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When I originally made this recipe a fellow blogger had started a company that made simple syrups.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
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Toodles and smoochies! xx
The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time
Wow. I don't know if I could think of anything other than these parfaits? I'm definitely making them. I'd also use them in my soda stream for some tasty carbonated drinks.
Kim Beaulieu
Awe thanks lady. Hubs went nuts for these things. He was stealing everyone else's. Scoundrel.
I need a soda stream. Badly.
john@kitchenriffs
You know me - I use my simple syrup mainly in cocktails! Although I do sometimes use variations - like grenadine - on desserts. So I really like what you're doing here! Really fun parfaits - thanks.
Kim Beaulieu
You would be the perfect person to win these. I bet you could think up some amazing recipes. I adore grenadine. I keep it in my fridge at all times. For grenadine emergencies. You'd be surprised how often they come up around here. I think it's my go to for stress.
Thanks John. I can't wait to visit you this week. I'm plugging along trying to fix broken links and my recipe index so I can return to normal soon.
Kate@Diethood
These need to make it to mah belly!! So pretty! I always make simple syrups and we use them for various cocktails. BUT I like your way of using them way, waaaaaaaay better!
Kim Beaulieu
Right. They are so good. I got a little creative. My mind instantly goes to sugar. It's a curse, or a gift depending how you look at it. lol
Sally Tews
Would make ice cubes with them and put into my sweet tea.
Kim Beaulieu
Sheer perfection, I love that idea.
Isabelle @ Crumb
Strawberries and chocolate and mint and whipped cream, all together in one lovely cup? Sign me up! So much better than the pear I just ate for dessert. 🙂
I bet these syrups would be fantastic for making homemade sodas. We have a SodaStream, and while I looooove it for making fizzy water, I dislike their ready-made syrups because they contain artificial sweeteners (ewwwww). I use a lot of homemade syrups, but it would be nice to have a good-quality ready-made option.
Kim Beaulieu
Seriously right. A pear, girl you are dedicated. I should be then I'm all like "sugar". Sad but true.
They would. I seriously want a soda stream. I'm the same way with a lot of drinks. My dad was very anti artificial sweeteners so I still tend to avoid them in my old age.
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
I might use the strawberry to drizzle over my oatmeal, the mint in my sparkling water, and everything over fresh berries and fruit!
Kim Beaulieu
You, my friend, are a genius. I love all of those ideas. xx
D Schmidt
I would like to make some fun trifles.
Kim Beaulieu
I love that idea. Trifles rule.
Choc Chip Uru
A perfect delicious dessert - I need this because it has everything I love 😀
Cheers
CCU
Kim Beaulieu
Awe, it would be perfect for you.
xx
Debra
Mmmmm.... I would love some strawberry syrup!
Kim Beaulieu
So good right.
Dionne Baldwin
Oh how exciting! Both the parfaits and the syrup. I can imagine strawberries, a cheesecake-like filling and brownies to satisfy my sweet tooth. I think I would use the mint syrup to make a virgin mojito that the kids and I can enjoy! Oh- and my other half too! Thank you for telling us about this.
Kim Beaulieu
I love the idea of a mojito. You're most welcome. I love these products. Makes my life simpler.
Coco in the Kitchen
KimBee, you are The Parfait Boss.
This looks cah-razy yummy. Gotta make them for breakfast this w/end.
Anything goes for a birthday breakfast, right? 😉 xoxoxo
Kim Beaulieu
Thanks lady. I miss you. I've been crazed with blogging woes, host issues, recipe index issues, broken links up the wazoo. Hopefully I get back to normal soon so I can visit. xx
Colette
Miss you, too, Doll. Hope your techie stuff gets back into order soon.
I have some cute things posted. Hope you have time to check them out. xo
ikkinlala
Strawberry and mint would both be great flavours to add to hot chocolate, I think.
Kim Beaulieu
I think they'd be perfect for that.
Tara
I would like to try some cocktails for sure!!
Kim Beaulieu
Good call Tara. Perfect for cocktails.
Angie | Big Bears Wife
I would make THESE! I love strawberry and chocolate together!
Kim Beaulieu
Yeah, I'd love to see your spin on these. You always make everything looks so pretty. I saw you won the cooking thing. Way to rock it out lady. Congrats. xx
Kim Beaulieu
Yummers right. Sheer perfection.
Ramona W
Strawberry... WIN, Brownie... Win, Parfait...Win!! Yes.. these will be all gone in my family. 🙂
Kim Beaulieu
Ha, thanks Ramona. These were really good. Hubs is in love with them. He ate most of them.
I miss you. Life has been nuts. We should catch up soon. xx
Lori
mmmm on ice cream!
Pauline Gudas
The first thing I would try is this parfait. I love strawberries and chocolate. It is a great combo
Jean Treider
I'd like to try it in overnight oats.
Jennifer B
Cocktails first!