Simple Strawberry Mascarpone Parfait with Honey

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Layers of fresh strawberries, lightly sweetened mascarpone cream, and crunchy granola create a refreshing and elegant parfait. This desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers hulled and sliced fresh strawberries, (226g) mascarpone cheese, (120ml) heavy cream 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 280 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Desserts cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 8 oz mascarpone cheese, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Whip with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and slightly fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Gently fold 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries into the mascarpone mixture, reserving some strawberry slices for layering.
  3. Step 3: In 4 serving glasses, spoon 2 tbsp granola evenly into the bottom of each.
  4. Step 4: Add a layer of the mascarpone and strawberry mixture—about 1/4 cup per glass.
  5. Step 5: Top each with 2-3 reserved strawberry slices and another tablespoon of granola.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp honey evenly over each parfait.
  7. Step 7: Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Simple Strawberry Mascarpone Parfait with Honey 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 Simple Strawberry Mascarpone Parfait with Honey?

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 Simple Strawberry Mascarpone Parfait with Honey?

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 Simple Strawberry Mascarpone Parfait with Honey for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Simple Strawberry Mascarpone Parfait with Honey?

Desserts 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.