Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfait Recipe

This strawberries and cream tiramisu parfait is a fusion of Italian dessert and classic British summer treat. It's a no-bake recipe that offers a perfect blend of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy strawberry-infused cream cheese, and a dusting of cocoa powder. It's an ideal make-ahead dessert for any gathering or special occasion.

Photos of Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfait Recipe

Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common and can be found in most household kitchens. However, lady fingers and cream cheese may not be readily available in all homes. When you head to the supermarket, ensure to pick up these items. Lady fingers are delicate, light, and sweet sponge biscuits that form the base of our parfait. On the other hand, cream cheese adds the creamy texture to this dessert.

Ingredients for Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfait

Strong coffee: A base for soaking the ladyfingers and giving a rich, deep flavor.

Rum: This ingredient adds an extra layer of flavor, balancing the sweetness of the dessert.

Whole ripe strawberries: They add a fresh and fruity flavor, and their texture complements the cream cheese well.

Cream cheese: It brings a smooth, creamy element to this recipe, and pairs beautifully with the strawberries.

White granulated sugar: To add sweetens to the cream cheese mixture.

Pure vanilla extract: It enhances the flavor of the dessert.

Lady fingers: These sweet, sponge biscuits form the base of the parfait.

Chocolate square: This is used for grating and adding an element of decadence to the dessert.

Cocoa powder: For dusting on top, it provides a contrasting flavor to the sweetness and creaminess of the dessert.

One reader, Darn Boling says:

This strawberries and cream tiramisu parfait recipe is a delightful treat! The combination of fresh strawberries, creamy cheese, and coffee-soaked ladyfingers creates a heavenly dessert. It's easy to make and tastes absolutely divine. I highly recommend trying it out for a delightful and indulgent treat!

Darn Boling

Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Tiramisu Parfait

How to prepare coffee with rum: Brew a strong coffee and add a tablespoon of rum to it. Allow the coffee to cool before using it in the recipe.

How to make the strawberry cream cheese mixture: Combine 1/2 cup of ripe strawberries, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract in a blender or magic bullet cup. Pulse the ingredients until creamy, and then set the mixture aside for layering.

How to soak the sponge fingers: Pour the prepared coffee into a shallow bowl. Dip the ladyfinger halves into the coffee, ensuring that both sides are coated with the liquid. Use the soaked sponge fingers to line the base of the serving glasses.

How to layer the parfait: After lining the serving glasses with the soaked sponge fingers, layer the strawberries, followed by the strawberry cream cheese mixture. Repeat the layering process with the remaining sponge fingers, strawberries, and cream cheese mixture.

How to garnish with chocolate and cocoa powder: Grate a chocolate square over the top of the parfait and dust it with cocoa powder for a finishing touch.

How To Make Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfait

A hearty dessert, this tiramisu parfait is filled with flavorful ingredients. Coffee-flavored sponge finger biscuits coated in a cream filling.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

6fl ozstrong coffee,or brew 3 teaspoons of instant coffee powder
1tbsprum,scotch, brandy, Tia Maria or extract, optional
1cupwhole ripe strawberries,sliced, divided
8ozcream cheese,low fat, fat free, or marscapone
2tbspwhite granulated sugar,or natural sweetener
1tsppure vanilla extract
8lady fingers,halved
1chocolate square,70% dark
Cocoa powder,for dusting

Instructions

Prepare coffee with rum and set aside to allow to cool.
Combine 1/2 cup of the strawberries, cream cheese, sweetener or sugar, and vanilla in a blender or magic bullet cup and pulse until creamy. Set aside.
Pour prepared coffee into a shallow bowl and soak sponge finger halves one by one on both sides until the coffee has coated the biscuits. Line the base of four serving glasses with 2 halves of sponge fingers.
Divide half of the remaining strawberry slices between the serving glasses and layer them over the biscuits.
Divide and pour half of the strawberry cream cheese mixture over the strawberries and repeat layer with remaining sponge fingers, strawberries, and top with cream cheese mixture.
Grate with dark chocolate over the top and dust with cocoa powder.

