Creamy Lemon Parfaits

Indulging in a light, refreshing dessert is one of life's simple pleasures, especially when it comes to warm-weather treats. As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, the desire for a dessert that embodies the essence of summer becomes irresistible. Enter the Zesty Lemon Bliss Parfaits—a delightful combination of creamy, zesty, and crunchy textures that are as pleasing to the palate as they are to the eye. These parfaits offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making them an ideal choice for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering, a sophisticated dinner party, or a picnic in the park.

Discover the ultimate summer treat with Zesty Lemon Bliss Parfaits! This refreshing dessert features a perfect blend of creamy lemon layers and crunchy graham cracker crusts that capture the essence of sunny days. Inspired by lemon meringue pie, these parfaits are easy to make and ideal for any occasion—family gatherings, picnics, or dinner parties. Learn how to layer the ingredients beautifully, chill for the best flavor, and impress your guests with this delightful and light dessert!

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Ingredients

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 cup mascarpone cheese

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup crushed graham crackers (about 6-8 sheets)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries) for garnish

Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Make the Cream Layer: In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whip on medium speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip; you want a smooth and creamy texture.

Prepare the Crust: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated. This will be the base for your parfaits.

Layer the Parfaits: In serving glasses or bowls, begin by adding a layer of the graham cracker mixture, pressing it gently into the bottom. Next, spoon in a generous layer of the creamy lemon mixture on top of the crust. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled, finishing with a layer of the lemon cream on top.

Chill: Cover the parfaits with plastic wrap and let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the cream to firm up slightly.

Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, top the parfaits with fresh berries and a sprig of mint for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy the creamy, zesty layers of this delightful dessert!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes | Servings: 4