Strawberry Parfait [With Ricotta]

Made with simple ingredients, this crowd-pleasing Strawberry Parfait is the perfect no-bake dessert for your dinner parties. Ricotta, yogurt & honey are whipped together to create creamy, luscious layers that are visually stunning when combined with macerated strawberries. Such a refreshing dessert!

It’s finally strawberry season!

Is there anything better than biting into a freshly picked, farm-fresh strawberry?

The fragrance and flavors are truly irresistible.  

I don’t know about you, but I can’t help myself.

Confession time… I get a little carried away whenever I go strawberry picking. I anxiously return home with baskets and baskets of strawberries to start my yearly ritual of making a few batches of this recipe for strawberry jam. These little jars make perfect hostess gifts.

I also love to use this fresh fruit to make these banana strawberry muffins and this buttermilk cake when I don’t have access to rhubarb. 

When it comes to strawberries, this recipe for macerated strawberries is another one of my favorites. I have already shared with you how delicious it is when served with this Italian cake.

Strawberries and other small fruits like blueberries and raspberries also make a great dessert when they are baked together in free-form pie such as this crostata. 

There truly are so many wonderful desserts you can make with strawberries!

Today, I am layering the macerated strawberries with whipped ricotta. The creamy texture of this cheese is achieved without the addition of whipped cream or cream cheese.

Let me show you how easy this recipe comes together.

How to whip ricotta cheese

As you can well imagine, one of the key ingredients in this recipe is cheese.

Combine it with a few tablespoons of honey and yogurt, and process the mixture until smooth and creamy.

There are different ways you can do this to achieve a creamy, aerated texture. You can use a handheld mixer, a handheld immersion blender or even a food processor.

Using a handheld immersion blender is ideal for small batches; a food processor is great for larger quantities (recipe can easily be doubled). Once you obtain a smooth and creamy texture, transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Once you have combined the sliced strawberries with the honey, lemon zest and mint, leave the strawberries at room temperature for the flavors to meld together.

It’s now time to assemble and create this easy summer berry treat!

How to assemble this recipe

Start by placing a couple of tablespoons at the bottom of each glass, spoon a few tablespoons of strawberries on top, don’t forget the syrup that had formed from the maceration!

Finally, top with another tablespoon or so of the creamy topping.

Depending on the size of your glass and the number of portions you need to make, you can increase the number of layers. I will get anywhere from 4-6 portions depending on the size of the glasses. If desired, garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon zest.

I love fruity desserts, especially in the summer where fresh local fruit is easily available. This recipe will provide you with a texture that is so creamy that you won’t miss the extra calories and saturated fat provided by similar recipes that use cream cheese, whipped cream or even mascarpone.

What to use as a garnish

As you can see, this ricotta and fruit dessert was simply garnished with lemon zest and mint leaves. You can create a fancier dessert by garnishing with chopped nuts like pistachios, almonds or hazelnuts. An amaretti or pizzelle cookie is another great topping. 

Other uses of whipped ricotta

Whipped ricotta is equally delicious in savory appetizers. I use pistachio nuts, pomegranates, and pea shoots sprinkled to top this wonderful creamy spread in this crostini recipe, all on a whole wheat baguette. This is one of my go-to appetizers when pomegranates are in season.

Recipe inspiration

I have always enjoyed eating fresh fruit with ricotta.

Thanks to Pinterest, I began noticing so many recipes that used whipped ricotta.

I was hooked from the moment I tried it.

Notice I did add a couple of tablespoons of creamy vanilla yogurt. Just in case you are wondering,  I used IOGO yogurt (not sponsored). As far as the ricotta is concerned, I will often make a homemade version. But when I am pressed for time (often in the summer), I like to use the TreStelle Brand (not sponsored).

Summer entertaining has just become a lot easier with this wonderful dessert. It is quick to make and a delicious finish to any meal.

If you are looking for more ricotta inspiration, feel free to look at some of my favorite Ricotta Cheese Recipes.

Enjoy!

THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She loves biscotti community where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.

Ciao for now,

Maria 

★★★★★ If you have made this refreshing dessert, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

Easy Summer Berry Honey Whipped Ricotta Parfait

This Easy Summer Berry Honey Whipped Ricotta Parfait recipe will quickly become a household favorite. It's a no-fuss, no-bake, light, and refreshing dessert.

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Canadian Italian

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 148kcal

Author: Maria Vannelli RD

Ingredients

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2-3 tablespoons creamy vanilla yogurt
• 1 recipe for Simple Macerated Strawberries
• mint leaves and lemon zest optional

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

• Combine ricotta, honey, yogurt and process until smooth and creamy (can use hand-held beater, hand blender or food processor).
• Transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• While waiting, make the recipe for simple macerated strawberries.

The assembly:

• Divide ricotta and macerated strawberries among glasses (or serving dishes). Start by placing a couple of tablespoons at the bottom of each glass, spoon a few tablespoons of strawberries on top, and finally top with another tablespoon of ricotta.
• If desired, garnish with mint leaves and lemon zest.

Scroll UP for the STEP by STEP PhotosDon't miss the process shots and videos included in most posts. Simply scroll up the post to find them. Those were created especially for you so that you can make the recipe perfectly every single time you try it.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 86mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 275IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 144mg | Iron: 0.2mg

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