The Story & Intro
Strawberry Lemon Parfait always brings me back to warm spring afternoons in my little kitchen. I still remember the first time I layered fresh strawberries with lemon cream in tall glasses for a family gathering. The sunlight poured through the window, the kettle hummed softly, and I wanted to create something simple but beautiful. That was the day this Strawberry Lemon Parfait became part of my home.
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.
When I make Strawberry Lemon Parfait, I feel like I’m bottling sunshine. The sweetness of strawberries meets the bright, zesty lemon in the most comforting way. I layer creamy filling, juicy fruit, and soft crumbs, and suddenly something so simple feels elegant and special.
I love how Strawberry Lemon Parfait looks in a clear glass. The vibrant red strawberries, the pale yellow lemon cream, and the soft white whipped topping create layers that feel joyful. Every spoonful tastes fresh, light, and slightly indulgent without being heavy.
This Strawberry Lemon Parfait recipe has become my go-to dessert when I need something impressive but effortless. I make it for brunches, baby showers, summer picnics, or even quiet evenings when I crave something sweet but refreshing.
And the best part? I don’t need an oven. I don’t need complicated techniques. I just layer, chill, and serve with love.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I adore this Strawberry Lemon Parfait because it feels luxurious but takes so little effort. I can prepare it in advance, which makes hosting stress-free. When guests arrive, I simply pull the chilled parfaits from the fridge, garnish them, and serve.
I also love how flexible it is. I adjust the sweetness depending on the strawberries. I swap biscuits for granola if I want crunch. I make it lighter with Greek yogurt or richer with mascarpone.
Most of all, I love how this dessert brings smiles. The lemon adds brightness that lifts the strawberries, and together they create balance — sweet, tangy, creamy, and soft all at once.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s everything I use to make my Strawberry Lemon Parfait:
Fresh strawberries I always choose ripe, bright red berries for maximum sweetness.
Granulated sugar Just enough to enhance the fruit.
Fresh lemon juice I squeeze it myself for the best flavor.
Lemon zest This is my secret for bold citrus aroma.
Cream cheese Softened for smooth blending.
Mascarpone Adds richness and silkiness.
Double cream Whipped until soft peaks form.
Vanilla extract For warmth and depth.
Crushed digestive biscuits They add texture and a buttery note.
Little Kitchen Secrets
• I macerate the strawberries with sugar and lemon juice for at least 20 minutes. This draws out natural juices and creates a syrupy layer.
• I always zest the lemon before juicing it. It’s easier and prevents waste.
• I fold whipped cream gently into the lemon mixture to keep it airy.
• I chill the assembled parfait for at least one hour so the flavors marry beautifully.
How I Make It, Step by Step
First, I wash and hull the strawberries. I slice them into small pieces and place them in a bowl. I sprinkle sugar over them and drizzle fresh lemon juice. Then I gently stir and let them sit. As they rest, they release sweet, ruby-colored juices.
Next, I prepare the lemon cream layer. I beat softened cream cheese and mascarpone together until smooth and creamy. I add lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a touch of sugar. I mix until everything looks silky.
In a separate bowl, I whip the double cream until soft peaks form. I carefully fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture. I use slow, gentle movements to keep it fluffy and light.
Now comes my favorite part layering.
I spoon a layer of crushed digestive biscuits into the bottom of each glass. Then I add a layer of lemon cream. Next, I spoon over macerated strawberries with some of their syrup. I repeat the layers until the glass fills beautifully.
I finish with a swirl of cream and a few fresh strawberry slices on top. Sometimes I add a tiny sprinkle of lemon zest for color and fragrance.
Finally, I refrigerate the Strawberry Lemon Parfait for at least one hour before serving.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving Strawberry Lemon Parfait in tall clear glasses so everyone can see the layers. When I host brunch, I place them on a wooden board with fresh mint leaves scattered around.
For special occasions, I add white chocolate shavings on top. For a lighter summer feel, I garnish with extra berries and a small mint sprig.
When I serve it to my family, I always watch their first spoonful. That bright lemon flavor always surprises them in the best way.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
I store Strawberry Lemon Parfait covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight.
I never freeze it because the cream texture changes when thawed.
If I prepare it ahead for a party, I assemble it fully the night before. I just add final garnishes right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
100-Word Short Version
I make Strawberry Lemon Parfait by layering macerated strawberries, creamy lemon filling, and crushed biscuits in clear glasses. I blend cream cheese, mascarpone, lemon zest, and juice, then fold in whipped cream for a light texture. I alternate layers with juicy strawberries and crumbs, then chill the parfait until set. This no-bake dessert tastes bright, sweet, and refreshing. I love serving it for brunches, summer gatherings, or simple family treats. It looks elegant but takes minimal effort. Every spoonful combines creamy, tangy lemon and sweet strawberries in perfect harmony.
Recipe Card
⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
200g cream cheese, softened
250g mascarpone
1 cup double cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup crushed digestive biscuits
👩🍳 Instructions
- Slice strawberries and mix with sugar and lemon juice. Let rest 20 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese and mascarpone until smooth.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Whip double cream until soft peaks form.
- Fold whipped cream into lemon mixture gently.
- Layer crushed biscuits, lemon cream, and strawberries in glasses.
- Repeat layers and finish with cream on top.
- Chill at least 1 hour before serving.
📝 Notes
Use ripe strawberries for best flavor. Substitute Greek yogurt for mascarpone for a lighter version. Add granola instead of biscuits for extra crunch.
🍽️ Nutrition
Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 21g
Sugar: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Strawberry Lemon Parfait
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Lemon Parfait is a refreshing no-bake dessert layered with sweet macerated strawberries, creamy lemon filling, and buttery biscuit crumbs. Perfect for summer gatherings, brunches, or an easy make-ahead treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 200g cream cheese, softened
- 250g mascarpone
- 1 cup double cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed digestive biscuits
Instructions
- Mix sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit 20 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese and mascarpone until smooth.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Whip double cream to soft peaks.
- Fold whipped cream into lemon mixture gently.
- Layer biscuits, lemon cream, and strawberries in glasses.
- Repeat layers and finish with cream.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Use ripe strawberries for best flavor. Substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Conclusion
Strawberry Lemon Parfait reminds me that desserts don’t need to be complicated to feel special. I love how something so simple can bring such joy to my table. When I layer strawberries and lemon cream, I feel like I’m layering happiness itself.
I hope you make this Strawberry Lemon Parfait in your own kitchen and share it with the people you love. Because in the end, cooking is about connection, laughter, and sweet memories made one spoonful at a time.