Chocolate Strawberry Fluff Parfait

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Fluff Parfait
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 cup whipped cream; Chocolate shavings for garnish; Fresh strawberries for garnish

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats

When I first made this Chocolate Strawberry Fluff Parfait, I was captivated by how simple it was to create such an elegant dessert. Each layer brings an explosion of flavor, with the richness of chocolate perfectly complementing the freshness of strawberries. The light, airy texture makes it a perfect treat for warm days or festive occasions. In just 30 minutes, I can whip up something that feels indulgent, yet is refreshingly light. I can't wait for you to try this delectable parfait that steals the show at any gathering!

Created by

Lara

Last updated on 2026-01-08T15:10:33.600Z

When I first attempted making the Chocolate Strawberry Fluff Parfait, I was amazed by how easily it came together. I experimented with different ratios of chocolate mousse to fresh strawberries to get the perfect balance, and I think I finally found it! The secret layer is whipped cream—lightening up the mousse while adding that divine creaminess.

Every bite melds the rich chocolate and tart strawberries, creating a heavenly experience. I suggest chilling the glasses beforehand for that extra touch of elegance. This dessert always leaves everyone craving more, and it's quick enough to make on a whim!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberries
Light, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Visually stunning for special occasions or casual gatherings

      

Perfecting the Chocolate Mousse

Achieving the ideal chocolate mousse is all about the balance between the ingredients and the whipping technique. When melting the semi-sweet chocolate, do so over low heat to avoid scorching. If using a microwave, melt in short intervals of about 15 seconds, stirring in between, until the chocolate is glossy and smooth. This ensures a luscious base for your mousse that will blend beautifully with the whipped cream.

The key to a light and airy mousse lies in the whipping of the heavy cream. Start at medium speed and gradually increase to high as soft peaks form, which takes about 3-5 minutes. It's crucial not to overwhip the cream, as this can lead to a grainy texture. Perfectly whipped cream should hold its shape but still feel velvety, providing a delightful mouthfeel against the rich chocolate.

Layering Techniques for a Stunning Parfait

When it comes to assembling your Chocolate Strawberry Fluff Parfait, use clear serving glasses to showcase the beautiful layers. A parfait spoon or a piping bag can help create visually appealing layers; simply pipe the mousse into the bottom of the glass followed by the whipped cream and strawberries. Make sure to leave some space at the top for the finishing touches like whipping cream and chocolate shavings.

For added variety, consider alternating the order of the layers. Starting with strawberries, followed by mousse and whipped cream, creates a different flavor experience, heightening the freshness before indulging in the chocolate. Don't be afraid to play with the proportions. Adjusting the amounts of strawberries or mousse can make the parfait even more tailored to your tastes.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious parfait.

For the Chocolate Mousse:

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer:

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Assembly:

1 cup whipped cream
Chocolate shavings for garnish
Fresh strawberries for garnish

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best taste.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Chocolate Strawberry Fluff Parfait.

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Stir gently and let them macerate for about 10 minutes.

Make the Chocolate Mousse

Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave or over a double boiler. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.

Fold in the melted chocolate gently.

Assemble the Parfait

In serving glasses, layer the chocolate mousse, whipped cream, and macerated strawberries. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled, finishing with whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top.

Serve immediately, or chill briefly to enhance the flavors.

Pro Tips

For an added crunch, consider layering in crushed graham crackers or nuts for texture.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

If you're looking to make this dessert a bit healthier, you can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate that has a higher cocoa percentage. This will provide a richer flavor while reducing sugar content. Additionally, if you prefer a dairy-free version, opt for coconut cream in place of heavy cream, and use dairy-free chocolate chips for the mousse.

Try adding layers of different berries like raspberries or blueberries, which can provide a delightful burst of tartness that complements the chocolate. You can also experiment with flavored whipped cream by mixing in a teaspoon of almond or mint extract, which can add an interesting twist to the traditional flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best aspects of this parfait is its flexibility in preparation. You can make the chocolate mousse and macerate the strawberries a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. This means when you're ready to assemble the parfait, all you need is around 10 minutes of layering, which is perfect for unexpected guests or a last-minute dessert craving.

While I recommend enjoying the parfait fresh for the best texture, you can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember that the mousse may lose some of its lightness over time, so it's best enjoyed sooner rather than later. If you've used larger serving glasses, consider portioning out the parfait into smaller containers for easier serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them and drain excess liquid before using.

→ How long can I store the parfait?

It's best enjoyed fresh. However, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I make the mousse ahead of time?

Absolutely! The mousse can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated until you are ready to assemble.

→ Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes! You can use coconut cream for the mousse and dairy-free whipped topping for the layers.