No-Bake Strawberry Mascarpone Parfaits with Granola
Light layers of sweetened mascarpone cream alternate with fresh strawberries and crunchy granola for a refreshing no-bake dessert. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups, hulled and sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 cup granola
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, beat 8 oz mascarpone cheese with 1/3 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 2: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined.
- Step 3: To assemble, spoon 2 tbsp mascarpone cream into the bottom of 6 serving glasses. Top with 2 tbsp sliced fresh strawberries, then 2 tbsp granola.
- Step 4: Repeat layering once more with 2 tbsp mascarpone cream, 2 tbsp strawberries, and 2 tbsp granola. Finish with a few strawberry slices on top.
- Step 5: Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Strawberry Mascarpone Parfaits with Granola take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover No-Bake Strawberry Mascarpone Parfaits with Granola?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Strawberry Mascarpone Parfaits with Granola?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale No-Bake Strawberry Mascarpone Parfaits with Granola for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with No-Bake Strawberry Mascarpone Parfaits with Granola?
Italian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
