Is keeping your kids fueled with healthy snacks a struggle? Do you crave a sweet treat that doesn’t involve a lot of time in the kitchen? Then look no further than the mighty fruit parfait. These fruit-filled layered treats are easy to create, making them perfect for busy days. So, get ready to transform snack time into a delicious adventure by creating the perfect fruit parfait. And, parfaits pair well with your next celebration, too.
Ingredient Line-Up
Blueberries – fresh is best; use about a half pint.
Strawberries – use at least a half clamshell of strawberries, cut into bite-sized quarters.
Yogurt (optional) – add your favorite yogurt, such as plain, vanilla, or a fruity variety.
Whipped Cream – store-bought whipped cream is fine, however, if making homemade whipped cream, you’ll need heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar.
Tools Needed
Clear Cups – while clear plastic cups are ideal in creating a visually appealing parfait, any type of cup works.
Colander – optional, but a colander makes rinsing the berries easier.
Knife – use a paring knife for cutting strawberries (or any fruit used). Younger children who are cutting fruit can use these kid-safe nylon knives.
Mixer (optional) – a hand-held mixer or stand mixer is only needed if making whipping cream from scratch.
Small Cutting Board – use a cutting board for cutting strawberries (or other fruit) in quarters.
Spoon – use a silicone spatula spoon (or any spoon) for scooping and layering your parfait.
Towels – paper towels are useful for wiping down berries (and for cleanup).
Why Kids (and Adults) Love Parfaits
While it is certainly easier to put fruit in a bowl and top it with some whipped cream, fruit parfaits allow you to unleash a bit of creativity and sneak in some healthy goodness. Parfaits are essentially a blank canvas for your taste buds. While you can use any fruit you’d like, using berries adds sweetness and is packed with the good stuff, like vitamins and antioxidants.
Fruit Parfaits
Ingredients
- 1/2 pint blueberries
- 1/2 clamshell strawberries, hulled and cut into quarters
- 1 can store-bought whipped cream *see separate recipe card for homemade whipped cream.
- 1 cup yogurt, optional
Instructions
- Wash blueberries and take off any stems. Divide evenly among the four cups, reserving four individual blueberries for garnish.
- Wash or wipe down strawberries with a damp cloth or paper towel. Hull the strawberries and cut into quarters. Divide evenly among the four cups, reserving four individual strawberry quarters for garnish.
- Place blueberries on the bottoms of each cup until all but four blueberries are used.
- Add some whipped cream on top of blueberries OR, add in any flavored yogurt in place of or in addition to the whipped cream.
- Place all but four quartered strawberries on top of whipped cream as the next layer.
- Add additional whipped cream on top of the strawberries.
- Garnish with one blueberry and one strawberry quarter.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Homemade Whipped Cream
Equipment
- 1 metal bowl (if using a hand mixer) OR
- 1 stand mixer with whisk attachment
Ingredients
- 1 cup heaving whipping cream (at least 36% milk fat)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Before beginning, make sure everything is cold. The colder the heavy whipping cream is, the easier it will whip. Also place your metal mixing bowl and the whisk attachment (or whisk if making by hand) in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before whipping.
- Measure out the heavy cream (1 cup yields about 2 cups of whipped cream).
- Pour the cold heavy cream into the chilled bowl. Start whipping on low speed, gradually increasing the speed to medium as the cream begins to thicken. Don’t walk away – over-whipping is a common mistake.
- As the cream thickens, watch for soft peaks to form. Soft peaks hold their shape when you lift the whisk, but droop slightly at the tips.
- Once soft peaks form, gradually add the powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time.
- Add one teaspoon of vanilla extract and whip until just incorporated (be sure not to over whip).
- Stop whipping once stiff peaks form. Stiff peaks hold their shape straight up when you lift the whisk. Over-whipped cream will become curdled and lose its smooth texture.
- Use immediately or refrigerate. Homemade whipped cream can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the texture may soften slightly.
Fruit Parfaits Make the Perfect Snack
Not only are fruit parfaits easy to make, they are bursting with nutritional benefits. So grab some fruit and get ready to conquer snacking together. And, if looking for more kid-friendly snack options, then take a look at these Three Easy Kid-Approved Snacks or these no bake Nut-Free Energy Bites.
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Love this idea! I love making deserts with fresh fruit during the summer.
We love all of the fresh fruit and will definitely be trying this
Thanks for the tip, this recipe is perfect for summer! We LOVE all berries and we can’t say no to whip cream. 🙂
Same with us! Enjoy!