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“Parfait” means “perfect” in French. To me, a parfait is the perfect dessert! Our strawberry cheesecake mousse parfait is no exception. The delicious light layers of strawberry cheesecake mousse alternating with whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs and strawberries have elements of magic.

Parfait, the perfect dessert

The first recipe I ever wrote on a recipe card was “pudding parfait” when I was ten years old. As a teen I loved to order the “Matinee Idol” (layered ice cream parfait) at Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour. The pretty layer’s shining though a glass dish are lovely! Whipped cream and neatly laid portions of cookie crumbs and ice cream, fruit or pudding are so enticing!

The layers

This strawberry cheesecake mousse parfait offers that same sweet magic. It’s like your own personal trifle for dessert. I love putting it in small mason jars for a more rustic look. Dessert jars make a great addition to a shower or other celebration. If you’re looking for elegance, try a wine glass.

It’s fun to add the layers one by one and watch the magic take form right before your eyes! And . . . voila — le parfait!

Want sugar-free?

You can make this dessert low sugar and low fat by substituting sugar-free Jello and low fat vanilla yogurt instead of whipping cream. Low fat (not fat free) cream cheese also works and try leaving out the sugar and butter in the graham cracker crumbs. Either way you make it, you’ll have dessert magic!

Enjoy!

Dianna

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Yield: 8 (8-ounce) servings

Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse Parfait

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A parfait with layers of strawberry cheesecake mousse, whipping cream, graham cracker crumbs and fresh strawberries

Prep Time 30 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

For Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse

• 1 pound fresh (or frozen) strawberries (about 2 cups)
• 1 package (3 ounce) Jell-O strawberry flavor gelatin
• 2/3 cup boiling water
• 1 cup ice cubes
• ½ cup cold water
• 8 ounce carton whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounce packages cream cheese

For graham cracker crumb layer

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

1. Rinse strawberries and chop into small pieces. Set aside.

For Gelatin:

1. In a small saucepan, boil 2/3 cup water.
2. Add gelatin mix and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat.
3. Add ice cubes and stir until melted and gelatin is slightly thickened.

For Whipped Cream:

1. Whip cream until it begins to thicken.
2. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla and whip until soft peaks form.
3. Divide in half and refrigerate. (If you'd like to stabilize the cream you pipe on top, see section "Tips and Tricks"

For Cream Cheese:

1. Whip cream cheese with electric mixer until softened.
2. Whip in thickened gelatin mixture and 1 cup chopped strawberries. (Save remaining strawberries for garnish.)
3. Gently fold in HALF of whipped cream (reserve half for garnish at end.)

For graham cracker crumbs:

1. Gently toss together crumbs, melted butter and sugar.
2. Stir until combined.

To assemble parfaits-- In 8 oz. mason jars or parfait glasses add:

2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs (pat down)

¼ cup strawberry cheesecake mixture

1-2 tablespoons whipped cream

2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs

¼ cup strawberry cheesecake mixture

2 tablespoons whipped cream (swirled on top)

1 tablespoon chopped strawberries

Refrigerate 1-2 hours to set.

Note: This makes 8 (8-ounce) servings.

For a smaller dessert, use 4-ounce jars and cut the recipe in half. Add:

1 Tablespoon graham cracker crumbs (pat down)

2 Tablespoon strawberry cheesecake mixture

1 Tablespoon whipped cream

1 Tablespoon graham cracker crumbs

2 Tablespoons strawberry cheesecake mixture

1 Tablespoons whipped cream (swirled on top)

2 teaspoons chopped strawberries

Refrigerate 1-2 hours to set.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 371Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 243mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 5g

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originally published September 14, 2018