No-Bake Strawberry Parfait Cake: the Recipe for a Simple, Delicious, Creamy Summer Dessert!

Craving a refreshing and impressive dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than a delicious Strawberry Parfait Cake! This layered treat, perfect for a light ending to any meal, features juicy seasonal strawberries and delicate ladyfingers in a fresh combination of textures and flavors. Best served chilled, parfaits are a fantastic option for those hot summer days or anytime you want a no-bake dessert that's ready in minutes. It’s also a great dessert for making ahead of time. Our recipe uses fresh strawberries, but feel free to use other berries! With a few ingredients, you can create a showstopping finale that's both elegant and satisfying.

What is Strawberry Parfait Cake?

The earliest versions of parfaits in the late 1800s were French. These parfaits consisted of a rich custard base made with eggs, sugar, cream, and syrup, frozen into a decadent dessert. Across the Atlantic, America took the parfait concept and ran with it. Here, the focus shifted to a layered dessert featuring ice cream or frozen yogurt, fruits, and whipped cream. This is the style we most commonly associate with parfaits today. The addition of ladyfingers to the strawberry parfait is a creative twist. These light and airy sponge biscuits, traditionally used in tiramisu, add a nice textural contrast to the creamy base and juicy strawberries. Parfaits are incredibly versatile. You can swap out the strawberries for other seasonal fruits like blueberries, peaches, or mangoes. Don't have ladyfingers? No problem! Granola, crumbled cookies, or even chopped nuts can add a satisfying crunch. While parfaits are typically enjoyed in glass as a dessert, this parfait cake can be ‘sliced’ like a cake!

Tips

• Opt for ripe, but not mushy, strawberries. Locally sourced berries at their peak of the season will deliver the best flavor. Taste your strawberries before adding extra sugar. If they're naturally sweet, you might not need any additional sweetener.
• Don't soak the ladyfingers too long! A quick dip in the berry juice adds a touch of flavor, but soggy ladyfingers will lose their crunchy texture.
• Use plant-based yogurt and top with chopped nuts and vegan whipped cream to turn this into a vegan dish. For a lower-sugar option, use Greek yogurt and naturally sweet berries.

Do I Have To Use Ladyfingers?

No, ladyfingers add a nice touch, but you can use granola, crumbled cookies, or chopped nuts for a similar textural element.

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?

Yes, but thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using. Fresh strawberries will have the best flavor and texture.

How Long Do I Need To Marinate The Strawberries?

1-2 hours is sufficient for the strawberries to release their juices.

How Long Will The Parfait Stay Fresh?

Parfait is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The ladyfingers will soften over time.

Can I Make This Parfait Ahead Of Time?

Yes, but assembling it just before serving will yield the crispiest ladyfingers. Alternatively, store the components separately and assemble when ready to enjoy.

How to Store Strawberry Parfait

Strawberry parfaits are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Store parfaits in airtight containers or tightly covered individual serving dishes.

How To Make Strawberry Parfait

Combine sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and limoncello in a bowl. Cover and let sit for 1-2 hours, allowing the berries to release their delicious juices.

Strain the juicy strawberries, reserving the liquid for later. Puree the berries until smooth.

In a chilled bowl, whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Adjust the sweetness to your taste. Divide the whipped cream into two equal portions.

Fold the strawberry puree into one half of the whipped cream. Transfer the white and pink whipped cream into separate piping bags.

Briefly dip half of the ladyfingers in the reserved strawberry juice and arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of a 22 x 22cm square cake pan.

Pipe a layer of pink cream on top of the ladyfingers, followed by a layer of white cream. Repeat with another soaked ladyfinger layer and finish with a final layer of ladyfingers.

Refrigerate the parfait for at least 6 hours, or even overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Once chilled, remove the cake pan to decorate! First, add white whipped cream to the top of the parfait and smoothen the surface. Then decorate it with pink whipped cream.

Add fresh strawberries and a few mint leaves.