience into an extraordinary gastronomic adventure. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving a decadent yet simple dessert, this Strawberry Parfait with Mascarpone Cream is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Granola or crushed cookies for layering
Instructions
- Wash and hull the fresh strawberries, then slice them into thin, uniform pieces. Set aside in a bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whip the mixture on medium-high speed until it becomes light, fluffy, and forms soft peaks, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Prepare clear glass serving dishes or parfait glasses to showcase the beautiful layers of the dessert.
- Begin layering the parfait by first adding a sprinkle of granola or crushed cookies at the bottom of each glass to create a crunchy base.
- Gently spoon a layer of the mascarpone cream over the granola, ensuring an even distribution.
- Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the cream, arranging them neatly and covering the entire cream surface.
- Repeat the layering process: granola, mascarpone cream, and strawberries until the glass is nearly full, typically creating 2-3 layers.
- For the final top layer, garnish with a few extra strawberry slices and a light sprinkle of granola for added texture and visual appeal.
- Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set slightly.
- Serve cold and enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture experience.
Tips
- Choose ripe, vibrant strawberries for the most intense flavor. Look for berries that are deep red and fragrant.
- Ensure your mascarpone and heavy cream are cold before whipping – this helps create the fluffiest cream possible.
- For an extra touch of elegance, use clear glass serving dishes to showcase the beautiful layers of the parfait.
- Chill your mixing bowl and whisk before whipping the cream for maximum volume and stability.
- Get creative with your crunchy base – while granola works perfectly, you can also use crushed graham crackers, shortbread, or even chocolate cookies for a unique twist.
- For a make-ahead option, prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving to keep the granola crisp.
- If you want to elevate the presentation, use a piping bag to create smooth, even layers of mascarpone cream.
- For a boozy adult version, try adding a splash of Grand Marnier or Limoncello to the cream mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 100mg
