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Zesty Citrus Layered Cream Dessert — Creamy Citrus Parfait Delight
Dolce Flav
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Citrus Flavor
Author:
Dolce Flav
Servings
6
Prep Time
145 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
This Zesty Citrus Layered Cream Dessert blends tangy lemon, orange, and grapefruit into a luxuriously smooth parfait. Layers of citrus-infused cream alternate with crunchy cookie crumbs and fresh citrus segments for an inviting tropical flavor and texture contrast. No baking required—simply whisk, layer, chill, and serve. It's an easy, elegant dessert that dazzles with bright citrus taste, making it perfect for warm-weather entertaining or a refreshing finale to any meal.
Ingredients
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup mascarpone or cream cheese
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½ cup granulated sugar
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon, 1 orange, and ½ grapefruit
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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6 oz (170 g) digestive biscuits or graham crackers, crushed
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6 tablespoons melted butter
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Citrus segments
Directions
Prep creamy citrus base – In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, mascarpone (or cream cheese), sugar, citrus zests, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
Inject fresh juice flavor – Gradually stir in the citrus juices until the mixture is velvety and infused with bright flavor—avoid overmixing to preserve airiness.
Assemble crumb layer – Mix crushed biscuits with melted butter until evenly coated; set aside.
Layer in serving glasses – Start with a layer of cookie crumb mixture, followed by a dollop of the creamy citrus mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with cream on top.
Chill for set – Refrigerate the layered desserts for at least 2 hours to allow the cream to set and flavors to meld.
Garnish and serve – Before serving, top with fresh citrus segments arranged attractively on each parfait to elevate both flavor and presentation.
Storage tip – Keep chilled in an airtight container for up to 2 days for maximum freshness.
Recipe Note
10 FAQ – Zesty Citrus Layered Cream Dessert
Can I substitute mascarpone with yogurt?
Yes—use Greek yogurt for a lighter version; texture and tang will shift slightly.
Can this dessert be made in advance?
Absolutely—assemble and chill up to 1 day ahead for convenient serving.
What if I want less sweetness?
Reduce sugar to taste or swap granulated sugar for honey or agave.
Can I use store-bought cookie crumbs?
Definitely—pre-made graham cracker or shortbread crumbs work well.
How do I prevent the cream from separating?
Gently whisk ingredients and chill immediately after assembling to maintain smooth consistency.
Can I make a dairy-free version?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives for a rich, vegan-friendly option.
Can I use just one citrus?
Yes—using only lemon or orange intensifies that particular flavor while simplifying prep.
How to add a crunchy surprise?
Add a layer of chopped nuts (e.g., pistachios) between the crumbs and cream for added texture.
Can I pack this for travel?
Use sturdy, sealed jars and keep chilled with ice packs—best consumed within the same day.
Is there a gluten-free alternative?
Replace biscuits with gluten-free cookies or granola to make this dessert GF-friendly.