Strawberry Parfait Recipe
This Strawberry Parfait is a stunning combination of texture, color, and flavor — a dessert that feels as elegant as it tastes. Layers of juicy strawberries, sweetened vanilla cream, and crushed amaretti biscuits soaked in fragrant amaretto come together to create a treat that is both indulgent and refreshing. Perfect for special gatherings, dinner parties, or a romantic evening at home, this parfait delivers a delicate balance of sweetness and crunch in every spoonful.
Ingredient Breakdown
Every ingredient plays a distinct role in building the parfait’s harmony. Fresh strawberries are the star — vibrant, juicy, and naturally sweet, they provide both freshness and visual appeal. Amaretti biscuits add a light crunch and a whisper of almond flavor that deepens when infused with amaretto liqueur. The liqueur not only enhances the biscuits but also lends a subtle sophistication to the dessert. Heavy cream, whipped until light and fluffy, creates a creamy contrast against the crisp biscuit base. Vanilla extract and confectioners’ sugar round out the cream’s flavor, turning it into a smooth, cloud-like layer that ties everything together beautifully.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Start by crushing the amaretti biscuits until they resemble coarse crumbs. This texture creates the perfect foundation — sturdy enough to support the layers yet delicate enough to absorb the amaretto evenly. Drizzle the liqueur gently over the biscuit base, allowing it to soak in for a rich, almond-scented flavor. Refrigerating this layer helps the base firm up and lets the flavors mingle.
Next, prepare the strawberries. Choose a few of the largest berries to slice thinly for decorative layering along the inside of the glass. Their vibrant red hue adds a beautiful contrast to the creamy filling. Finely chop the remaining strawberries to create a juicy, textured filling that balances the crunch of the biscuits.
Whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract and confectioners’ sugar until soft, airy peaks form. The key here is to achieve a velvety texture — stable enough to hold its shape but not overwhipped. Once ready, spoon or pipe the cream into the glasses, layering it with the chopped strawberries for a striking contrast of color and texture.
Repeat the layers — biscuit crumbs, strawberries, and cream — until the glass is filled, ending with a swirl of whipped cream. For a professional finish, top each parfait with a few thin strawberry slices and a sprinkle of reserved amaretti crumbs. The result is a dessert that looks as refined as it tastes, with every layer complementing the next.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Best type of strawberries to use for maximum sweetness and color:
Choose ripe, bright red strawberries that are firm yet juicy for the best flavor and presentation.
How to keep the whipped cream light and stable for layering:
Chill both the mixing bowl and whisk before whipping the cream to achieve a firm, stable texture.
Tricks for assembling parfaits neatly without disturbing the layers:
Use a piping bag for the cream and a small spoon for the strawberries to create clean, defined layers.
Make-ahead suggestions for preparing in advance without losing freshness:
Assemble the biscuit base and cream a few hours ahead, but add the strawberries just before serving to preserve their freshness.
Can I make this without amaretto for a non-alcoholic version?
Absolutely. Substitute with a splash of almond extract or orange juice for similar flavor depth.
How long can the parfaits be stored before serving?
They can be refrigerated for up to 6 hours; longer may soften the biscuit layer.
Can I substitute amaretti biscuits with another type of cookie?
Yes, graham crackers or shortbread cookies work wonderfully as alternatives.
What’s the best way to prevent the biscuit layer from becoming soggy?
Chill the base briefly after adding the liqueur and assemble just before serving for the ideal texture.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This parfait pairs beautifully with light beverages that complement its creamy sweetness. A small glass of sparkling rosé or dessert wine enhances the fruity notes, while espresso or cappuccino creates a wonderful balance of richness. It’s an excellent addition to a brunch spread, afternoon tea, or a sophisticated dinner menu. Serve it alongside almond biscotti or buttery shortbread cookies for extra crunch. For a romantic touch, present it in tall wine glasses and garnish with a mint sprig or chocolate curls.
Creative Variations
Transform this parfait with seasonal ingredients and creative twists. Replace strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a colorful variation. For a decadent twist, drizzle chocolate ganache or berry coulis between layers. You can also swap whipped cream for mascarpone or a mixture of cream cheese and yogurt for a richer, tangier version. For an elegant holiday dessert, add a layer of crushed pistachios or shaved white chocolate to complement the strawberries and cream.
Strawberry Parfait is a dessert that balances freshness, texture, and sweetness in perfect harmony. Each layer — from the crisp amaretti to the luscious cream and vibrant berries — works together to create a dessert that feels light yet indulgent. Elegant, effortless, and endlessly versatile, it’s the perfect sweet ending to any meal or a delightful centerpiece for any special occasion.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and dried
12 amaretti biscuits
2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur
1 ½ cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Begin by gathering and preparing all ingredients. Place the amaretti biscuits in a resealable plastic bag and crush them gently with a rolling pin until they form coarse, sandy crumbs. Set aside a few tablespoons of crumbs for garnish later.
Divide the remaining crushed biscuits evenly among four dessert glasses or wine glasses. Using the back of a spoon or spatula, press the crumbs gently to create a compact base. Carefully drizzle the amaretto over each base, allowing the liqueur to soak through without disturbing the crumb layer. Place the glasses in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the strawberries and cream.
Select a few of the largest and most visually appealing strawberries and slice them as thinly as possible for layering. Finely chop the remaining strawberries and set them aside.
Remove the glasses from the refrigerator and arrange the strawberry slices neatly around the base and along the inner sides of each glass, forming a decorative border. Create a second overlapping row for a fuller look, reserving a few slices for garnish. Spoon half of the chopped strawberries into the center of each glass, filling the well created by the layered slices. Return the glasses to the refrigerator to chill again.
In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until firm peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip — the cream should be smooth and airy, not grainy or stiff.
Pipe or spoon half of the whipped cream over the strawberry layer, spreading it evenly. Add the remaining chopped strawberries on top, followed by another layer of whipped cream.
Finish each parfait with a few thin strawberry slices and a sprinkle of reserved amaretti crumbs for added texture and charm. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and most delightful presentation.
Strawberry Parfait Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries washed, hulled, and dried
- 12 amaretti biscuits
- 2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Begin by gathering and preparing all ingredients. Place the amaretti biscuits in a resealable plastic bag and crush them gently with a rolling pin until they form coarse, sandy crumbs. Set aside a few tablespoons of crumbs for garnish later.
- Divide the remaining crushed biscuits evenly among four dessert glasses or wine glasses. Using the back of a spoon or spatula, press the crumbs gently to create a compact base. Carefully drizzle the amaretto over each base, allowing the liqueur to soak through without disturbing the crumb layer. Place the glasses in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the strawberries and cream.
- Select a few of the largest and most visually appealing strawberries and slice them as thinly as possible for layering. Finely chop the remaining strawberries and set them aside.
- Remove the glasses from the refrigerator and arrange the strawberry slices neatly around the base and along the inner sides of each glass, forming a decorative border. Create a second overlapping row for a fuller look, reserving a few slices for garnish. Spoon half of the chopped strawberries into the center of each glass, filling the well created by the layered slices. Return the glasses to the refrigerator to chill again.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until firm peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip — the cream should be smooth and airy, not grainy or stiff.
- Pipe or spoon half of the whipped cream over the strawberry layer, spreading it evenly. Add the remaining chopped strawberries on top, followed by another layer of whipped cream.
- Finish each parfait with a few thin strawberry slices and a sprinkle of reserved amaretti crumbs for added texture and charm. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and most delightful presentation.