Imagine diving into a luxurious dessert that combines the vibrant burst of fresh wild berries, the silky smoothness of mascarpone cream, and the delightful crunch of granola - all in one spectacular parfait! This Italian-inspired dessert is not just a treat; it's an experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece. Perfect for summer gatherings, romantic dinners, or when you simply want to pamper yourself with a gourmet-style dessert that takes just 15 minutes to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Granola for topping
Instructions
- Wash the mixed berries thoroughly under cool running water. Gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. The texture should be light and fluffy.
- Prepare your serving glasses or parfait dishes. Choose clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers of the dessert.
- Begin layering the parfait by placing a generous spoonful of fresh mixed berries at the bottom of each glass.
- Carefully spoon the mascarpone cream mixture over the berries, creating an even layer that covers the fruit completely.
- Repeat the layering process, alternating between fresh berries and mascarpone cream. Aim for 2-3 layers in each glass.
- Finish the top layer with a sprinkle of fresh berries and a generous handful of crunchy granola for added texture.
- Refrigerate the parfaits for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to slightly set.
- Just before serving, optionally dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Tips
- Berry Selection: Choose ripe, fresh berries for the most intense flavor. Mix different types like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a complex taste profile.
- Cream Consistency: Ensure your mascarpone and heavy cream are cold before whipping. This helps achieve a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Layering Technique: Use clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers. Take your time when layering to create visually appealing parfaits.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare these parfaits up to 2 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. Add the granola just before serving to maintain its crispness.
- Customization: Experiment with different granola types or add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. You can also substitute mascarpone with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Serving Tip: Let the parfaits sit for 10-15 minutes after assembling to allow flavors to meld together, but serve chilled for the best taste experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 278kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
