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Here are the ingredients you need to make strawberry shortcake parfaits: - 2 cups fresh strawberries - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 cup heavy whipping cream - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar - 2 cups store-bought shortcake or homemade vanilla sponge cake - Fresh mint leaves for garnish These ingredients create a sweet and creamy treat that is perfect for summer. Fresh strawberries give the parfaits their bright flavor and vibrant color. The sugar helps to draw out the natural juices from the strawberries, making a sweet syrup. Heavy whipping cream adds richness, while vanilla extract brings depth to the whipped cream. You can use either store-bought shortcake or make your own for a personal touch. Mint leaves add a refreshing finish to your parfaits. This recipe is fun and easy. You can mix and match these ingredients based on what you like. For example, you might add some lemon zest for a zesty kick or swap in other berries. Enjoy the process and feel free to experiment! Start by slicing your fresh strawberries. Toss them in a bowl with sugar. Use about 3 tablespoons of sugar to sweeten the berries. Let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This time helps the strawberries release their juices. You will get a tasty syrup that adds flavor to your parfaits. Next, grab a mixing bowl for your whipped cream. Combine 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer. Whip the mixture on medium speed. Stop when soft peaks form. Then, add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Keep whipping until you see stiff peaks. Be careful not to overwhip. This will help keep your cream light and fluffy. Now it’s time to build your parfaits. Get your serving glasses or bowls ready. Start with a layer of crumbled shortcake at the bottom. Next, add a layer of your sweetened strawberries. After that, add a dollop of your whipped cream. Repeat these layers until the glasses are full. Finish with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. For a nice touch, add a fresh mint leaf for garnish. This adds color and flavor to your dessert. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. To make great whipped cream, start with cold ingredients. Chill your bowl and beaters in the fridge. This helps the cream whip faster. When you whip, stop as soon as soft peaks form. Overwhipping makes it grainy and hard. If you do overwhip, try adding a splash of fresh cream to fix it. For a light and fluffy cream, fold in the powdered sugar gently. This adds sweetness without losing air. Serve your whipped cream right away for the best taste. If you prepare it ahead, store it in the fridge. Keep it in a sealed container to avoid absorbing smells. If the cream is too cold, let it sit for a few minutes. This makes it easier to dollop over your parfaits. For a beautiful presentation, layer your parfaits in clear glasses. This shows off the bright colors of the strawberries, cream, and cake. You can also top with fresh mint leaves for a pop of green. Pair your parfaits with a light drink. Sparkling water or lemonade goes well. For a more fun option, try a fruity iced tea. Both drinks balance the sweetness of the dessert. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} You can make the whipped cream even more tasty. Try adding extracts like almond or coconut. These flavors bring a fun twist to the cream. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. These natural sweeteners add a unique taste. While strawberries shine, other fruits can join the party. You can mix in blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for fun. Each berry offers a new taste and color. You can also use seasonal fruits like peaches or mangoes in summer. This keeps your parfaits fresh and exciting. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite fruits. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To store your strawberry shortcake parfaits, first cover them tightly. You can use plastic wrap or a lid on your serving glasses. This keeps the parfaits fresh and prevents them from drying out. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. The flavor remains great, but the whipped cream may lose some fluffiness over time. If you want the best taste, eat them fresh. Can parfaits be frozen? Yes, but it’s tricky. The layers can separate when thawed. If you want to freeze them, do not freeze the whipped cream. Instead, freeze the crumbled shortcake and strawberry mix. Once you are ready to serve, make fresh whipped cream. This way, you keep the parfait's lovely texture. For freezing whipped cream, scoop it onto a baking sheet and freeze dollops. Once frozen, store them in a bag. They can last up to a month. You can make homemade shortcake with simple ingredients. You need flour, sugar, butter, baking powder, and milk. Start by mixing dry ingredients in one bowl. In another bowl, mix butter and milk. Combine both and knead gently. Cut the dough into rounds and bake until golden. This easy recipe gives you a fresh taste. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. Yes, you can prep these parfaits ahead of time. Assemble them without the whipped cream and store them in the fridge. Add the whipped cream just before serving. This keeps it fresh and fluffy. You can also prep the strawberries and shortcake a day before. Using frozen strawberries is fine, but there are pros and cons. Frozen strawberries are easy and save time. They are picked at peak ripeness and are often less expensive. However, they can be mushy when thawed. If you want a firmer texture, fresh strawberries are best. You learned how to make delicious strawberry parfaits using simple ingredients. With fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and shortcake, you can create a tasty treat. Remember to layer carefully for the best look and taste. Also, explore flavor variations and storage tips to enjoy them later. These parfaits are easy to customize and share. Enjoy making and sharing this fun dessert!

Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits

Indulge in a delightful treat with these decadent strawberry shortcake parfaits! Made with fresh strawberries, creamy whipped topping, and crumbled shortcake, this easy dessert is perfect for any occasion. Discover how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece in just 30 minutes.Perfect for gatherings or a delicious personal treat.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

2 cups store-bought shortcake or homemade vanilla sponge cake, crumbled

Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Toss gently and let sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices. This will create a delicious strawberry syrup.

    Make the Whipped Cream: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and remaining 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream on medium speed until soft peaks form, then add the powdered sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

      Assemble the Parfaits: In serving glasses or bowls, start by adding a layer of crumbled shortcake at the bottom. Next, add a layer of the macerated strawberries, followed by a generous dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled, finishing with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

        Garnish and Serve: Garnish each parfait with a fresh mint leaf. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

          Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4