Four-Ingredient Strawberry Shortcake Parfait

Name: Four-Ingredient Strawberry Shortcake Parfait
Prep time: 15 min
Yield: 6

four ingredient strawberry shortcake parfait summer dessert no bake simple

Desserts

This delightful no-bake dessert captures all the flavors of classic strawberry shortcake in an elegant parfait format using just fresh strawberries, pound cake, whipped cream, and sugar for a stunning summer treat.

Recipe Details

Units:

Metric Imperial

Servings:

Prep: 15 Cook: 0

Ingredients

680g1 1/2 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
75g1/3 cup granulated sugar
450g1 lb store-bought pound cake, cubed
480ml2 cups heavy cream, cold

Instructions

In a bowl, combine sliced 680g1 1/2 lbs fresh strawberries with half the 75g1/3 cup granulated sugar. Toss gently and let macerate for 15 minutes until juices form.
Cut 450g1 lb store-bought pound cake into 2cm (3/4-inch) cubes.
In a large bowl, whip 480ml2 cups heavy cream with remaining 75g1/3 cup granulated sugar until soft peaks form. Don't overwhip.
In clear glasses or parfait dishes, layer ingredients: start with a spoonful of macerated strawberries and their juices.
Add a layer of pound cake cubes, pressing gently to soak up the strawberry juices.
Add a layer of whipped cream, then repeat layers until glasses are full, ending with whipped cream.
Top with a few fresh strawberry slices for garnish.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and cake to soften slightly.

Ingredients

id: fresh_strawberries metric: 680g imperial: 1 1/2 lbs name: fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
id: granulated_sugar metric: 75g imperial: 1/3 cup name: granulated sugar
id: pound_cake metric: 450g imperial: 1 lb name: store-bought pound cake, cubed
id: heavy_cream metric: 480ml imperial: 2 cups name: heavy cream, cold

Instructions

In a bowl, combine sliced {fresh_strawberries} with half the {granulated_sugar}. Toss gently and let macerate for 15 minutes until juices form.
Cut {pound_cake} into 2cm (3/4-inch) cubes.
In a large bowl, whip {heavy_cream} with remaining {granulated_sugar} until soft peaks form. Don't overwhip.
In clear glasses or parfait dishes, layer ingredients: start with a spoonful of macerated strawberries and their juices.
Add a layer of pound cake cubes, pressing gently to soak up the strawberry juices.
Add a layer of whipped cream, then repeat layers until glasses are full, ending with whipped cream.
Top with a few fresh strawberry slices for garnish.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and cake to soften slightly.

Tips

Strawberry Selection: Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries at peak season for the best flavor. They should be deep red with bright green tops.

Maceration Magic: Letting strawberries sit with sugar draws out their natural juices, creating a syrup that flavors the entire dessert.

Cake Choice: Store-bought pound cake works perfectly, but homemade is even better if you have time. Slightly stale cake actually works well here.

Cream Whipping: Stop at soft peaks - overwhipped cream becomes grainy and won't layer as nicely.

Assembly Order: Start with strawberries so their juices can soak into the cake layers below.

Chilling Time: The dessert improves with chilling as the cake softens and flavors blend together.

Make-Ahead: Can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead, making it perfect for entertaining.

Presentation: Use clear glasses to show off the beautiful layers. Mason jars work great for casual gatherings.