Originally published in the first year of the blog, this favorite recipe of mine languished in the archives with photos that left a bit to be desired, a-hem. Completely updated not only with new photos, but with my new technique of using honey to sweeten the whipped cream, I’m happy to share it again with you (which is actually the first time for most of you, since it was so long ago!).
Berries are one of my favorite fruits and simple berry parfaits for dessert is something I look forward to indulging in when berries are in season (they just aren’t the same with frozen fruit…). Although “indulging” is a bit extreme, maybe, for this real-food dessert with good-for-you berries (it’s terrific with other fruit, too). Yes, the whipped cream has calories, but it’s also a source of healthy fat, protein, and calcium (plus I make them in small, half-cup glasses with around 3 tablespoons each). In the last few years I’ve started sweetening the cream with honey, too, so this is a no-processed, real food dessert. Love.
Want to know my idea of a perfect summer evening with these parfaits? A menu of Chef’s Salads and grilled Artisan Bread followed by the fruit parfaits. Eaten on our patio. Wearing shorts. After jumping in the river to cool off. Maybe that’s why this dessert always reminds me of summer!
The best part? (Well, besides the flavor!) Parfaits are SO simple to make, taking only a few minutes to pull together. It’s a very adaptable recipe, too – you can use any mixture of berries or fruit that is in season, it’s all good!
I always add the sweetener and the cream at the same time when making sweetened whipping cream. I’ve never had a problem with it whipping, but I know people like to do this different – add it whenever you’d like (though when using honey, you’ll need to add it at the beginning so it has time to incorporate into the cream).
I think the reason I’ve never had a problem is because I always use a stand mixer and since I can do other things while it’s mixing, it doesn’t bother me if it takes longer to whip. I have noticed since moving to using honey, it does take longer, but I let the machine run and it always eventually whips.
Now this is the part that seems decadent- grab a nice, small wine glass, not just some old bowl. Come on, I know we’re just going to sit out on the patio with the same people we sit with all the time, but you will enjoy this more in a glass, I promise!
Add a spoonful of cream in the bottom, then a layer of fruit. Repeat layers, ending with a dollop of cream and a berry or two (or a slice of other fruit you’re using) to decorate the top.
It’s easy to make these up to a couple hours ahead (actually, they’re great even the next day we’ve found, when covered with a bit of plastic wrap) and then keep them in the refrigerator until you need them. As if they need to be even easier.
There you have it – summer in a glass! To be eaten with anyone – or even just yourself.
- 3-4 cups berries or sliced/diced fruit (tip: using both blue and red berries makes a perfect patriotic holiday treat!)
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 3 Tb. honey (or to taste, up to ¼ c. - we like it less sweet)*
- Wash and prepare berries or fruit of choice.
- Whip cream with honey (or other sweetener) until soft peaks form (no need to be super stiff).
- Layer in a small stemmed glass (or other small glass) beginning with a dollop of cream, fruit, then more whipped cream. Layer with more fruit and add a small spoonful of cream and a berry or slice of fruit to the top.
- To Make Ahead:
- Prepare parfaits a couple hours ahead, cover with wrap and refrigerate until needed.
Even though it’s a simple recipe, it’s one I know you’ll want to remember! Here’s a pin you can save for later (remember to follow me on Pinterest – I’m always pinning simple, real recipes like this!):
This looks delicious! I would probably end up using ready-made whip, ’cause I’m lazy that way, but thanks for the recipe! Mmmn, now I want to go get some fresh berries!
This looks terrific. It’s hard to beat simple and delicious.
yum. I bet adding a little granola to this would be fantastic.
Sounds delicious, I haven’t tried using honey like that. i usually use home made syrups to sweeten cream, I make syrups with elderflowers, blackcurrants, rhubarb, and elderberries and they make delicous sweeteners for cream. But honey sounds extra special – must give it a go
That sounds like a wonderful way to sweeten the cream, too, Helen, and would make the parfaits more like the English ‘fool’ dessert – I’ll have to try it!
This sounds like the best summer teat ever!!! And love how easy and that it requires no heat! 🙂
🙂