I wanted some pretty strawberry parfait cups for my daughter’s tea party and spent time deciding what cake, cream, and sauces to layer in the glasses. Since the tea already included several cakes, cookies, and other treats, I wanted these cups to be simple, light, and quick to prepare.
In the end, I chose the simplest approach: just strawberries and cream. The result was elegant, fresh, and not overly rich—perfect for a tea party.
Today many guests require vegetarian, lactose-free, or vegan options, so here are several choices for the “cream” component that work well with fresh strawberries.
Cream Options:
Whipped Dairy Cream – Sweeten lightly with a touch of sugar, maple syrup, or honey and add a dash of vanilla if desired.
Non-Dairy Whipped Topping – Choose a higher-quality option without high-fructose corn syrup for a dairy-free alternative.
Vanilla Yogurt – Use dairy or non-dairy vanilla yogurt for a tangy, lighter layer.
Combination – Mix sweetened dairy or non-dairy whipped cream with dairy or non-dairy yogurt for a creamier, slightly tangy texture.
Cashew or Macadamia Nut Cream – Soak 1 cup of raw nuts in water for 2–4 hours, then drain. Blend in a high-speed blender with 1/2 cup water, 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup, a dash of salt, and a splash of vanilla until smooth. Adjust the water to reach your preferred thickness. (Yields approximately 1 3/8 cups.)
Whipped Coconut Cream – Chill two cans of full-fat coconut milk overnight. Open the cans and scoop off the solidified cream on top, reserving the liquid for another use. Add 2–4 tablespoons powdered sugar and a dash of vanilla if you like, then whip with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
Tiny (6 oz) cups of pure joy! If your berries are on the tart side, toss them with a little sugar or sweetener and let them macerate briefly to draw out juices and soften the flavor.
For our tea I used a non-dairy whipped topping for guests who are lactose intolerant. The cups came together quickly, looked lovely, and tasted fresh and satisfying. These strawberry-and-cream parfaits are versatile, easy to scale, and can be adapted to meet different dietary needs without losing their charm.
To assemble, layer chopped or sliced berries with your chosen cream in small clear cups, finishing with a few berries or a mint leaf for garnish. Serve chilled for the best texture and presentation.