Strawberry Cream Parfaits with Coconut Macaroon Crumble: A Delightful Dessert Recipe

Strawberry cream parfaits are a delightful and elegant dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. They’re perfect for special occasions, summer gatherings, or simply when you crave a light and refreshing treat. This recipe elevates the classic parfait by incorporating the tropical sweetness of coconut macaroons, creating a textural masterpiece that’s both creamy and crunchy. The combination of fresh strawberries, fluffy cream, and the distinctive chew of coconut macaroons is simply irresistible. This detailed guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you create a dessert that wows your family and friends.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** Despite its elegant appearance, this parfait recipe is surprisingly simple and requires no fancy equipment.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The layered effect of the parfaits creates a visually stunning dessert that’s perfect for entertaining.
* **Delicious Flavors:** The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy goodness, and coconutty macaroons is a flavor explosion in every bite.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by using different fruits, flavored creams, or other types of cookies.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether it’s a casual brunch or a formal dinner party, these parfaits are always a hit.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients. This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process.

**For the Strawberry Component:**

* **Fresh Strawberries:** 2 pounds, washed, hulled, and sliced. Choose ripe, red strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness. Look for berries that are firm and plump, with a bright red color. Avoid berries that are bruised or mushy.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 2 tablespoons. This will macerate the strawberries and draw out their natural juices, creating a delicious syrup. Adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of your strawberries.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon. A touch of lemon juice brightens the flavor of the strawberries and prevents them from becoming too sweet. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred.

**For the Cream Component:**

* **Heavy Cream:** 2 cups. Use heavy cream (also known as whipping cream) with at least 36% milk fat for the best results. This will ensure that the cream whips up to a light and fluffy consistency.
* **Powdered Sugar:** 4 tablespoons. Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, dissolves easily into the cream and adds sweetness without adding any graininess.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cream and adds a touch of warmth. Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best taste.
* **Optional: Mascarpone Cheese:** 4 ounces. Adding mascarpone cheese to the cream will create a richer and more stable whipped cream. If using, soften the mascarpone cheese before adding it to the cream.

**For the Coconut Macaroon Crumble:**

* **Coconut Macaroons:** 8 ounces (about 8-10 macaroons, depending on size). Store-bought or homemade macaroons work well. If you’re using store-bought macaroons, choose a brand that you enjoy. Homemade macaroons are always a special touch.

**Equipment:**

* Mixing Bowls
* Electric Mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Spatula
* Parfait Glasses or Dessert Cups
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect strawberry cream parfaits with coconut macaroon crumble.

**1. Prepare the Strawberries:**

* Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries. Place the sliced strawberries in a medium bowl.
* Add the granulated sugar and lemon juice to the strawberries. Gently toss to combine.
* Let the strawberries macerate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the sugar to draw out the juices from the strawberries, creating a delicious syrup. Stir occasionally. The longer they macerate, the more flavorful the strawberries will become.

**2. Make the Whipped Cream:**

* In a large, chilled mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream. Chilling the bowl and beaters helps the cream whip up faster and more easily.
* If using mascarpone cheese, add it to the bowl with the heavy cream.
* Using an electric mixer (either handheld or stand mixer) fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cream on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form. This means that the cream will hold its shape slightly when the beaters are lifted.
* Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue beating until stiff peaks form. Stiff peaks mean that the cream will hold its shape firmly when the beaters are lifted and the peaks will stand straight up. Be careful not to overbeat the cream, as it can turn into butter.

**3. Prepare the Coconut Macaroon Crumble:**

* Place the coconut macaroons in a zip-top bag.
* Using a rolling pin or your hands, crush the macaroons into coarse crumbs. You can also use a food processor to pulse the macaroons into crumbs, but be careful not to over-process them into a powder. You want to retain some texture.
* Alternatively, you can roughly chop the macaroons with a knife.

**4. Assemble the Parfaits:**

* Now comes the fun part: assembling the parfaits! You can use parfait glasses, dessert cups, or even mason jars for this. The choice is yours.
* Start by layering a spoonful of the macerated strawberries with their juices at the bottom of each glass. This will provide a base of flavor and moisture.
* Next, add a layer of the whipped cream. Use a spoon or piping bag to create a smooth and even layer.
* Sprinkle a layer of the coconut macaroon crumble over the whipped cream. This will add a delightful crunch and coconut flavor.
* Repeat the layers of strawberries, whipped cream, and coconut macaroon crumble until you reach the top of the glass. You can adjust the number of layers depending on the size of your glasses.
* For the final layer, top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of coconut macaroon crumble or a whole strawberry for garnish. Get creative with your presentation!

**5. Chill and Serve:**

* Cover the parfaits with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cream to firm up slightly. You can chill the parfaits for up to 2 hours.
* Serve chilled and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Fruits:** Experiment with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, peaches, or mangoes. Adjust the sugar and lemon juice accordingly.
* **Flavor the Cream:** Add a few drops of almond extract, coconut extract, or lemon zest to the whipped cream for a different flavor profile.
* **Add Chocolate:** Drizzle melted chocolate over the layers of strawberries or whipped cream for a decadent treat. Chocolate shavings also make a beautiful garnish.
* **Use Different Cookies:** Substitute the coconut macaroons with other types of cookies like graham crackers, shortbread, or biscotti.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a vegan version. Use vegan macaroons or other vegan cookies.
* **Add Liqueur:** A splash of Grand Marnier or other fruit liqueur to the strawberries enhances the flavor.
* **Make it ahead of time**: You can prepare the strawberry mixture and macaroon crumble ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The whipped cream is best made fresh.

## Serving Suggestions

* These strawberry cream parfaits are perfect for:
* Dessert after a meal
* Summer picnics and barbecues
* Brunch gatherings
* Birthday parties
* Any special occasion

## Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 80-100mg
* Sodium: 50-70mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Sugar: 25-35g
* Protein: 3-5g

**Note:** Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* **Can I make these parfaits ahead of time?**
* Yes, you can prepare the strawberry mixture and coconut macaroon crumble ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. The whipped cream is best made fresh, but you can whip it a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

* **How long will the parfaits last in the refrigerator?**
* The assembled parfaits are best consumed within 24 hours. After that, the cream may start to lose its texture and the strawberries may become too soft.

* **Can I use frozen strawberries?**
* While fresh strawberries are preferred, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them.

* **Can I use a different type of sweetener?**
* Yes, you can substitute the granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Adjust the amount according to your preference.

* **Where can I find coconut macaroons?**
* Coconut macaroons are available in most grocery stores, often in the bakery section or the cookie aisle. You can also find them online or make them at home.

## Conclusion

Strawberry cream parfaits with coconut macaroon crumble are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to impress. With their layers of sweet strawberries, fluffy cream, and crunchy macaroons, they’re a perfect treat for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow these detailed instructions, and enjoy creating this elegant and delicious dessert!

Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Cream Parfaits!