My neighbor tried a small piece and quickly came over to ask how to make it.

Strawberry Shortcake Parfait is a delightful twist on the classic strawberry shortcake, a dessert that has graced many a Midwestern table during the warm summer months. This version, served in a glass dish, allows the vibrant layers of strawberries, cream, and shortcake to shine through, creating a visual treat as well as a delicious one. It's a perfect dessert for family gatherings, evoking memories of summer picnics and the sweet, juicy strawberries picked fresh from the garden. Making this parfait is a wonderful way to celebrate the bounty of the season and share a piece of nostalgia with loved ones.

This Strawberry Shortcake Parfait pairs beautifully with a light, refreshing iced tea or lemonade, making it a perfect ending to a summer meal. For a more indulgent pairing, consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The parfait's sweet and tangy flavors also complement a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, balancing the richness of the dessert.

Servings: 6

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 store-bought pound cake or shortcake biscuits, cut into cubes

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to macerate.

In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.

In a glass baking dish, layer half of the pound cake cubes, followed by half of the macerated strawberries, and then half of the whipped cream.

Repeat the layers with the remaining pound cake cubes, strawberries, and whipped cream.

Refrigerate the parfait for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve chilled, and enjoy the delightful layers of flavor and texture.

For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a whipped topping. If you prefer a more tart flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the strawberries while they macerate. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the whipped cream. You can also experiment with different fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, for a mixed berry parfait.