I wanted to create a quick and easy dessert for Valentine’s Day, so I crushed some chocolate graham crackers, made some strawberry mousse and layered it all in pretty glasses with fresh strawberries and a mint leaf. It only takes about 20 minutes to make these fun Valentine treats. Strawberry Chocolate Crush Parfaits will make someone you love very happy!
How to make strawberry mousse?
This sweet treat requires you to make a super easy strawberry mousse. Simply puree your fresh strawberries in the blender with sugar. I used my Ninja to do this, it was quick and clean up was even easier. Fold half of the strawberry puree into whipped cream and mix gently. This is the mousse you will use to layer in glasses with crushed chocolate graham crackers or cookies and fresh strawberries to make your parfaits.
How to clean and cut the strawberries?
You will also want to prepare your strawberries before putting together your parfaits. Wash the berries and remove the green tops. Using a sharp knife, cut the strawberries in slices. Then cut a ‘V’ at the top of each strawberry slice, shaping them into hearts. You will place the berries around the outside edge of each glass, making a pretty pattern.
Once you’ve prepared the mousse and cleaned your strawberries, there’s only one thing left to do. Place the chocolate graham crackers into a gallon-size plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. If you want the parfaits even sweeter, use oreos or chocolate sandwich cookies instead of the graham crackers. I like to mix in some crushed pretzels, too. Yummy!
Now that you have all the elements prepared, you can begin layering the crushed chocolate crackers, mousse and fresh berries in each glass. Sometimes I use a wine glass with a stem to be a bit more festive, Sometimes I use smaller tumblers for the kids, and I’ve even used large shot glasses to make shooters or a smaller version if we have multiple desserts. The options are endless. Be creative.
How to make Strawberry Chocolate Crush Parfaits?
Begin by placing a few tablespoons of crushed crackers in the bottom of the glass. Then place the fresh sliced strawberries around the outside edge of the glass. Push the bottom tip of each berry into the crushed crackers to help hold them in place.
Carefully spoon your mousse into the glass on top of the crushed crackers. Try to spread the mousse evenly. Placing the mousse in a piping bag makes it easy to squeeze an even layer in the glass. Spoon in some of the strawberry puree for the next layer or use more crushed crackers. I did a few of each. Finish each parfait with another layer of mousse and some more crushed crackers or mini chocolate chips sprinkled on top with a mint leaf for garnish.
This is a great dessert to make with your ‘tiny’ Valentine, whether that’s a child or grandchild. They will have fun layering all the goodies into a kid-friendly glass.
Give this recipe a try and have a SWEET Valentine’s Day! Check out the printable recipe with ingredient amounts and complete instructions below.
Strawberry Chocolate Crush Parfait
Equipment
- 4 8 ounce small parfait glasses
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, divided 2 cups for puree, 1 cup for slicing
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 8 ounce frozen whipped topping thawed
- 2 cups chocolate graham crackers, crushed or chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips for garnish
- mint leaves for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Place two cups of cleaned and capped strawberries in the blender with sugar. Puree until all is blended. Reserve half of the puree for layering in between layers of mousse.
- Place the whipped cream in a large bowl. Add half of the strawberry puree to the whipped cream and fold gently until combined. Set aside.
- Clean the rest of the strawberries, slice them, and cut a 'V' at the top of each berry to shape them like hearts.
- Place the chocolate graham crackers (or cookies) in a gallon-size plastic bag and crush them carefully with a rolling pin.
- Begin assembling the parfaits by placing a few tablespoons of crushed chocolate crackers in the bottom of each glass.
- Add the fresh sliced berries around the edge of the glass. Add a layer of mousse to the top of the crushed chocolate crackers.
- Add a few tablespoons of strawberry puree and another later of strawberry mousse. Top with more crushed chocolate crumbs, mini chocolate chips, and mint leaves, if desired.
