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When I originally made this recipe a fellow blogger had started a company that made simple syrups.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
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
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
Nutrition
Thanks for reading today! Be sure to check out my recipe index for more great parfait recipes.
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Toodles and smoochies! xx
Carmela C
Would use for cocktails and would try the parfait!
Lori O.
These would help make some amazing cocktails!!!
Wendy Janzen
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}
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.
I'd make these delicious parfaits!
claire @ the realistic nutritionist
I just want this for breakfast?
Kim Beaulieu
I totally had one for breakfast when I made them. Busted! lol
Thanks Claire. xx
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
GORGEOUS! I need these, now!!
Jennifer
These look yummy! Can you tell me where you bought those adorable spoons?!?
Kim Beaulieu
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
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
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
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
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
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
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