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Winter Berry Parfait with Vanilla Cream
Layers of winter berries, vanilla cream and crunchy granola create an easy parfait perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Winter Berry Parfait with Vanilla Cream is a layered, refrigerated dessert that showcases the vivid flavors and colors of cold-season fruit. The parfait typically combines a medley of winter berries—such as cranberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries—with lightly sweetened vanilla cream or yogurt, often complemented by crunchy granola or crushed biscuits for textural contrast. Served in clear glasses to highlight its distinct strata, the dish offers a balanced blend of tangy fruit and mellow vanilla, making it a popular choice for holiday brunches, festive dinners, or any occasion that calls for a light yet indulgent treat during the cooler months.
Winter Berry Parfait with Vanilla Cream
This parfait is a lifesaver for last-minute entertaining, since every component can be prepped up to two days ahead and assembled just before guests arrive. Using frozen berries means you can capture peak flavor and nutrients without relying on off-season produce, while still keeping the recipe budget-friendly and easy to scale for a crowd.
Prep Time
25 minutes
25 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
45 minutes
Ingredients
Mixed winter berries (cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries), fresh or frozen – 2 cups
- Granulated sugar – 2 tbsp
- Fresh orange juice – 1 tbsp
- Heavy whipping cream (chilled) – 1 cup
- Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla) – 1 cup
- Pure vanilla extract – 1 tsp
- Honey (or maple syrup) – 2 tbsp
- Granola clusters – 1 cup
- Orange zest (optional, for brightness) – 1 tsp
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish) – a few sprigs
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional) – 1 tbsp
- Toasted sliced almonds (optional crunch) – 2 tbsp
Method
Rinse the mixed winter berries under cold running water
- Pat the berries dry with paper towels
- Cut any large berries into bite-size pieces
- Place the prepared berries in a mixing bowl
- Sprinkle the berries with granulated sugar
- Stir the berries gently to coat them evenly
- Let the sugared berries rest for 15 minutes to macerate
- Set a metal bowl and beaters in the freezer for 5 minutes to chill
- Pour cold heavy cream into the chilled bowl
- Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar to the cream
- Whip the cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form
- Spoon a layer of vanilla cream into the bottom of each parfait glass
- Add a layer of macerated berries over the cream
- Repeat the cream and berry layers until the glasses are filled to the rim
- Finish with a final dollop of vanilla cream on top
- Garnish the parfaits with whole berries and a sprig of fresh mint
- Cover the glasses with plastic wrap
- Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 20 minutes before serving
Nutrition (whole recipe)
Calories
1960 kcal Protein
41 g Fat
129 g Carbs
174 g Fiber
23 g Sugar
104 g
1960 kcal Protein
41 g Fat
129 g Carbs
174 g Fiber
23 g Sugar
104 g
Notes
Chef’s Note: Thaw frozen berries in a colander set over a bowl, then simmer the collected juices with a spoonful of honey until syrupy—this prevents watery layers and gives you a vibrant drizzle for the top. For extra crunch, toast the granola or crushed biscuits with a pinch of cinnamon and sea salt; let cool completely before layering so the parfait stays crisp.
why this recipe
Brimming with jewel-toned berries folded into a cloud of softly whipped vanilla-scented cream, the winter berry parfait with vanilla cream offers a harmonious balance of bright, cold-season fruit and comforting richness that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light. The quick layering showcases vibrant colors that turn an ordinary dessert into a stunning centerpiece, while the interplay of tart currants, sweet blackberries, and silky custard delivers complex flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. Perfect for festive gatherings or a quiet night by the fire, this parfait elevates readily available winter produce into an elegant treat that satisfies cravings for something sweet yet sophisticated.
FAQs
FAQ acf
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen berries in this parfait, and do they need to be thawed before assembling?
Yes—frozen berries work perfectly for this parfait. Thaw them first in a colander set over a bowl, then use the drained berries for layering and simmer the collected juices into a syrup; this prevents icy, watery layers and intensifies the flavor.
How far in advance can I assemble the parfaits without the granola losing its crunch?
For the best texture, assemble the fruit and vanilla-cream layers up to 24 hours in advance, but hold off on adding the granola until you’re within 2–3 hours of serving. If you need to build the parfaits earlier, keep the granola in a separate airtight container and let guests sprinkle it on at the table for guaranteed crunch.
How can I make this parfait dairy-free or vegan?
Replace the heavy cream with well-chilled full-fat coconut cream (or another non-dairy whipping cream) and use unsweetened almond, coconut, or soy yogurt in place of Greek yogurt. Sweeten with maple syrup or agave instead of honey and be sure your granola or biscuit crumbs are labeled dairy-free/vegan.