Strawberry Brownie Parfaits (2024)

5 from 50 votes

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

US Customary - Metric

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!

I used my Best Brownies in the World for this. You could use your own recipe, or even use store bought. No judging here.

Alternate recipe options if you don't have simple syrup:

You can also macerate the berries with orange juice and sugar.

Or you can macerate berries quite well with just sugar. If you leave them in sugar they soften naturally.

You could not bother macerating the berries at all and just toss them in fresh.

This recipe can be made in so many ways. If you can use any kind of berries, any kind of brownie or cake, or any kind of whipped cream. Parfaits are awesome because they are so easy to adapt to your own taste.

FYI, I made huge ones for the photos but this actually serves 8 people. You can layer them in smaller glasses or only fill them halfway. If you want to go nuts like we did and make it for 4 you can. Just double the calories.