Easy No Bake Strawberry Crunch Parfaits
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These Strawberry Crunch Parfaits are the perfect easy no bake dessert for spring and summer gatherings. Layers of creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and crunchy strawberry cookie topping come together in individual dessert cups that look impressive but take very little effort.
They’re perfect for parties, holidays, BBQs, baby showers, or anytime you want a quick make-ahead dessert.
One of the best things about these strawberry crunch parfaits is how simple they are to customize. You can use fresh strawberries, strawberry pie filling, whipped topping, pudding, or even yogurt depending on what you have on hand.
Since these Strawberry Parfaits require no baking, they’re also a great time-saving dessert for busy days and warm weather entertaining. And trust me – they are so delicious!
Recipe Highlights
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- Golden Oreos (or vanilla sandwich cookies), crushed
- Strawberry Jello
- Butter
For the Cream Layer:
- Heavy Cream
- Powdered sugar
For the Strawberry Layer:
- Strawberry Cake Mix (and eggs and oil for the mix
Optional:
Fresh Strawberries – optional but cute for presentation
Equipment and Kitchen Tools
What Is Strawberry Crunch Topping?
Strawberry Crunch Topping was inspired by those old school strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. It is a combination of cookies and strawberry flavor for a tasty and crunchy addition to desserts.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Parfaits
Step by Step Instructions overview – full details in recipe card.
Step 1 – Prepare cake mix
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Steps 1,2 – Prepare cake mix to package directions. Bake in a pan and let cool. Meanwhile (3), in a medium bowl combine crushed Oreos, jello and melted butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping
4. Once blended, spared the crunch topping on a baking pan and bake for 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl (5), whip heavy cream until peaks form and add powdered sugar. Set aside. (6) Break up cooled cake.
Step 3: Layer the Parfaits
Start layering in parfait cups – (7) crumbled cake, (8) crunch topping and (9) whipped topping. Repeat layers 2 more times and top with crunch topping.
Cool in the refrigerator to set. Top with a fresh strawberry, if desired. Serve and enjoy
Raquel’s Time Saving Tips ⏰
- Chill before serving for cleaner layers
- Use disposable dessert cups for easy cleanup.
- Crush cookies finely for even texture – use a baggie and a rolling pin or a food processor
- Assemble shortly before serving for maximum crunch
- You cam sub store-bought whipped topping for the heavy cream and powdered sugar.
- Make the crunch topping and the cake ahead of time and store separately.
MONEY SAVING TIP – Make the crunch topping in bulk — it stores in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week and works on ice cream, yogurt, and other desserts.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make strawberry crunch parfaits ahead of time?
You can prepare each of the 3 the ingredients ahead of time, but do not layer them until prior to serving so that they do not get soggy.
Can I freeze strawberry parfaits?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture may become watery after thawing.
What cookies work best for the crunch topping?
Golden Oreos are the most popular option for a classic strawberry crunch flavor.
Variations
- More Strawberry Flavor – Add 1/2 cup of crushed freeze-dried strawberries to the topping
- Chocolate Strawberry – Add chocolate chips to the parfaits
- Patriotic Berry Parfaits – Add fresh blueberries to the parfaits
- Tropical Strawberry Coconut – Add some toasted coconut to the topping
More Strawberry Crunch Desserts
Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake
Strawberry Crunch Cookies
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
Strawberry Crunch Parfaits
Ingredients
Strawberry Cake:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- Ingredients listed on box typically eggs, oil, and water
Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 15 Golden Oreo cookies crushed
- 2 ounces strawberry gelatin mix about ½ standard packet
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Whipped Cream:Topping
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the strawberry cake according to the box instructions and bake in a 9×13 pan . Let cool.
- Allow the cake to cool completely, then crumble it into chunks using your hands or a fork.
- In a bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreo cookies with the strawberry gelatin mix and melted butter, then mix until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer and bake for 8–10 minutes until slightly crisp and fragrant.
- Remove the crunch topping from the oven and allow it to cool completely, where it will continue to crisp up as it sets.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form and the whipped cream holds its shape.
- Spoon a layer of strawberry cake crumbles into the bottom of each dessert cup.
- Add a layer of whipped cream over the cake, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle a layer of the cooled strawberry crunch topping over the whipped cream.
- Repeat the layers with more cake, whipped cream, and crunch topping until the cups are filled.
- Finish with extra strawberry crunch topping on top.
- Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set slightly.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add the cookie topping just before serving.
- Make these parfaits up to 24 hours ahead for easy entertaining.
- Use mini cups for parties and dessert tables.
- Add blueberries for a patriotic red, white, and blue dessert.
- Try chocolate sandwich cookies for a chocolate strawberry twist.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
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