Strawberry Shortcake Easter Bunny Parfait

Easter is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to indulge in festive and delicious treats. If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that combines the freshness of strawberries with the sweetness of shortcake, look no further than the Strawberry Shortcake Easter Bunny Parfait! This whimsical dessert is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a hit at any Easter gathering.

Ingredients:

For the Shortcake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Compote:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Decorations:

• Miniature chocolate chips or candies for bunny eyes
• Pink sprinkles for bunny cheeks
• Thin licorice or candy belts for bunny whiskers
• Mini marshmallows for bunny tail

Instructions:

Shortcake:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture and cut in with a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the milk and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the milk mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times.
7. Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness and cut out small rounds using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
8. Place the shortcake rounds onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Strawberry Compote:

1. In a saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let cool.

Whipped Cream:

1. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Parfaits:

1. Crumble one or two shortcake rounds into the bottom of each parfait glass or jar.
2. Top with a layer of strawberry compote.
3. Add a layer of whipped cream.
4. Repeat the layers until the glass or jar is almost full, ending with a layer of whipped cream on top.
5. Decorate the top of each parfait to resemble a bunny face: add two miniature chocolate chips or candies for eyes, pink sprinkles for cheeks, thin licorice or candy belts for whiskers, and a mini marshmallow for the bunny tail.
6. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions:

These Strawberry Shortcake Easter Bunny Parfaits are not only delicious but also a fun and festive dessert that everyone will love. Serve them at your Easter brunch or dinner as a delightful sweet treat that captures the spirit of the holiday.

You can also get creative with the decorations and let your imagination run wild. Use different colored sprinkles, candies, or even edible flowers to make each parfait unique.

The Strawberry Shortcake Easter Bunny Parfait is a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake with a festive Easter twist. With layers of crumbly shortcake, sweet strawberry compote, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, its adorable bunny decorations make it a fun and whimsical addition to any Easter celebration. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make this delightful dessert that will have everyone hopping with joy!