Strawberry Parfait
A delightful layered dessert featuring fresh strawberries, whipped topping, and soft angel food cake, all combined in a sweet, creamy parfait. Perfect for summer gatherings or a light treat, it offers a balance of fruity sweetness and airy texture that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix boiling water with strawberry Jell-O until dissolved.
- Stir in frozen strawberries and let thaw.
- Cut the angel food cake into small pieces and spread evenly in a large pan.
- Fold whipped Dream Whip, marshmallows, and strawberry mixture together.
- Pour the mixture over the cake in the pan.
- Refrigerate for two hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using a low-fat whipped topping instead of Dream Whip. You can also substitute fresh strawberries if they are in season, which will enhance the flavor. If you're short on time, opt for store-bought angel food cake. Make sure to let your strawberry Jell-O mixture cool slightly before combining with the other ingredients to maintain the integrity of the whipped topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the parfait in individual glasses for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or additional strawberries on top. This dessert pairs beautifully with a refreshing glass of Rum Slush or alongside a slice of Fresh Blackberry Pie for a delightful summer treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best served cold, so there's no need to reheat. If the dessert begins to separate, gently stir before serving to recombine the layers. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Parfait contains roughly 225 calories, with 4g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this parfait a day ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the parfait a day in advance. Just be sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator. Allow it to set overnight for optimal flavor.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, use a plant-based whipped topping instead of Dream Whip and ensure that the angel food cake is vegan or replace it with a sponge cake made from vegan ingredients. Substitute gelatin in the Jell-O with a vegan alternative like agar-agar.
What can I use instead of marshmallows?
If you're looking for a substitute for marshmallows, consider using mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture. Diced ripe bananas could also work, providing a sweet and creamy element that complements the strawberries well.
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).