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    The Life Jolie » Dessert » Lemon Parfait Cups Dessert

    Lemon Parfait Cups Dessert

    Published: Jul 19, 2022 by Jessy Freimann · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    If you're looking for a quick and easy no-bake dessert, look no further! This Lemon Parfait Dessert will be your new go-to sweet treat!

    This Lemon Parfait Cups Dessert features layers of sweet shortbread cookies, whipped topping, and tangy lemon pie filling. If you're looking for a quick and easy no-bake dessert parfait that's ready in under 30 minutes, look no further!

    A straight-on image of 3 lemon parfait cups with the center one in the front.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love These Parfait Cups
    • Ingredients for parfaits
    • How To Make Lemon Parfait
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Tips for making this Dessert Parfait recipe
    • Other Lemon Desserts to Try...
    • Lemon Parfait Dessert

    Why You'll Love These Parfait Cups

    Sometimes, ya just don't feel like baking (the horror!). But seriously, have you ever had those dinner parties where you're busting your butt to get a killer meal together, and then you remember you have to make a killer dessert to go with the killer meal. Whoops.

    But you guys, I've got you. Parfait cups to the rescue.

    Think about it. Creamy. Lemon-y. With delightfully crispy bits of cookie. And you don't even have to turn on your oven! And really, who doesn't love getting their own, individual-size dessert parfait? With this lemon parfait dessert, you can wow your guests the easy way because they're:

    • Quick & easy
    • Bursting with lemon flavor
    • No-bake parfait recipe
    • Classy party dessert
    • Kid-friendly
    • Crowdpleaser
    Zoomed in layers of the side of a lemon parfait.

    Ingredients for parfaits

    An image of the ingredients for the lemon parfait cups.
    • Shortbread Cookies- You can always make your own shortbread cookies (I like these Shortbread Cookies) but as my gal Ina says- store-bought is fine!
    • Lemon Pie Filling- I find this among the canned fruit pie fillings in the baking aisle in my grocery store.
    • Whipped topping- You can totally whip your own heavy cream if you prefer, but I like to thaw frozen whipped topping for convenience.

    How To Make Lemon Parfait

    Step 1: Add cookies

    Add 5 crumbled cookies to each of the parfait cups.

    Image of hands crumbling cookies into clear glass

    Step 2: Add lemon pie filling

    Then add a layer of lemon pie filling using a spatula to even it out on the sides.

    Image of hands spooning pie filling into clear glass

    Step 3: Add whipped topping and repeat the process to fill the cup

    Add a layer of whipped topping, again using a spatula to even it out on the sides. Repeat this process until you reach the top of the parfaits.

    Image of hands spooning whipped topping into clear glass

    Step 4: Garnish and serve

    Place one whole shortbread cookie atop each cup and serve the dessert parfait right away. Or refrigerate and serve later. Enjoy!

    Image of hands placing a cookie atop a parfait

    Frequently asked questions

    What is a parfait?

    A dessert parfait is a layered recipe in a clear glass. It was originally made with frozen custard but I'm giving it my own twist. Some people also call this dessert a Trifle, but I always think of a Trifle as a layered dessert in a giant bowl.
    These parfaits are layered beautifully and are in individual servings, so they are great for entertaining.

    How healthy is a parfait?

    While a parfait can be healthy, this recipe is not healthy. It's a parfait dessert.

    Is a parfait a breakfast food?


    It can be, particularly if made with yogurt, granola, and fruit. In this case, these are dessert parfaits.

    A close up top angle image of a lemon parfait cup.

    Tips for making this Dessert Parfait recipe

    • Make it pretty! The key to making these look pretty is to carefully place each layer around the outside of the cup and then fill in the middle of the layer.
    • Clear cups are best. You can use any clear cup you have. Just remember, ingredient amounts may vary based on the size of the cups. Mine were rather large stemless wine glasses so I wrote the recipe for four, but you can always do more or less.
    • Crumble the cookies. I like to crumble the cookies into little chunks that are just a bit smaller than bite-size.
    • These are best served within a few hours of making. To prevent soggy cookies, serve these right away. You can absolutely make them ahead, but your cookies will soften up (which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
    • Leftovers and Storage: These will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

    A straight-on image of 3 lemon parfaits.

    Other Lemon Desserts to Try...

    • Great Grandma Hinz's Lemon Pound Cake Recipe
    • Lemon Bars Recipe
    • Raspberry Lemon Icebox Pie
    • Lemon Pistachio Cake

    Be sure to rate this recipe after you've tried it!

    A straight-on image of 3 lemon parfait cups with the center one in the front.

    Lemon Parfait Dessert

    Jessy Freimann
    If you're looking for a quick and easy no-bake dessert, look no further! This Lemon Parfait Dessert will be your new go-to no-bake sweet treat that's ready in under 30 minutes!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 cups
    Calories 255 kcal

    Equipment

    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups
    • Spatula

    Ingredients
      

    • 64 shortbread cookies, crumbled (around 2 large packages)
    • 16 ounces whipped topping
    • 2 15 ounce cans lemon pie filling

    Instructions
     

    • In each cup start with 5 crumbled cookies.
    • Next top with an even layer of ¼ cup lemon pie filling.
    • Add an even layer of ¼ cup whipped topping.
    • Top with a layer of 5 crumbled cookies.
    • Next top with an even layer of ¼ cup lemon pie filling.
    • Add an even layer of ¼ cup whipped topping.
    • Top with a layer of 5 crumbled cookies.
    • Now top with an even layer of ¼ cup lemon pie filling.
    • Top with an even layer of ¼ cup whipped topping.
    • Finish each cup with a whole shortbread cookie. Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving.

    Notes

    • Ingredient amounts may vary based on the size of your glasses.
    • These are best served within a few hours of making. To prevent soggy cookies, serve these right away. You can absolutely make them ahead, but your cookies will soften up (which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
    • Leftovers and Storage: These will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cupCalories: 255kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 83mgPotassium: 115mgSugar: 27gVitamin A: 84IUCalcium: 81mgIron: 0.1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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