Berry parfaits are the essence of summer in a glass - seasonal fruit with honey-sweetened whipped cream. Real. Refreshing. Easy. Find more ideas on the Quick Healthy Recipes page!
Berries are one of my favorite fruits and I look forward to these simple berry parfaits for dessert when berries are in season each year (they just aren't the same with frozen fruit...). It feels like an indulgence, but this is a real-food dessert with good-for-you berries (though it's terrific with other fruit, too).
Yes, the whipped cream has calories, but it's also a source of protein and calcium. When made in small, half-cup glasses with around 3 tablespoons of whipped cream each, they are even better. 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!
Simple Berry Parfaits
Whip the cream.
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.
Layer the cream and fruit.
Now this is the part that makes it special - grab a nice, small wine glass, not just some old bowl. 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.
Make ahead tip.
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.
Simple Berry Parfaits (or Any Fruit)
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 cups berries or sliced or diced fruit
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons honey or to taste*
Instructions
- 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 plastic or bee's wrap and refrigerate until needed.
Notes
Nutrition
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!):
Note: Originally published in 2010, this recipe has been updated with new photos, formatting, printable recipe AND a new technique to use honey to sweeten the whipped cream. Enjoy!
