When you just need a light, refreshing treat, this no-bake strawberry parfait hits the spot. With layers of macerated strawberries, a fluffy cream cheese and yogurt filling, and buttery graham cracker crumbs (or vanilla wafers if you prefer), it’s a simple summer dessert that looks fancy in a jar but comes together in minutes.
We love serving this in parfait glasses, mason jars, or even wine glasses. Whether you’re planning summer entertaining, a spring brunch, or a sweet little Valentine’s Day treat, this is one to keep in your recipe box.
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Why This Strawberry Parfait Is a Go-To
🍓 Made with simple grocery store staples like Greek yogurt, fresh strawberries, and vanilla extract
🍓 Naturally customizable (try vanilla yogurt, Cool Whip, or even plant-based swaps like coconut cream)
🍓 No baking, no fuss—just layer and chill
🍓 Make it ahead and store for easy prep
Ingredients
- fresh strawberries
- granulated sugar
- lemon juice
- cream cheese (or whipped cream cheese)
- Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt
- heavy cream (or Cool Whip/coconut cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup vegan confectioners’ sugar
- lemon zest (optional)
- crushed graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or pound cake cubes
Optional toppings:
- Strawberry jam, strawberry sauce, fresh mint, or chopped brownie bites
Equipment You’ll Need
- mixing bowl
- hand mixer, food processor, or high-speed
blender - piping bag or disposable piping bag (optional)pparfait glasses, mason jars, or your favorite serving vessel
- Plastic wrap to cover
How to Make This No-Bake Strawberry Parfait
Macerate the Strawberries
In a mixing bowl, combine sliced fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Let sit for 15 minutes until juicy and syrupy. These are your macerated strawberries.
Make the Creamy Filling
In another bowl, use a hand mixer (or high-speed blender) to blend cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth.
Add Sweetness and Flavor
Mix in confectioners’ sugar, vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract), and lemon zest. Beat again until combined.
Whip the Cream
In a clean bowl, whip heavy cream (or coconut cream) until soft peaks form. Gently fold into the cream cheese mixture. If using Cool Whip, simply fold into cream cheese mixture.
Prepare the Base Layer
Choose your base: graham cracker crumbs, vanilla wafers, Biscoff cookies, or pound cake cubes. Crush or cube as needed.
Assemble the Parfaits
In your parfait glasses, mason jars, or other serving vessel, layer the dessert as follows:
- base (cookie/cake)
- creamy filling
- macerated strawberries
Repeat layers if you have space.
Chill
Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Add Toppings and Serve
Before serving, top with whipped cream, a drizzle of strawberry sauce, and a sprig of fresh mint if you’d like.
Easy Variations
🍓 Vegan or Dairy-Free Use plant-based yogurt, vegan cream cheese, and coconut whipped cream
🍓 Extra Sweet Swirl in strawberry jam or drizzle with simple syrup
🍓 Boozy Version Add a splash of amaretto liqueur to the strawberries
🍓 Crunch Swap Try Biscoff cookies, amaretti biscuits, or crumbled chocolate pie crust
Fresh Tips
- best eaten within 2 days (store covered in the fridge)
- keep the crumb layer separate until ready to serve for maximum crunch
No-Bake Strawberry Parfait
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened (or whipped cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or Cool Whip or coconut cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest optional
- 1 cup crushed graham cracker crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers, pound cake cubes, or crushed Biscoff cookies
Optional
- whipped cream
- strawberry sauce, jam, or syrup
- fresh mint
- chopped brownie bites
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Let sit for 15 minutes until juicy.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla paste or extract, and lemon zest. Mix again until fully combined.
- In a clean bowl, whip heavy cream (or coconut cream) until soft peaks form. Gently fold into the cream cheese mixture. If using Cool Whip, simply fold into cream cheese mixture.
- Crush or cube your choice of base (graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pound cake, or Biscoff cookies).
- In jars or glasses, layer: cookie/cake base, cream filling, and macerated strawberries. Repeat layers if space allows.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Before serving, add your favorite toppings like whipped cream, strawberry jam, or a mint sprig.
To Wrap It Up
This strawberry parfait is simple to make, easily customizable, and full of bright, fresh flavor. Whether you’re layering it in a jar for a picnic or making a big bowl for brunch, you’ll definitely want to keep this seasonal recipe handy.
Love this recipe? Check out our full collection of vegetarian and vegan recipes for more delicious ideas! And if you’re looking to share your creations (or get inspired by someone else’s), join our closed Facebook Group, The Peas and Carrots Society, a group of non-judgy folks who welcome all! Nothing but good food, good friends, and good fun!
Want to level up your vegan desserts? Rouxbe’s Vegan Dessert course is one of our favorites. Give it a peek!
90-day online course based on Fran Costigan’s popular Vegan Baking Boot Camp.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Thaw, drain well, and use just like fresh.
Can I make this in a big bowl instead of individual jars?
Absolutely—just follow the same layering in a trifle dish.
What cookies or base work best?
We love graham cracker crumbs, but vanilla wafers, Biscoff cookies, or even chopped brownie bites all work.
Can I lighten it up?
Sure—try low-fat cream cheese or a mix of vanilla yogurt and whipped cream.
