Description

A quick, no-bake layered dessert featuring fresh mixed berries, creamy mascarpone, and crunchy cookie crumbs. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, brunch, or any time you want an easy, impressive treat.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries; fresh preferred, frozen okay if thawed and drained)
1 cup mascarpone cheese (full-fat recommended)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus 1 teaspoon for berries)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest from 1 lemon
1/2 cup shortbread cookies or graham crackers, crushed (about 6 cookies or 4 graham crackers)
Optional: honey for drizzling, mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

Wash, dry, and hull berries as needed. Slice strawberries into bite-sized pieces.
Toss berries in a bowl with 1 teaspoon powdered sugar and lemon zest. Let sit while preparing the filling.
In a large mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk for 2-3 minutes until thick, creamy, and holding soft peaks.
Crush shortbread cookies or graham crackers into chunky crumbs.
Layer dessert in serving glasses: start with mascarpone cream, sprinkle cookie crumbs, then add berries. Repeat for a second layer. Finish with a dollop of cream and a few whole berries on top. Optional: drizzle with honey or sprinkle extra lemon zest.
Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to meld flavors and firm up cream.
Garnish with mint leaves if desired.

Notes

Don’t over-whip mascarpone or it can get grainy. Room temperature mascarpone blends best. Use ripe, sweet berries for best flavor. Assemble 1-2 hours ahead for best texture; longer storage softens cookies. For gluten-free, use gluten-free cookies or omit cookie layer. Optional add-ins: splash of liqueur for adults, honey drizzle, mint garnish, or chocolate shavings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 glass (about 1/4 o
Calories: 260
Sugar: 16
Sodium: 60
Fat: 15
Saturated Fat: 9
Carbohydrates: 23
Fiber: 3
Protein: 4

Keywords: mixed berries, mascarpone, no-bake dessert, Valentine’s Day, berry parfait, easy dessert, brunch, gluten-free option