Heart-Shaped Strawberry & Cream — Easy Valentine’s desserts
Bright, small-batch parfaits layered with soft sugar cookies and a light, lemony cream. These make-ahead treats are lower in sugar and gentle on digestion, perfect for an intimate celebration at home.
This recipe fits a simple rhythm: bake or buy very soft sugar cookies, macerate berries, and whip a creamy yogurt filling. It keeps well in the fridge for a short time, so you can prepare components ahead and assemble just before sharing.
The small portions make this ideal when you want a sweet finish without leftovers. Ingredients are easy to find at most supermarkets, and the steps use familiar tools: a bowl, whisk, and a small baking sheet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 soft sugar cookies (store-bought or small-batch soft cookies)
Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice and 1–2 tsp maple syrup or honey for macerating the berries. Serve with herbal tea or a small slice of sponge cake if desired.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Toss sliced strawberries with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon maple syrup if using; let sit 10–15 minutes to soften and release juices, then mash gently for a softer texture.
- Stir 1 teaspoon vanilla into the Greek yogurt and whisk until slightly loose; fold in 2 tablespoons whipped cream if you want a creamier finish. If baking cookies, bake small soft cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes and cool.
- In two small glasses layer yogurt, a spoonful of macerated strawberries, and crumbled soft cookie; repeat and finish with heart-shaped strawberry slices. Chill briefly or serve immediately.
Tips and Easy Variations
Texture & Softness
- Mash berries or pulse briefly for a smooth finish
- Swap yogurt for whipped ricotta or silken tofu for extra softness
- Use soft sponge cake or ladyfingers instead of cookies for very tender bites
Lower Sugar & Digestion
- Use 1 teaspoon maple syrup or skip added sweetener entirely
- Choose low-fat plain yogurt and rinse berries if you prefer less fruit sugar
- Rely on very ripe fruit and vanilla for natural sweetness
Dairy-Free & Variations
- Use full-fat coconut or almond yogurt and dairy-free whipped topping
- Add 1 tablespoon applesauce to cookie dough to keep cookies soft
- Swap strawberries for raspberries or a mixed-berry purée
Quick tips
- Assemble just before serving for best cookie texture
- Store components separately up to 48 hours to preserve freshness
- Prepare cookies ahead and keep them airtight until assembly
Storage and Leftovers
Fridge
Keep components (yogurt, macerated berries, cookie crumbs) in airtight containers in the fridge for 24–48 hours. Assembled parfaits are best within 4–6 hours.
Freezer
Freezing assembled parfaits is not recommended; freeze cookie dough or baked cookies for up to 1 month instead.
Reheating
Bring chilled components to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving; do not microwave assembled parfaits as cookies will become soggy.
Conclusion
Give these heart-shaped strawberry & cream parfaits a try for a simple, gentle, small-portion sweet. They’re quick to assemble, lower in added sugar, and easy to adapt for softer textures—perfect for a cozy, fuss-free celebration with someone special.
The recipe is forgiving: prepare components ahead, adjust sweetness and texture to your needs, and assemble just before serving for the best results.
FAQ
Can I make everything the day before?▶
Yes. Bake cookies and store them airtight. Keep yogurt and berries separate and assemble within 24 hours for best texture.
What if I need the parfait to be very soft?▶
Mash the berries thoroughly and blend the yogurt until smooth. Swap cookies for soft sponge cake or ladyfingers that soak up juices evenly for a tender finish.
