Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats & Homemade Desserts

It was a warm spring afternoon when I decided it was time for a sweet treat, and honestly, nothing says spring like strawberries. I thought of my trusty shortcake recipe and how easy it is to throw together. The whole thing runs about $10-12 to make, depending on the strawberries. My kids had a blast helping me layer everything, and even asked for seconds, which is always a win in my book!

Created by

The Pantrytrail Team

Last updated on 2026-05-19T16:53:19.940Z

One Saturday afternoon, I found myself with a pile of ripe strawberries on my counter. It’s that time of year when the farmer's market is bursting with fresh produce, and I couldn't resist bringing home a couple quarts. I knew I wanted to make something light and simple, and turned to my go-to recipe for shortcake.

This parfait isn’t just about the cake and strawberries, though. I decided to add some whipped cream, and wow, what a difference that makes. It turned out to be a fun little project for my family, and I got to teach my kids the joy of making dessert from scratch. Honestly, they felt like little chefs layering the ingredients!

The Best Part

You can throw it together in under 30 minutes
That's fresh whipped cream, not the stuff in a tub
Kids think they're fancy chefs when layering

Choosing Your Ingredients

For the shortcake, using cold butter is crucial. I usually toss it in the freezer for a few minutes before cubing it. This keeps the butter from melting too much when you mix it in. If you don't have Kerrygold, any unsalted butter will work fine. Just make sure it's cold to achieve that light and fluffy texture in the finished cake.

Fresh strawberries are the star here. I recommend picking them up from a local farmer’s market if you can, as they tend to be sweeter and juicier. Be sure to select berries that are bright red and free of any green spots. You can also swap strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries if you're feeling adventurous.

A Quick Note on Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits

As you make this dessert, keep in mind that the amount of cream can be adjusted based on your preference. Some days I feel like having more cream, while others, just a dollop will do. It's totally up to you. If you're not a fan of heavy cream, you could use yogurt or even a dairy-free alternative to keep it lighter.

When assembling the parfaits, don’t stress about making it look perfect. I’ll often have my kids help, and we end up with layers that are a bit uneven, but they taste just as good. If you really want to impress, a sprinkle of crushed cookies or graham crackers between the layers adds a nice crunch.

Ingredients

Here’s what you'll need to make these lovely parfaits:

For the Shortcake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
1/4 cup Kerrygold butter, cold and cubed
1 cup whole milk

For the Toppings

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Just a handful of simple ingredients!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your delicious parfaits:

Make the Shortcake

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in the cold butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk just until combined. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently a few times. Pat it into a rectangle about an inch thick, then cut out rounds with a biscuit cutter or just a glass. Bake on a greased baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes until golden.

Whip the Cream

While the shortcake cools, pour the heavy whipping cream into a mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium-high until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until fully incorporated. Honestly, you can skip the sugar if you want it less sweet, but I think it adds a nice touch.

Assemble the Parfaits

Once the shortcake has cooled, crumble a piece into the bottom of your serving glasses. Layer with a handful of sliced strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until you fill the glasses, finishing with cream and a few berries on top. You can even drizzle a bit of honey over the top if you're feeling fancy!

Enjoy your strawberry shortcake parfaits!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can macerate the strawberries with a bit of sugar before using them.
Feel free to substitute the strawberries for your favorite berries or even peaches in season.
These parfaits are best enjoyed the same day, but you can keep the components separate to assemble later.

What to Serve with Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits

These parfaits are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a light salad or even some grilled chicken for a more complete meal. If you're hosting and want to keep things simple, a cold glass of lemonade or iced tea would make a refreshing complement.

Sometimes I serve them at brunch gatherings, where they're a hit. People love that they can dig in and enjoy something a bit fancy without a ton of effort. I often make extra shortcakes, as they make a lovely snack on their own later in the day.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can definitely make the shortcake a day in advance. Just wrap it in plastic wrap once it's cooled, and it should hold up just fine. I often store it at room temperature, but if you prefer, you can pop it in the fridge. Just be aware it might get a bit denser as it sits.

The whipped cream is best made fresh, but if you want to save time, you can make it a few hours ahead. Just cover it tightly, and it should be fine in the fridge. I do recommend giving it a quick whip again before serving, just to revive its fluffiness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Honestly, I recommend assembling these right before serving. The shortcake can be made ahead, but the cream and strawberries are best fresh.

→ What if I don’t have heavy whipping cream?

You could use store-bought whipped cream, but making your own is super easy and tastes way better. Just whip it until soft peaks form!

→ Can I use gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! Just make sure to check for a 1:1 gluten-free blend. The texture might be a bit different but still delicious.

→ How long do leftovers last?

If you have leftovers, keep the cream and shortcake separate from the strawberries. They'll last about 1 day in the fridge, but the shortcake may get soggy.

→ What can I substitute for sugar?

You can use a sugar substitute if you want. Personally, I think regular sugar complements the flavors best, but it’s your call.