In the summer, desserts are both easier and harder to make. Easier, because there’s so much incredible ripe fruit available, from beautiful berries to stone fruits like peaches, and harder, because it’s hard to turn on the oven when the temperature is rising outside.
That’s where these strawberry parfaits come in. The only cooking is melting butter, and that can be done in the microwave. Besides that, grab graham crackers, powdered sugar, heavy cream, lots of strawberries, and let’s go! You won’t need the oven at all.
You’ll need to crumble the graham crackers to make one of the layers of the parfaits. This is most easily done by breaking the crackers up into a sealable sandwich bag. Seal the bag, then use a rolling pin (or a wine bottle!) to turn the pieces into crumbs. Those get mixed with butter and set aside.
Then, simply whip the cream (here’s how), and fold in some macerated berries.
Into each of six cocktail glasses, pile the strawberries, cream, and graham cracker crumbs. As you scoop up bites, you’ll find the perfect mash-up of crunchy, creamy, bright, and sweet.
It’s a dessert that’s just perfect for the Fourth of July!
Get the whole recipe below.
INGREDIENTS
12 graham crackers (6.5 ounces.), crumbled
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 pound strawberries
Macerate the strawberries: wash and dry the strawberries, then cut off and discard the tops and small dice half of the fruit and thinly slice the rest (for topping). Combine the diced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar and let stand as you continue cooking.
Make the crumb mixture: in a large bowl, combine the graham crackers, butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar (optional) until crumbly. Chill until ready to use.
Make the whipped topping: using a whisk or hand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream with the remaining sugar to taste, until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the parfaits: fold half the whipped topping into the macerated strawberries. Divide the strawberry topping, whipped topping, strawberries (reserve some for garnish) and crumb mixture in even layers between the 6 parfait dishes. Top with the remaining strawberries. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour minutes or until ready to eat.
Makes 6 servings.
