Description
A festive and creamy Christmas Trifle Parfait Shot featuring layers of fresh mixed berries, light mascarpone cream, and crumbled sponge cake, topped with crushed peppermint candies and fresh mint. Perfect for holiday gatherings as an elegant, handheld dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 pound blueberries
- 1 pound raspberries
Cream Mixture
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Base and Garnish
- 1 cup sponge cake or ladyfingers, crumbled
- 1/4 cup peppermint candies, crushed (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Whip Cream: In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This ensures a light and fluffy texture for the mascarpone cream base.
- Mix Mascarpone Cream: In another bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Gently fold the whipped cream into this mixture until well combined, creating a smooth and creamy layer.
- Layer Sponge Cake: Start by placing a layer of crumbled sponge cake or ladyfingers at the bottom of small glasses or parfait cups. This provides a soft base that absorbs some moisture from the fruit and cream.
- Add Berries: Layer mixed strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries evenly on top of the sponge cake, adding freshness and vibrant color.
- Top with Cream: Spoon a layer of the mascarpone cream mixture over the berries to add richness and balance the tartness of the fruit.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering sponge cake, berries, and mascarpone cream until the glasses are filled, finishing with a final layer of the mascarpone cream on top for a polished look.
- Add Peppermint Garnish: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top for a festive holiday touch if desired, adding a hint of minty sweetness and crunch.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the parfait shots for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the dessert set. Garnish with fresh mint leaves just before serving to add color and aroma.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor and texture.
- Allow the parfaits to chill well so the layers meld together nicely.
- Peppermint candies are optional and can be omitted for a less sweet garnish.
- Substitute sponge cake with ladyfingers or store-bought pound cake if preferred.
- To make this dessert ahead, assemble and refrigerate up to 4 hours before serving for optimal freshness.
