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A Dessert Parfait is a creamy combination of a delicious fluffy pudding and fresh fruit. They are simply heavenly!

This Dessert Parfait is layered to make a delicious cool dessert! For more summer musts, try more fruity treats like Blueberry Galette or Fruit Pizza.

A dessert parfait layered in a glass and topped with a fresh strawberry.

fresh and delicious

In the summertime, I’m especially grateful for fruit and seem to crave it every day!! I also start to incorporate fruit more into my recipes.

Today’s treat is so fruity and delicious that I think it will knock your socks off.

A parfait is a layered treat. The creamy layer can be Ice Cream, yogurt, or pudding, while other layers consist of fruit. They often have layers of nuts, Granola, and syrup.

Yogurt Parfaits are often served as a healthy breakfast or snack, while pudding or ice cream parfaits are served as a dessert.

In fact, we typically make this dessert parfait as a sweet treat after dinner. The cream mixture comes from one of my favorite desserts: Dirt Cake.

It is perfectly combined with the fruit in this easy pineapple parfait dessert, making it a whole new treat and a NEW favorite!!

The cream mixture for dessert parfait whipped in a glass bowl.

Layer and enjoy!

This strawberry pineapple cream cheese dessert is so easy to make and whips up in minutes! The hardest part is waiting to let it chill.

CREAM MIXTURE. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and fold in Whipped Topping. Set aside.

In a separate bowl mix pudding, milk, and vanilla. Fold this mixture in with the cream cheese mixture.

LAYER & CHILL. Layer fruit and creamy pudding mixture in cups and top with a whole strawberry. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Recipe tips

Fruit. These Pudding Parfaits can be easily changed up with your favorite fruits and whatever is in season. Some other delicious fruits include peaches, raspberries, bananas, cherries, kiwis, and apricots.

Additions. Aside from changing up the fruits, add other delicious ingredients like granola, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, mini chocolate chips or mini M&Ms, or toffee bits.

Pudding. Be sure to use INSTANT pudding, not cook-n-serve.

Soften cream cheese. Cut the cream cheese into slices and let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.

Strawberry and blackberry parfait in a glass

Storing Info

Make ahead of time. Making this ahead of time gets a little tricky because of how the different fruits react after being cut.

Some will brown quickly. Others will start dripping juices. Use your judgment with the chosen fruits, but generally speaking, making these the night before should be ok. 

  • Use Fruit-Fresh powder. It will help keep your fruits from browning allowing you to assemble these ahead of time and still keep them looking fresh.
  • Cover each parfait cup with plastic wrap and fasten it with a rubber band. Store in the fridge.

STORE leftover Strawberry Pineapple Parfait covered in the fridge. The fruits will begin to become soggy or brown, but it will still be ok to eat for 2-3 more days.

A dessert parfait layered and served in a glass and topped with a fresh strawberry.

Recipe FAQ

How do you soften cream cheese quickly?

Speed up the process by microwaving it for 8-10 seconds. Flip the block to another side and microwave for 8-10 seconds. Be careful to not melt the cream cheese.

Can these be made ahead of time?

Because the fruits can start to brown and get mushy, I don’t recommend making these any earlier than the night before.

For more Layered Desserts, try:

5 from 18 votes

Dessert Parfait Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
A Dessert Parfait is a creamy combination of a delicious fluffy pudding and fresh fruit. They are simply heavenly!
Servings: 4 people
Prep: 10 minutes
Refrigerate: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients 

  • Strawberries hulled and halved
  • pineapple cut up
  • blackberries
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 small container cool whip
  • 1 box INSTANT white chocolate pudding or vanilla pudding
  • 1 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions 

  • In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter (or margarine) until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and fold in whipped topping. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl mix pudding, milk, and vanilla. Fold this mixture in with the cream cheese mixture.
  • Layer fruit and creamy pudding mixture in cups and top with a whole strawberry.
  • Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 4g, Calories: 645kcal, Carbohydrates: 84g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 32g, Saturated Fat: 16g, Cholesterol: 41mg, Sodium: 460mg, Potassium: 619mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 71g, Vitamin A: 1265IU, Vitamin C: 136mg, Calcium: 226mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
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About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Recipe Rating




13 Comments

  1. can you make the Cool Whip/cream cheese topping the night before and then add it to the fruit the next day?

  2. 5 stars
    This is my family’s new favorite dessert! It is so yummy we all enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing another awesome recipe.

  3. 5 stars
    These paradise parfaits are AMAZING! so easy to make and loaded with sweet flavors. A great summer holiday dessert.

  4. 5 stars
    We love these parfaits!! We make them all summer! We crave fruit & of course, it’s even better with the filling!

    1. I am sure you could, though I am not sure if the fruit would get soggy or anything like that. I personally haven’t made them that far in advance. I think it should be ok.

  5. 5 stars
    Love how delicious these look, so fresh and the cream cheese cream yum!!