Lemon Curd Angel Food Cake Parfaits

Angel food cake earned its heavenly name from the cloud-soft crumb that made it an American bakery favorite. These parfaits layer that airy sponge with tart lemon curd, berries, and cream for a bright, no-bake dessert.

Serves 4 · 20 min prep

Estimate for one serving

• 355 cal
• 4g protein
• 45g carbs
• 18g fat
• 3g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 8 oz angel food cake
• 1 cup prepared lemon curd
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 3 tbsp powdered sugar
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 1 cup fresh blackberries
• 3/4 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup crushed shortbread cookies or graham crumbs
• 4 fresh mint sprigs

Instructions

1. 1Cut or tear the angel food cake into bite-size cubes about 3/4 inch across, keeping the pieces light and springy so they will absorb a little curd without turning soggy.
2. 2In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla until soft-to-medium peaks form. Fold in half of the lemon zest so the cream carries a bright citrus perfume.
3. 3Spoon a small dollop of lemon curd into the bottom of each of four tall glasses or jars to start the flavor base.
4. 4Add a layer of angel food cake cubes, gently pressing so they sit evenly and begin to pick up the curd.
5. 5Spoon another layer of lemon curd over the cake, then add mixed blackberries and blueberries.
6. 6Pipe or spoon a fluffy layer of the lemon-zested whipped cream on top of the fruit.
7. 7Repeat the sequence—cake, curd, berries, cream—until the glasses are nearly full, ending with a generous swirl of cream.
8. 8Sprinkle the crushed shortbread or graham crumbs over the final cream layer for a buttery crunch that contrasts the soft sponge.
9. 9Garnish each parfait with the remaining lemon zest, a few extra berries, and a small mint sprig.
10. 10Chill the assembled parfaits for at least 20 minutes so the cake softens just enough and the layers set.
11. 11Serve cold with long spoons so every scoop reaches cake, tangy curd, fruit, and cream together.
12. 12These hold well for a couple of hours in the fridge, making them ideal for weekend sharing or make-ahead dessert.