Strawberry Shortcake Heart Parfaits

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Heart Parfaits
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups pound cake, cut into heart shapes

Highlighted under: Sweet Treat Creations

I absolutely adore making these Strawberry Shortcake Heart Parfaits for special occasions. The combination of fresh strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and tender cake layers evokes the sweet nostalgia of simpler times. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor, and what I love most is how easy they are to assemble. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a fun family dessert, these parfaits can be made ahead of time and left to chill in the fridge, ensuring they're ready to impress when dessert time comes around!

Created by

Olivia

Last updated on 2026-01-18T12:37:27.100Z

When I set out to create these Strawberry Shortcake Heart Parfaits, I wanted to encapsulate the essence of summer in a light and airy dessert. I played around with technique, discovering that using freshly whipped cream makes all the difference in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. I also cut the pound cake into heart shapes for an extra touch of charm—perfect for my romantic dinner!

Throughout numerous trials, I found that macerating the strawberries with a sprinkle of sugar really elevates their flavor. The small amount of juice released pairs beautifully with the cream and cake, making each layer burst with freshness. Tips like chilling bowls and beaters before whipping cream can enhance fluffiness, which I now always recommend to friends!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Fresh strawberries add a burst of sweetness and color
Fluffy whipped cream creates a perfect contrast with the cake
Adaptable for any occasion, from casual to elegant

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of these Strawberry Shortcake Heart Parfaits lies in the quality of the ingredients. Fresh strawberries are not only the primary flavor but also define the freshness of this dessert. Look for vibrant, ripe strawberries; they should be firm to the touch and fragrant. If you're in a pinch and can't find fresh berries, frozen strawberries can be used but should be thawed and drained to prevent excess liquid from seeping into the parfait layers.

The pound cake adds a rich, buttery flavor that balances the sweetness of the strawberries. While store-bought pound cake works perfectly, I often recommend making homemade for an extra touch of love. If you're short on time, sponge or angel food cake can serve as excellent substitutes, giving a lighter texture that contrasts nicely with the whipped cream.

Perfecting the Whipped Cream

Whipping the cream to the right stage is critical for achieving the perfect texture in your parfaits. Start with a chilled bowl and beaters, which helps the cream whip quicker and more effectively. You want to achieve soft peaks—this means the cream should be thick enough to hold its shape when you lift the whisk, but smooth and shiny rather than grainy. If you whip it too much, it will turn into butter, so stop as soon as you see those soft peaks forming.

For extra flavor, consider infusing your whipped cream with a hint of lemon zest or a splash of almond extract along with the vanilla. This subtle addition can elevate the overall taste of your parfaits, giving them a more complex flavor profile that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start for a smoother process.

For the Parfaits

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups pound cake, cut into heart shapes

Make sure to assemble the parfaits just before serving for the best texture.

Instructions

Lay out your ingredients and tools to streamline the process.

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, stir together the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes until they release their juices.

Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, whisk the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Layer the Parfaits

In individual serving glasses, start by adding a layer of pound cake, then a layer of whipped cream, followed by a layer of strawberries. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled, finishing with whipped cream and a strawberry on top.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delightful dessert!

Enjoy your Strawberry Shortcake Heart Parfaits chilled for the best taste.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of orange juice to the strawberries while they macerate. This brightens the flavor profile even further!

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best features of these parfaits is their ability to be prepared in advance. Assemble the parfaits a few hours before your event, and they can chill in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. Just be cautious not to exceed this time, as prolonged refrigeration may cause the strawberries to soften too much and the cake layers to lose their texture.

If you're planning to serve these parfaits at a gathering, consider preparing the components separately. The whipped cream can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The strawberries can also be prepped and kept in a separate bowl, ensuring freshness when it's time to layer.

Serving Suggestions

To create a stunning presentation, consider serving these Strawberry Shortcake Heart Parfaits in clear glass cups or jars, which showcase the beautiful layers. Garnish the top with a sprig of mint, or drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce for added decadence. For a festive touch, sprinkle some crushed nuts or edible flowers for visual appeal and texture contrast.

Pair these parfaits with a glass of sparkling wine or a fruity mocktail to complement the lightness of the dessert. The effervescence can enhance the overall experience, making each bite feel extra special and celebratory, perfect for romantic dinners or festive family gatherings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries yield the best texture and flavor, but you can use frozen if you thaw and drain them well.

→ How long can I make these ahead of time?

These parfaits can be made up to 4 hours in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until you serve.

→ Is there a non-dairy alternative for the whipped cream?

Yes! You can use coconut cream or a store-bought non-dairy whipped topping for a dairy-free version.

→ Can I substitute the pound cake?

Absolutely! Angel food cake or sponge cake works well in place of pound cake.