Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories. Today, I want to share a dessert that has become a staple in my kitchen: Gluten Free Strawberry Dessert Parfaits.
I first created these parfaits on a warm spring afternoon when strawberries were at their peak. I wanted something light, fresh, and layered something that felt indulgent but wasn’t overly complicated. The result was a beautiful gluten-free dessert that I could assemble in minutes, yet felt elegant enough for a special occasion.
Over the years, these parfaits have become my go-to treat for family brunches, weekend dessert cravings, and even casual tea-time moments with friends. The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries, creamy layers, and crunchy gluten-free elements makes every bite a celebration. I love that this dessert is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it, regardless of dietary restrictions.
There’s something magical about assembling a dessert in layers. Watching the colors pop the bright red of strawberries against creamy textures brings an immediate sense of joy. Each spoonful tells a story: the first burst of fresh strawberry, the subtle sweetness of cream, and the satisfying crunch of gluten-free granola or biscuits. Cooking, for me, has always been about these sensory joys and sharing them with loved ones.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I adore layered desserts, and these Gluten Free Strawberry Dessert Parfaits are perfect because they are versatile and forgiving. You can make them for an elegant dinner party or enjoy them as a casual treat on a sunny afternoon.
I also love the customization aspect you can use yogurt, dairy-free cream, or even mascarpone if you prefer. The dessert is colorful, light, and gives the impression of something sophisticated, even if it only takes 15 minutes to assemble.
Most importantly, I love the joy it brings to my family and friends. Whenever I serve these parfaits, I notice how the vibrant layers and sweet aroma make everyone smile. Cooking isn’t just about feeding people; it’s about creating moments that linger.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what I use for my gluten-free strawberry dessert parfaits:
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt (for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup gluten-free granola or crushed gluten-free biscuits
- Optional toppings: fresh mint, shaved chocolate, or toasted nuts
Little kitchen secrets:
- Macerate strawberries with maple syrup and lemon juice for at least 10 minutes to bring out natural sweetness.
- Layer carefully to make the parfait visually appealing. Start with yogurt, then fruit, then crunchy elements. Repeat for 2–3 layers.
- Chill parfaits for 15–20 minutes before serving for the flavors to meld beautifully.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries. Toss them in maple syrup and lemon juice, letting them rest for 10 minutes.
- Mix yogurt with vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Choose your serving glasses small tumblers or dessert jars work beautifully.
- Begin assembling: spoon a layer of yogurt into the bottom of each glass.
- Add a layer of macerated strawberries.
- Sprinkle a layer of gluten-free granola or crushed biscuits.
- Repeat layers until glasses are filled, finishing with a top layer of strawberries and a small sprinkling of granola.
- Garnish with fresh mint, toasted nuts, or a few chocolate shavings if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
- Serve with a small spoon and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and tastes.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving these parfaits in clear glasses to showcase the colorful layers. They make for a beautiful centerpiece on brunch tables or dessert trays.
For family gatherings, I often set them up on a tray with extra toppings so everyone can customize their parfait. They’re also perfect for entertaining friends elegant, yet simple and fun.
During weekends, I enjoy them with a cup of green tea or light coffee. The freshness of the strawberries makes the dessert feel bright and airy, while the creamy yogurt and crunchy granola provide comforting satisfaction.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- These parfaits are best eaten the same day for maximum freshness.
- If needed, you can assemble them a few hours in advance and store in the refrigerator.
- Keep crunchy layers separate until just before serving if you want them to remain crisp.
- Leftover macerated strawberries can be stored for 2–3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Yogurt layers should be kept chilled until serving to maintain creamy texture.
100-Word Short Version
These Gluten Free Strawberry Dessert Parfaits are a fresh, layered treat that combines sweet strawberries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy gluten-free granola. I macerate strawberries with maple syrup and lemon juice, then layer them with vanilla-infused yogurt and crunchy biscuits or granola. The dessert is easy to assemble, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for family gatherings or weekend indulgences. Each bite is a balance of textures and flavors soft, sweet, and lightly tangy. Garnish with fresh mint or chocolate shavings for an extra touch. Simple, elegant, and joyful, these parfaits celebrate the beauty of strawberries and homemade desserts.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup gluten-free granola or crushed gluten-free biscuits
- Optional toppings: fresh mint, shaved chocolate, toasted nuts
👩🍳 Instructions
- Toss sliced strawberries with maple syrup and lemon juice. Let sit 10 minutes.
- Mix yogurt with vanilla extract until smooth.
- Layer yogurt in glasses.
- Add strawberries and a layer of granola or crushed biscuits.
- Repeat layers until glasses are full.
- Top with strawberries and granola.
- Garnish with mint, nuts, or chocolate if desired.
- Chill 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve with a small spoon.
- Enjoy immediately.
📝 Notes
- Keep crunchy layers separate until serving if desired.
- Perfect for vegan substitutions with coconut yogurt.
- Assemble just before serving for best texture.
🍽️ Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 parfait
Calories: 220
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Gluten Free Strawberry Dessert Parfaits
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 parfaits 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Gluten Free Strawberry Dessert Parfaits are a light, fresh, and elegant layered treat. Juicy strawberries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy gluten-free granola come together in a visually stunning dessert that’s perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or a quick sweet indulgence. Naturally gluten-free and easy to assemble, these parfaits celebrate the beauty of strawberries and homemade desserts, making every spoonful a joyful experience.
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup gluten-free granola or crushed gluten-free biscuits
- Optional toppings: fresh mint, shaved chocolate, toasted nuts
Instructions
- Toss sliced strawberries with maple syrup and lemon juice. Let sit 10 minutes.
- Mix yogurt with vanilla extract until smooth.
- Layer yogurt in glasses.
- Add strawberries and a layer of granola or crushed biscuits.
- Repeat layers until glasses are full.
- Top with strawberries and granola.
- Garnish with mint, nuts, or chocolate if desired.
- Chill 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve with a small spoon.
- Enjoy immediately.
Notes
Keep crunchy layers separate until serving if desired. Perfect for vegan substitutions with coconut yogurt. Assemble just before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parfait
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Conclusion
Making these Gluten Free Strawberry Dessert Parfaits is one of my favorite ways to bring beauty and joy to simple ingredients. Every spoonful offers a delightful mix of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures, perfect for sharing with loved ones. These parfaits are quick, easy, and naturally gluten-free, making them ideal for family gatherings, brunches, or a light afternoon treat. Cooking is about connecting, creating memories, and celebrating flavors and these parfaits do it all. I hope they brighten your table and bring smiles to everyone who tastes them.