Name: Strawberry Brownie Parfaits
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 pound sliced fresh strawberries; 2 cups water; 2 cups sugar; 1 pound sliced strawberries; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/4 cup Strawberry Simple Syrup; 2 cups heavy cream; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons Strawberry Simple Syrup; 8 ounces cream cheese (softened ); 2 cups brownies (chopped); chocolate shavings

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These Strawberry Brownie Parfaits are quick and easy to make. Brownies topped with delicious filling, fresh berries and grated chocolate!

This recipe is filled with chocolate brownies, strawberry simple syrup, strawberries, and whipped cream. It's absolutely delicious and is always a huge hit when we entertain dinner guests.

When I originally made this recipe a fellow blogger had started a company that made simple syrups. Since that time she has closed her business. I'm editing this post to include homemade simple syrup and other options.

I want everyone to be able to make these delicious parfaits so I'll give you a couple of options you can use to make these. That way no matter what you have on hand, you can still make these.

Huge apologies to everyone who tried to make these with a missing ingredient. I had no idea Heidi has discontinued Not So Simple Syrups or I would have edited this sooner.

Since these Strawberry Brownie Parfaits are one of the most popular recipes on the blog I wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who has pinned, tweeted, shared, or made these.

So, if you love brownies and parfaits this recipe is for YOU! It is so easy to make and everyone will gobble them up in record time. They are always a huge hit when we serve them.

I love using simple syrups to macerate berries. Simple syrups are divine drizzled over fruit salads. So I knew I wanted to incorporate that idea into the recipe. However that was too easy of a leap so I wanted to take it a step beyond that.

I use simple syrups in dips and fillings as well for some added flavour boost. So I thought I'd add a little to the cheesecake type filling for the parfaits. That way it would just add another level of strawberry flavour to the dish. It worked beautifully.

The syrup is not overwhelming at all, it's subtle and just sheer perfection in fillings. You get that hint of flavour without getting smacked in the face with it. That's the kind of dessert I love. Not one element over powers the others.

You can use store-bought brownies and whipped cream if you like. I'm not above cheating when time is of the essence. I made my own brownies for this because I was testing out some brownie ideas any way. So I had some left over.

Parfaits are a great way to use up leftover brownies, cakes and even cookies. You can buy cool whip if you like for this. I whipped up my own. Honestly, if you have heavy cream on hand it's super easy to make your own whipped cream.

If you don't have time I think cheating is okay. Never feel guilty if you need to do that. Life's too short to stress over the small stuff. However if you're stressing about anything at all these parfaits are a sure-fire way to cheer yourself up.

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Strawberry Brownie Parfaits served in wine glasses with colourful tiny spoons.

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5 from 1 vote

Strawberry Brownie Parfaits

These Strawberry Brownie Parfaits are quick and easy to make. Brownies topped with delicious filling, fresh berries and grated chocolate!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword strawberry brownie parfaits, strawberry parfait

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings

Calories 858kcal

Author Kim Beaulieu

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Simple Syrup:

1 pound sliced fresh strawberries
2 cups water
2 cups sugar

For the Strawberry Simple Syrup Macerated Strawberries:

1 pound sliced strawberries
2 tablespoons sugar
¼ cup Strawberry Simple Syrup

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Whipped Cream:

2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons Strawberry Simple Syrup
8 ounces cream cheese softened

For the Parfait Base Layer:

2 cups brownies chopped

Optional Garnish:

chocolate shavings

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

For the Strawberry Simple Syrup:

Place the strawberries, water, and sugar in a medium size saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally while the sugar dissolves. Once the mixture reaches a boil reduce the heat to simmer. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Check every 5 minutes or so to make sure it's reducing and not sticking to the pan. Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve. Discard everything in the sieve. Transfer the simple syrup to a container and allow to cool for about 20 to 30 minutes. Cover and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For the Simple Syrup Macerated Strawberries:

Pop the strawberries into a glass bowl or container. Add the sugar. Pour the cooled simple syrup over top. Mix it all up and cover. Pop in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, my recommendation is 2 hours. Softens them just enough while still leaving some texture.

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Whipped Cream:

In your stand mixer bowl, add the heavy cream, sugar and Strawberry Simple Syrup. Start on slow for less splashing, let it start to thicken, then turn it on high and mix until it's fluffy. Add in the softened cream cheese and mix until combined.

Putting the Strawberry Brownie Parfaits together:

Chop up your brownies into bite sized pieces. Divide into 4 and pop them inside glasses. I used stemless wine glasses for mine.
Take the 2 tablespoons of Strawberry Simple Syrup and drizzle it over top of the brownie pieces.
Now put a layer of the macerated strawberries over top of the brownies.
Add a huge layer of Strawberry Cream Cheese Whipped Cream layer into each one, reserve enough to pipe a little on top of each parfait at the end.
Add another layer of macerated strawberries over the whipped cream.
Use a piping bag to top each parfait with a little more whipped cream.
Take a zester or fine grater and run a piece of chocolate along it to garnish the top of each parfait with chocolate.
You could top with a strawberry for added pizazz. I used all mine inside the parfaits so I didn't have any left for pizazz.
Pop in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to a couple of hours.
Serve with a big old parfait loving smile!