Nutrition

Calories: 275.13kcal
Fat: 21.66g
Saturated Fat: 12.20g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.62g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.94g
Carbohydrates: 15.98g
Fiber: 1.14g
Sugar: 13.81g
Protein: 3.96g
Cholesterol: 62.37mg
Sodium: 209.17mg
Calcium: 64.66mg
Potassium: 182.70mg
Iron: 0.60mg
Vitamin A: 207.88µg
Vitamin C: 21.17mg

How To Make Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfait

A hearty dessert, this tiramisu parfait is filled with flavorful ingredients. Coffee-flavored sponge finger biscuits coated in a cream filling.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

200mlstrong coffee,or brew 3 teaspoons of instant coffee powder
1tbsprum,scotch, brandy, Tia Maria or extract, optional
1cupwhole ripe strawberries,sliced, divided
8ozcream cheese,low fat, fat free, or marscapone
2tbspwhite granulated sugar,or natural sweetener
1tsppure vanilla extract
8lady fingers,halved
1chocolate square,70% dark
Cocoa powder,for dusting

Instructions

Prepare coffee with rum and set aside to allow to cool.
Combine 1/2 cup of the strawberries, cream cheese, sweetener or sugar, and vanilla in a blender or magic bullet cup and pulse until creamy. Set aside.
Pour prepared coffee into a shallow bowl and soak sponge finger halves one by one on both sides until the coffee has coated the biscuits. Line the base of four serving glasses with 2 halves of sponge fingers.
Divide half of the remaining strawberry slices between the serving glasses and layer them over the biscuits.
Divide and pour half of the strawberry cream cheese mixture over the strawberries and repeat layer with remaining sponge fingers, strawberries, and top with cream cheese mixture.
Grate with dark chocolate over the top and dust with cocoa powder.

Nutrition

Calories: 274.70kcal
Fat: 21.65g
Saturated Fat: 12.20g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.61g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.94g
Carbohydrates: 15.98g
Fiber: 1.14g
Sugar: 13.81g
Protein: 3.90g
Cholesterol: 62.37mg
Sodium: 208.30mg
Calcium: 63.79mg
Potassium: 161.43mg
Iron: 0.59mg
Vitamin A: 207.88µg
Vitamin C: 21.17mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Mastering Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfaits

When preparing the coffee and rum mixture, it's important to let it cool before soaking the lady fingers. If the mixture is too hot, it can cause the biscuits to fall apart and lose their texture. Additionally, when layering the parfait, ensure to evenly distribute the strawberries and cream cheese mixture for a balanced flavor in every bite. Lastly, for a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using a high-quality dark chocolate for grating on top.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Strawberry Tiramisu Parfait Recipe

Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and equipment needed before starting the recipe to streamline the cooking process.

Organize your workspace: Keep your cooking area clean and organized to easily access ingredients and tools, saving time and reducing stress during preparation.

Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multi-task, such as soaking the ladyfingers while preparing the strawberry cream cheese mixture, to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Chill the parfait: If time allows, chill the assembled parfaits in the refrigerator for a few hours to enhance the flavors and textures, making them ready to serve when needed.

Substitute Ingredients For Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfait Recipe

strawberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries have a similar tartness and sweetness to strawberries, and their vibrant red color will provide a visually appealing contrast in the parfait.
cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone: Mascarpone has a rich and creamy texture similar to cream cheese, and its slightly sweeter flavor will complement the other ingredients in the tiramisu parfait.
lady fingers - Substitute with pound cake slices: Pound cake slices can be used as a substitute for ladyfingers, providing a soft and moist texture that will soak up the coffee and rum mixture while adding a buttery flavor to the dessert.

How to Beautifully Present Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfaits

Elevate the layers: Create a visually stunning presentation by layering the soaked sponge fingers, strawberries, and cream cheese mixture in a transparent glass, allowing the vibrant colors to shine through.
Garnish with fresh strawberries: Top the parfait with whole ripe strawberries to add a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.
Dust with cocoa powder and chocolate shavings: Sprinkle a fine dusting of cocoa powder over the top of the parfait and garnish with delicate chocolate shavings to add an elegant touch to the presentation.
Use elegant serving glasses: Present the tiramisu parfaits in sophisticated, stemmed glasses to give the dish a touch of refinement and elevate the overall dining experience.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Create an artful drizzle of rum-infused coffee around the edge of the serving glasses for a professional and polished finish.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious and extravagant presentation, consider delicately placing edible gold leaf on top of the parfait to add a touch of opulence and sophistication.

Essential Tools for Making a Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfait

Blender: A blender is used to puree the strawberries and cream cheese mixture until smooth.
Shallow bowl: A shallow bowl is used to soak the ladyfingers in the coffee and rum mixture.
Serving glasses: Serving glasses are used to assemble and present the tiramisu parfaits.
Grater: A grater is used to grate the chocolate over the top of the parfaits.

Fascinating Fact About Tiramisu Parfaits

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that traditionally includes layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a rich mascarpone cream.

Is Making Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfaits at Home Cost-Effective?

