Easy No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits
A quick and easy no-bake dessert featuring layers of macerated fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and crumbly shortcake, perfect for any occasion and ready in just 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 cups store-bought shortcake or angel food cake, crumbled
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Optional dairy-free alternatives: coconut cream instead of heavy cream and gluten-free shortcake or crushed gluten-free cookies
Instructions
- Macerate the Strawberries: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon zest if using. Stir gently to coat and let sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to release juices.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream: Pour chilled heavy whipping cream into a cold bowl. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk until soft peaks form, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Prepare Shortcake Crumbs: Crumble the shortcake or angel food cake into bite-sized pieces, mixing fine crumbs and chunks for texture.
- Assemble the Parfaits: In parfait glasses, layer 1/4 cup shortcake crumbs, a spoonful of macerated strawberries with syrup, and a dollop of whipped cream. Repeat layers until glass is full, ending with whipped cream on top.
- Garnish and Chill: Top with whole strawberry slices and optional mint leaves. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Chill bowls and beaters before whipping cream for best results. Do not over-whip cream to avoid turning it buttery. Macerate strawberries for about 15 minutes to release natural juices without making them mushy. For longer-lasting parfaits, fold in a teaspoon of cream cheese into whipped cream for stability. Assemble shortly before serving for best texture as crumbs soften over time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parfait (approxima
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: strawberry shortcake, no-bake dessert, parfaits, quick dessert, easy dessert, summer dessert, whipped cream, shortcake, fresh strawberries