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This Strawberry Parfait keeps the spirit of a classic tiramisu but transforms it into something lighter and more refreshing. The coffee soaked sponge fingers with a touch of rum bring that familiar depth you expect from a tiramisu while pairing beautifully with the sweetness of fresh strawberries.
Instead of a heavy custard, this version uses a creamy low fat filling that still tastes rich and dreamy. Each layer feels like a nod to a traditional dessert while keeping things bright, simple, and perfect for anyone who loves a good strawberries and cream parfait.

What Makes This Recipe So Good
People love this Strawberry Parfait because it takes the charm of a classic tiramisu and turns it into something lighter, fresher, and easier to enjoy any day of the week. The coffee soaked sponge fingers with a hint of rum give you that comforting tiramisu depth, and the sweet strawberries add a bright lift that keeps each bite balanced.
It also has the softness and creaminess people crave in a strawberries and cream parfait, but without the heaviness of a traditional dessert. The layers come together with a beautiful mix of flavor and texture, making this strawberries and cream parfait recipe feel both familiar and new at the same time.
What Goes Into Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfait
This parfait keeps things simple, fresh, and clever. Each ingredient adds something truly necessary to bring out that strawberries and cream tiramisu vibe without the heaviness.
- Sponge Fingers: These soak up the coffee and rum mixture beautifully, giving the parfait its tiramisu-like base and just the right amount of structure.
- Whole Strawberries: Fresh, ripe berries add natural sweetness and brightness. They balance the richness of the cream layer and give every bite a juicy lift.
- Cream Cheese or Mascarpone: Using low fat cream cheese or mascarpone keeps the filling creamy and smooth while staying lighter than a traditional custard.
- Strong Coffee: A bold brew ties the dessert to its tiramisu roots. It deepens the flavor of the sponge fingers and adds sophistication without overpowering the strawberries.
Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.
How To Make Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfait
- Prepare the Coffee: Brew the strong coffee and mix in the rum or your chosen alcohol, then let it cool completely so the sponge fingers soak evenly.
- Blend the Cream Layer: Combine half a cup of strawberries with the cream cheese, sugar or sweetener, and vanilla, then pulse in a blender until smooth.
- Soak the Sponge Fingers: Pour the cooled coffee into a shallow bowl and dip each sponge finger half on both sides until coated but not falling apart.
- Create the First Layer: Place two soaked sponge finger halves at the base of each serving glass, then add a layer of sliced strawberries over the top.
- Add Cream and Repeat: Spoon half the cream mixture over the strawberries, then repeat with the remaining ingredients, layering them evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Grate dark chocolate over the top, add a light dusting of cocoa powder, and serve immediately or chill until ready to enjoy.
A Strawberry Parfait pairs effortlessly with other fresh and fruity desserts. Strawberries and Cream Crepes with Orange Liqueur echo the flavors in a more delicate, brunch friendly way, giving you a double dose of berries and cream. For something warm and cozy, Apple Pie French Toast Bake adds a comforting cinnamon apple contrast that makes the parfait feel even lighter and brighter. If you want a cool and refreshing side, Instant Blueberry Frozen Yogurt brings a tart, icy finish that balances the sweetness of the parfait without stealing the spotlight.
Tips For Making Strawberries and Cream Parfait
- Use very ripe strawberries for the best sweetness and color. They blend into a smoother cream and make the layers look beautiful.
- Let the coffee cool completely before soaking the sponge fingers so they hold their shape without getting soggy.
- If the cream layer feels too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Chill the parfaits for at least fifteen minutes before serving. The flavors settle in nicely and the layers firm up just enough.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes. You can assemble the parfaits a few hours in advance. Keep them chilled until serving so the layers stay neat and the cream remains smooth.
You can swap them for vanilla wafers, plain pound cake, or even graham crackers. Just make sure whatever you use can soak up the coffee without falling apart.
They are best eaten within one day. The sponge fingers soften over time, but the flavor stays delicious.

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Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu Parfait
Ingredients
- 7 floz strong coffee/espresso or brew 2-3 teaspoons instant coffee powder/granules with 200ml boiling water
- 1 tablespoon rum, scotch, brandy, Tia Maria or extract optional
- 1 cup whole ripe strawberries sliced, divided
- 8 oz low fat/fat free cream cheese or marscapone
- 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar or natural sweetener
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 8 fingers sponge/lady fingers halved
- 1 square 70% dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare coffee with rum (or alcohol of choice – if using) and set aside to allow to cool.
- Combine 1/2 cup of the strawberries, cream cheese, sweetener/sugar and vanilla in a blender or magic bullet cup and pulse until creamy. Set aside.
- Pour prepared coffee into a shallow bowl and soak sponge finger halves one by one on both sides until coffee has coated the biscuits. Line the base of four serving glasses with 2 halves of sponge fingers.
- Divide half of the remaining strawberry slices between the serving glasses and layer them over the biscuits. Divide and pour half of the strawberry cream cheese mixture over the strawberries, and repeat layer with remaining sponge fingers, strawberries and top with cream cheese mixture.
- Grate with dark chocolate over the top and dust with cocoa powder.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.














What can you replace the Coffee with? Unfortunately I am allergic to coffee so what other liquid could you recommend.
Hi Heather! You could replace it with cocoa powder mixed with hot water (same amounts), or increase it a little to suit your tastes! Yum. Chocolate Tiramisu! If you try it, please let me know how you go ` K 🙂
I love tiramisu and this strawberry version sounds amazing! Pinned! Happy “almost ” New Year Karina!
Thank you girl! And the same to you too! Xxxx
What should I use instead of lady fingers?
Savoiardi biscuits can be used in place of sponge fingers, or angel cake also! Yummmm