Notes

I used my Best Brownies in the World for this. You could use your own recipe, or even use store bought. No judging here.

Alternate recipe options if you don't have simple syrup:

You can also macerate the berries with orange juice and sugar.

Or you can macerate berries quite well with just sugar. If you leave them in sugar they soften naturally.

You could not bother macerating the berries at all and just toss them in fresh.

This recipe can be made in so many ways. If you can use any kind of berries, any kind of brownie or cake, or any kind of whipped cream. Parfaits are awesome because they are so easy to adapt to your own taste.

FYI, I made huge ones for the photos but this actually serves 8 people. You can layer them in smaller glasses or only fill them halfway. If you want to go nuts like we did and make it for 4 you can. Just double the calories.

Nutrition

Thanks for reading today! Be sure to check out my recipe index for more great parfait recipes.

Also, take a minute to follow me on Pinterest. I'm always pinning fun recipes, plus lots of DIY projects and random things.

While you're clicking around be sure to follow me on Instagram. All my new recipes go up on there when they come out.

Toodles and smoochies! xx

Comments

Carmela C

November 10, 2013 at 2:41 pm

Would use for cocktails and would try the parfait!

Lori O.

November 10, 2013 at 3:31 pm

These would help make some amazing cocktails!!!

Wendy Janzen

November 10, 2013 at 7:50 pm

I like experimenting with home-made ice creams, thinking this would be an easy way to add a pop of flavour.

Genell {Nel's Nook}

November 10, 2013 at 8:46 pm

I think it would be fun to make some coffee creamer with the mint one - maybe so dark chocolate peppermint! Or both would make some delicious cocktails!

Kelli W.

November 10, 2013 at 9:00 pm

I'd make these delicious parfaits!

claire @ the realistic nutritionist

January 14, 2014 at 11:19 am

I just want this for breakfast?

- Kim Beaulieu
  
  January 14, 2014 at 2:01 pm
  
  I totally had one for breakfast when I made them. Busted! lol
  
  Thanks Claire. xx
  
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet

February 10, 2014 at 11:21 pm

GORGEOUS! I need these, now!!

Jennifer

March 31, 2014 at 9:44 am

These look yummy! Can you tell me where you bought those adorable spoons?!?

- Kim Beaulieu
  
  March 31, 2014 at 3:35 pm
  
  Thanks Jennifer. I bought them at a place called Gracious Home. It's a website, but I'm not sure if they are selling the spoons any more.
  
Carol at Wild Goose Tea

May 20, 2014 at 4:07 pm

Wow, this a winning parfait with strawberry season coming upon us any minute! And who doesn't love brownies. I can't wait to serve this. Parfaits always look so elegant and delectable at the same time.

Karen

August 02, 2016 at 6:51 pm

Love your website.One ingredient I don't have is the syrup. I went to the website for the syrup and they are no longer in business. Do you have a different listing for them? Can I make my own or use something else? Please let me know. Send a reply to my email. Thanks for all your recipes I love them all.Karen

- Kim Beaulieu
  
  March 03, 2017 at 6:00 pm
  
  Hi Karen. Your comment was lost in the void. No idea why. I just saw it now. Sorry about that. I've updated the post with a homemade syrup. The woman who had the simple syrup business closed up shop. Which created a problem for this recipe, for sure. So I've adjusted the recipe and added one for simple syrup plus some tips for adjustments. So sorry for any inconvenience. I had no idea she had gone out of business until recently.
  
Nuna

August 20, 2017 at 12:00 pm

Hi! These look awesome!!!! I have a big dinner party tomorrow....can I make these in advance? And how long in advance? Thanks

- Kim Beaulieu
  
  August 20, 2017 at 7:25 pm
  
  Hi. Thanks for stopping by the blog. Sorry for not replying earlier. We had a surprise guest this weekend so my schedule is a bit off.
  
  You can make them in advance. Basically the longer in advance you make them the softer the brownie portion will become. I would say a day ahead is safe but any longer would make the brownies soggy and the cream would discolour from the strawberries. I think 12 hours would be better but if you work tomorrow making these tonight is a solid option.
  
  Hope everyone loves them. Are you hosting an eclipse party?
  
Nuna

August 20, 2017 at 11:37 pm

That's okay! So I made the syrup (which is delicious by the way) and the whipped cream (also Delish!) I also tripled the recipe to yield more people. Tomorrow I will put the parfaits together. I can't wait to show them off!! Thanks again for a great recipe. Love your blog

P.S. no it's not for an eclipse party but that would be pretty cool to do

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Strawberry Brownie Parfaits