Lemon-Raspberry Parfait
A vibrant and refreshing dessert featuring layers of lemon-infused pudding and sweet raspberry puree, topped with whipped cream. Its bright citrus flavor pairs beautifully with the tart raspberries, making it an elegant treat suitable for summer gatherings or special occasions. Perfect for those craving a fruity, creamy delight.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine cornstarch, sugar, and salt.
- Mix together the milk and egg yolks and slowly stir into the cornstarch mixture.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
- Boil, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and pour through a sieve.
- Whip the heavy cream until it holds soft peaks.
- Fold the whipped cream into the cooled pudding.
- Halve the pudding and fold raspberry puree into one half.
- Spoon alternating layers of pudding into parfait glasses.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the milk with coconut milk or almond milk. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. To enhance the lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the pudding. Make sure to whip the cream just until soft peaks form to avoid overwhipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lemon-Raspberry Parfait chilled for a refreshing dessert. It pairs beautifully with Crisp Onion Roasted Potatoes as a light meal ending. You can also garnish with additional fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint for an elegant touch. Consider serving alongside a light tea or sparkling water to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover parfaits in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The layers may slightly blend, but the flavor will remain delicious. Avoid freezing the parfaits, as the whipped cream won't maintain its texture when thawed. When ready to serve, simply spoon the chilled parfaits into serving dishes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon-Raspberry Parfait contains roughly 1145 calories, with 30g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 96g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (107% of the Daily Value), protein (59% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1901mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture. This will help maintain the parfait's texture. You can blend the thawed raspberries into a puree and fold it into the pudding just like fresh ones.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Ensure that the sugar and cornstarch are also free from dairy additives. This way, you can enjoy a delightful vegan Lemon-Raspberry Parfait.
How long does it take to prepare the parfait?
The preparation time for the Lemon-Raspberry Parfait is approximately 20-30 minutes, plus chilling time. After assembling, it’s best to refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the layers to set properly. This makes it a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).