Berry Meringue Parfait: The Ultimate Easy Dessert Recipe

This Berry Meringue Parfait recipe is incredibly quick and easy to put together. It looks absolutely gorgeous when presented at a party, and it tastes incredibly fresh, sweet, and sinfully delicious. Get ready to impress your guests (or yourself!) with this effortless treat.

Dessert is pure bliss, wouldn’t you agree? I absolutely adore dessert, and I’m one of those people who simply can’t go a day without indulging in something sweet. If you’re one of the disciplined souls who can, I applaud you – your thighs are probably thanking you! But for me, a sweet treat is a daily necessity.

Sometimes, the very best desserts are the simplest ones, often thrown together at the last minute, fueled by a craving and a rumbling stomach. No precise measuring, no agonizing over details, no baking required, no tempering chocolate, and no waiting for layers to cool or freeze.

That’s exactly what this Berry Meringue Parfait recipe is all about. I spontaneously created it one evening while hosting my monthly Bunco group. It took me less than 10 minutes to whip up six parfaits, my friends! And most importantly, it was – and still is – insanely, addictively, and somewhat healthily DELICIOUS.

This dessert was such a hit that my son constantly asks me to make it at home. We’ve made it several times now, each time experimenting with different amounts of whipped cream and meringue. We’ve also tried various flavors of berry purees and different types of fresh fruit. That’s one of the best things about this recipe: you can customize it to your heart’s content! Use as much or as little whipped cream and meringue cookies as you like, and choose your preferred jam or fresh fruit.

Berry Meringue Parfait Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe provides enough ingredients to fill six parfait glasses. Adjust the quantities based on your serving needs.

What You’ll Need:

• Vanilla and/or chocolate meringue cookies (pre-packaged or homemade), crushed into small pieces
• Your favorite jam, jelly, or pourable fruit puree. Raspberry is a great choice!
• Fresh whipped cream (homemade is best, but store-bought works too)
• Fresh berries of your choice (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries – mix and match!)

Start by creating a base layer of crushed meringue cookies in each parfait glass. I usually find mine at Whole Foods Market. You can use vanilla meringue cookies, chocolate meringue cookies, or a combination of both for added flavor and visual appeal. If you’re feeling ambitious and have some extra time, you can even make your own meringue cookies from scratch. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and I’ll be sure to share a recipe for those soon!

Next, add a few squirts or teaspoons of your chosen berry jam, jelly, or fruit puree on top of the meringue cookie layer. The amount you use will depend on your personal preference and the sweetness of the product.

Now, it’s time for a layer of fresh whipped cream! You can use the convenient aerosol can of whipped cream or even Cool Whip topping if you prefer a quicker option. However, I highly recommend using fresh whipped cream for the best flavor and texture. The richness of the fresh cream perfectly complements the sweetness of the berries and the crunch of the meringue.

Follow the whipped cream with a generous layer of fresh berries. I typically use a combination of raspberries and blueberries, but you can also incorporate blackberries, strawberries, or any other berries that you enjoy. Feel free to get creative with your berry selection and create a colorful and visually appealing parfait.

To continue building the parfait, top the berry layer with another thin layer of crushed meringue cookies. This will provide a delightful crunch and add another layer of texture to the dessert.

Then, add more jam, jelly, or pourable fruit over the second layer of meringue cookies. This will ensure that each bite is bursting with berry flavor.

Now, for the grand finale of the layering process, top the second layer of meringue cookies with even more fresh whipped cream. Because, let’s be honest, you can never truly have enough whipped cream!

Finally, finish off the parfait with a generous topping of fresh fruit and a sprinkle of crushed meringue cookies for added visual appeal and a final burst of flavor and texture.

This Berry Meringue Parfait recipe is slightly healthier than your typical parfait because we’re using meringue cookies, which are essentially air-whipped, low-calorie treats that add a delightful crunch to the dish. Meringue cookies are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without feeling too guilty.

I sincerely hope you love this dessert recipe as much as my kids and I do! It’s a crowd-pleaser, a quick and easy solution for sweet cravings, and a delightful way to showcase the vibrant flavors of fresh berries. Bon appétit, fellow dessert lovers! Enjoy your Berry Meringue Parfait!

Berry Meringue Parfait Recipe

Berry Meringue Parfait Recipe

By
Marlynn Schotland

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

20 mins

Servings:
6

Print

Using fresh berries, this berry meringue parfait is a delicious, easy way to celebrate with friends and family.

Ingredients 

• 
  
  5
  oz
  Vanilla or Chocolate Meringue Cookies (1 package),
  crushed into small pieces

• 
  
  2
  cups
  fresh whipped cream,
  or you can use the pre-made whipped cream in a can

• 
  
  1
  cup
  fresh or prepackaged jam,
  jelly, or pourable fruit such as Berrst Pourable Fruit

• 
  
  2
  cups
  fresh fruit of your choice. I suggest blueberries,
  raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries

Instructions 

• Prepare six parfait cups or six bowls.
• In each parfait cup or bowl, add a layer of crushed meringue cookies. Be sure to have the cookies cover the entire bottom of the container.
• Cover the meringue layer fully with your choice of jam, jelly, or fruit.
• Add a layer of fresh or canned whipped cream.
• Top the whipped cream with a layer of your choice of berries.
• Top berries with another thin layer of crushed meringue cookies.
• Add more jam, jelly, or pourable fruit over the layer of meringue cookies.
• Top the cookies with a layer of whipped cream, covering the surface completely.
• Sprinkle some crushed meringue cookies and top with fresh fruit.