The strawberries and cream tiramisu parfait recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of seasonal strawberries and basic pantry ingredients keeps the cost reasonable. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly dessert option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering the balance of cost, flavor, and presentation.

Is This Tiramisu Parfait Healthy or Unhealthy?

The strawberries and cream tiramisu parfait recipe, while indulgent and delicious, may not be the healthiest choice. Here's why:

The recipe contains high-fat ingredients like cream cheese and whole milk, which can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease if consumed in excess.
The use of refined sugar and lady fingers adds empty calories and simple carbohydrates, which can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes.
The recipe lacks fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and promoting feelings of fullness.
The inclusion of rum, although in a small quantity, adds unnecessary alcohol content to the dessert.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Swap the cream cheese for a lower-fat alternative, such as Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, to reduce the overall fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.
Use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar to provide a more wholesome sweetness.
Replace the lady fingers with whole grain biscuits or a homemade sponge cake made with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content and provide a more nutrient-dense base.
Omit the rum to create an alcohol-free version, or replace it with a non-alcoholic vanilla extract for flavor.
Increase the amount of fresh strawberries used in the recipe to boost the vitamin C content and natural sweetness of the dessert.
Serve the parfaits in smaller portions to encourage mindful eating and reduce the overall calorie intake.

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfait

The combination of the rich coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy strawberry and cream cheese mixture, and the fresh strawberries creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures in this recipe. The addition of rum adds a subtle depth of flavor to the dessert. The grated chocolate and cocoa powder on top provide a beautiful finishing touch, adding a hint of bitterness to contrast the sweetness. Overall, this strawberries and cream tiramisu parfait recipe is a delightful and elegant dessert that is sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Enhance Your Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfait Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus: Try serving a side of grilled asparagus with a balsamic glaze to complement the sweetness of the strawberries and cream tiramisu parfait.

Balsamic-Glazed Chicken: Pair the strawberries and cream tiramisu parfait with a savory balsamic-glazed chicken for a well-balanced meal.

Mango Salsa: Add a tropical twist to the dessert by serving it with a side of fresh mango salsa, featuring ripe mangoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.

Coconut-Crusted Shrimp: For a unique combination of flavors, serve the strawberries and cream tiramisu parfait with coconut-crusted shrimp for a delightful contrast of sweet and savory.

Lemon Basil Orzo: Complement the dessert with a side of lemon basil orzo, featuring bright citrus flavors and fragrant herbs to enhance the overall dining experience.

Delicious Alternatives to Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfaits

Savory Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry: Combine tender beef strips with a colorful array of fresh vegetables in a savory stir fry sauce for a quick and delicious meal.

Refreshing Watermelon and Feta Salad: Mix juicy watermelon chunks with creamy feta cheese, fresh mint, and a zesty vinaigrette for a refreshing and unique salad.

Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: Simmer tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a medley of vegetables in a flavorful broth for a comforting and satisfying soup option.

Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a rich and gooey chocolate lava cake with a molten center that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth craving.

Appetizers and Main Courses That Complement Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfaits

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with savory stuffed mushrooms filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for any gathering and will leave your guests wanting more.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant and refreshing Caprese skewers. The combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil drizzled with balsamic glaze is sure to be a hit at any event.

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Marinate the salmon in a zesty citrus and herb mixture before grilling to perfection. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a filling of ground meat, rice, and spices, then stuff it into bell peppers and bake until tender. Top with melted cheese for a comforting and satisfying dish.

Why trust this Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfait Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic tiramisu, incorporating fresh strawberries and a luscious cream cheese mixture. The combination of strong coffee and a hint of rum infuses the dessert with rich, aromatic flavors. The use of ripe strawberries ensures a burst of natural sweetness, while the creamy cream cheese mixture adds a luxurious texture. The inclusion of lady fingers and a sprinkle of cocoa powder provides the perfect balance of textures and flavors. This recipe promises a delightful and indulgent treat that is sure to impress.

Have you tried this delightful Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfait Recipe? Share your experience and any creative twists in the Baking and Desserts forum!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of rum in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute rum with other types of alcohol such as coffee liqueur or amaretto for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this parfait ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set nicely.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess liquid in the parfait.

Is it possible to make this recipe without alcohol?

Of course! You can simply omit the alcohol from the recipe, and it will still turn out delicious. The alcohol adds a depth of flavor, but the dessert will be just as enjoyable without it.

Can I use a different type of biscuit instead of ladyfingers?

Yes, you can use other types of biscuits like sponge cake or even shortbread as a substitute for ladyfingers. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.