Strawberry Lemon Parfaits Recipe

Strawberry Lemon Parfaits Recipe
These refreshing strawberry lemon parfaits are the perfect dessert for warm weather or any time you want a light and fruity treat. With layers of fresh strawberries, tangy lemon curd, and a creamy filling, they make for a delightful and beautiful dessert.
Ingredients (Makes 4-6 parfaits):
For the Lemon Curd:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cubed
For the Parfait:
- 2 cups (500g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120g) Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese
- 1-2 tbsp honey or powdered sugar (adjust to sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Crumbled graham crackers or shortbread cookies (optional, for crunch)
Instructions:
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Make the Lemon Curd:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually pour about 1/4 cup of the warm lemon mixture into the egg yolks to temper them, whisking constantly. Slowly add the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking to combine.
- Continue to cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to let it boil.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the butter until smooth. Let the lemon curd cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.
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Prepare the Parfait Layers:
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form. Add the vanilla extract and sweeten with honey or powdered sugar to taste.
- Gently fold in the Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese to create a smooth, creamy mixture.
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Assemble the Parfaits:
- In serving glasses or small jars, layer the parfaits starting with a spoonful of the whipped cream mixture, followed by a layer of lemon curd, then fresh sliced strawberries. Repeat the layers until you fill the glasses, ending with a few strawberries on top.
- If using, add a layer of crumbled graham crackers or shortbread cookies between the layers for a crunchy texture.
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Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up a bit.
- Before serving, you can garnish the parfaits with extra lemon zest, fresh mint leaves, or more crumbled cookies.
Tips and Variations:
- Lemon Curd: If you prefer a quicker option, you can use store-bought lemon curd instead of making your own.
- Berry Variation: Feel free to mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries for added flavor and color.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a dairy-free version.
- Crunchy Base: For a more dessert-like base, layer in crushed graham crackers or a nutty granola between the layers.
Enjoy these sweet and tangy parfaits as a refreshing treat! Would you like suggestions for a drink or side dish to pair with this dessert?
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