Strawberry Mascarpone Parfait

The secret to the perfect parfait is the play of textures: the airy cream, the fresh burst of fruit, and the bite of the sponge. This dessert balances richness with acidity—the fat from the mascarpone is cut by the tartness of the berries, while vanilla rounds out the flavor.
🕒 Prep Time 25 mins
Total Time 1 hr 25 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 345 kcal
🌍 Cuisine International

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Hand mixer or whisk: To whip the cream.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Glass tumblers: 4 pieces (approx. 8 oz).
  • Knife and cutting board.

Allergen Information

⚠️ Milk
⚠️ Wheat
⚠️ Egg

Instructions

1

Pour the cold heavy cream into a clean bowl and whip until stiff peaks form. It's ready when the peak stands straight up when you lift the beaters.

Tip: The cream must be ice cold. Warm cream won't hold air and can separate into butter.
2

In another bowl, mix the mascarpone with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream in batches.

Tip: Take the mascarpone out of the fridge 15 minutes early. If it's too cold, it's hard to mix smoothly.
3

Wash and hull the strawberries, then dice them. Reserve a few pretty ones for garnish.

Tip: Wash strawberries only right before using them, as water speeds up spoilage.
4

Prepare the glasses. Break a ladyfinger into the bottom of each glass. Spoon a layer of mascarpone cream over it, then sprinkle with diced strawberries.

Tip: The ladyfingers will absorb moisture from the cream and berries, so no need to soak them unless you want them very mushy.
5

Add a small dollop of strawberry jam to intensify the flavor. Continue layering (sponge, cream, berries) until the glass is full.

Tip: The concentrated flavor of the jam adds depth to the fresh fruit.
6

Garnish with the reserved strawberries and fresh mint leaves.

Tip: Slap the mint leaf gently between your hands before garnishing to release its oils.
7

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably longer) to let flavors meld and the sponge soften.

Tip: Chilling creates that cake-like texture.

Recipe FAQ

Why did my cream deflate?
The heavy cream likely wasn't cold enough, or you overmixed it with the mascarpone. Always whip cream straight from the fridge!
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Overnight, the ladyfingers soften perfectly, and the flavors meld. Consume within 24 hours.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
For the filling, yes, but not for garnish as they get mushy when thawed.

Ingredients

  • 10.5 oz Fresh Strawberries (ripe)
  • 3/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (cold)
  • 7 oz Mascarpone Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 3 tbsp Strawberry Jam
  • 3.5 oz Ladyfingers (savoiardi)
  • 5 leaves Fresh Mint
  • 1 pinch Salt