Imagine a spoonful of velvety smooth custard, layered with juicy, sweet strawberries and crunchy granola. This is the magic of a strawberry parfait – a dessert that combines the best of all worlds, delivering a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Prepare to embark on a sensory journey as we unveil the secret behind this irresistible dish.
Strawberry parfaits have a way of capturing the essence of summer, with their bright, vibrant hues and refreshing flavors. But this recipe takes the classic parfait to new heights, elevating it with a few simple yet impactful tweaks. From the homemade vanilla custard that melts in your mouth to the burst of freshness from the perfectly ripe strawberries, every element has been carefully crafted to create a truly unforgettable dessert.
Whether you’re serving it at a fancy dinner party or indulging in it as a weeknight treat, this strawberry parfait is sure to impress and delight. So, let’s dive in and uncover the secrets that make this dish so exceptional.
✨ The Secret Behind This Irresistible Dish
The key to this strawberry parfait’s irresistible appeal lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The velvety smooth vanilla custard acts as a luscious foundation, providing a creamy base that allows the vibrant sweetness of the strawberries to truly shine. The addition of crunchy granola introduces a delightful contrast, adding a satisfying crunch that complements the silky custard and juicy fruit.
But what truly sets this parfait apart is the attention to detail in each component. The custard is made with premium vanilla extract, infusing it with a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. The strawberries are carefully selected and gently macerated, ensuring they are bursting with juicy sweetness. And the granola is homemade, allowing you to control the ingredients and achieve the perfect texture.
Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups homemade granola (or your favorite store-bought variety)
The inclusion of heavy cream in the custard is what gives it its velvety, rich texture, while the whole milk ensures a balanced flavor that doesn’t overwhelm the delicate strawberries. The touch of vanilla extract adds a subtle complexity that ties the entire dish together, elevating the parfait to new heights of indulgence.
Instructions
- Macerate the Strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Gently toss to coat the strawberries. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their juices and develop a more intense flavor.
- Make the Vanilla Custard: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the yolks. Then, pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.
Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let the custard boil, as this can cause it to curdle.
Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the custard for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled and set.
- Assemble the Parfaits: In small glasses or parfait dishes, layer the chilled custard, macerated strawberries, and granola. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of granola. Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Timing Overview
• Chill time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 6 servings.
• Protein: 7 g
• Sodium: 74 mg
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fat: 17 g
• Fiber: 3 g
🔄 Creative Twists & Variations
• To Make it Vegan: Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk, and the whole milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk. Use a vegan granola and omit the egg yolks from the custard, instead thickening it with a cornstarch slurry.
• To Add a Tropical Twist: Swap the strawberries for a mix of tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and kiwi. Infuse the custard with a touch of coconut or lime zest for a refreshing flavor profile.
✨ How to Serve This Dish Like a Pro ?
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the parfaits with a sprig of fresh mint, a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds, and a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce.
• Beverage Pairing: This dessert pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of sparkling rosé or a refreshing iced tea or lemonade.
❗ Pro Tips for a Perfect Outcome Every Time
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients, especially the milk and cream, are at room temperature before starting. This will help the custard come together seamlessly and prevent lumps or a grainy texture.
• Mistake 3 – Overmixing the Granola: When assembling the parfaits, gently fold the granola into the custard and strawberries to avoid crushing the crunchy clusters. Maintain the granola’s texture for the perfect contrast.
🧊 Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
• Freezing: The individual components (custard, macerated strawberries, and granola) can be frozen separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before assembling the parfaits.
• Reheating: For best results, serve the parfaits chilled. The custard can be warmed gently over low heat or in the microwave, but avoid overheating, as it may cause the texture to curdle.
❓ FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen strawberries in this recipe. Simply thaw them before macerating and proceed with the recipe as directed. Keep in mind that frozen strawberries may release more liquid, so you may need to adjust the sugar amount accordingly.
How can I make the custard extra thick and creamy?
To achieve an even thicker and creamier custard, you can increase the ratio of egg yolks to milk. Try using 4 egg yolks instead of 3, and reduce the milk to 1 1/2 cups. This will result in a luxuriously rich and velvety custard that will hold its shape beautifully in the parfaits.
Can I make the parfaits ahead of time?
Absolutely! The parfaits can be assembled and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance. Just be sure to wait to add the granola layer until right before serving, as it can soften over time. This makes them the perfect make-ahead dessert for entertaining.
How can I make the granola extra crunchy?
For an extra crisp and crunchy granola, try baking it at a slightly higher temperature (350°F/175°C) and stirring it more frequently during the baking process. You can also add a tablespoon or two of melted coconut oil or butter to help the granola achieve a delightful crunch.
Can I use a store-bought custard instead of making it from scratch?
While a homemade custard is the ideal choice for this recipe, you can certainly use a high-quality store-bought custard or pudding in a pinch. Just be sure to look for a custard that has a thick, creamy texture that will hold its shape well in the parfaits.
💌 Enjoy Your Delicious Creation!
Savor every bite of this indulgent strawberry parfait, knowing that you’ve created a dessert that’s truly special. The combination of velvety custard, juicy strawberries, and crunchy granola is a triumph of textures and flavors, sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Enjoy this parfait as a refreshing and satisfying end to a meal, or simply as a decadent treat to brighten your day.
However you choose to savor it, one thing is certain: this strawberry parfait is a dessert that will leave a lasting impression on all who indulge.
Flavorful Strawberry Parfait Recipe
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Gently toss to coat the strawberries. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their juices and develop a more intense flavor.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the yolks. Then, pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let the custard boil, as this can cause it to curdle.Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the custard for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled and set.
- In small glasses or parfait dishes, layer the chilled custard, macerated strawberries, and granola. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of granola. Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
