Memorial Day is just around the corner, and I wanted to honor the holiday with a sweet, patriotic twist on one of my family’s favorite desserts—strawberry shortcake. It’s already a delicious red-and-white classic, so adding a layer of blueberries was an easy way to turn it into a festive red, white, and blue treat. These Patriotic Shortcake Parfaits are simple to make, stunning to serve, and are the perfect summer dessert for celebrations.

What I love most about this dessert—besides how pretty it looks—is how effortless it is to pull together. It starts with store-bought pound cake, which saves time without sacrificing flavor. Then comes the magic: Lucky Leaf strawberry (or cherry) pie filling, Lucky Leaf blueberry pie filling, and a generous swirl of homemade whipped cream. Honestly, the whipped cream is the only part that requires a little effort, and even that comes together in minutes.

Lucky Leaf pie fillings are one of my go-to shortcuts when I want something quick but still crave-worthy. Their premium line is made without high-fructose corn syrup, which I really appreciate when I’m serving dessert to my family. The fruit is vibrant, flavorful, and ready to use—no peeling, chopping, or cooking required.

Once everything’s prepped, it’s just a matter of layering. I love using clear glasses or mason jars so you can see the beautiful stripes of cake, cream, and fruit. The result is a dessert that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious. These parfaits are perfect for Memorial Day, but they’d also be a hit at any 4th of July barbecue or summer gathering.

Here’s a quick tip: freeze the pound cake before cutting it into cubes. It makes slicing so much easier and helps you get those neat, uniform pieces without squishing the cake. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Ingredients for Patriotic Shortcake Parfaits

• WHIPPING CREAM
• POWDERED SUGAR
• VANILLA
• POUND CAKE
• MASON JARS OR CUPS
• STRAWBERRY OR CHERRY PIE FILLING
• BLUEBERRY PIE FILLING

Instructions for Patriotic Shortcake Parfaits

Whip the Cream – In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until firm peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then whip briefly to combine. Set aside.

Layer the Parfaits – Start by placing a layer of pound cake cubes in the bottom of each cup or jar. Spoon a layer of blueberry pie filling over the cake, followed by a generous dollop of whipped cream. Add a layer of strawberry or cherry pie filling, then finish with another layer of pound cake.

Serve & Celebrate – Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy. These parfaits serve 8 and look stunning in clear cups that show off the festive layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these parfaits ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate until serving.

What kind of cake works best?
Store-bought pound cake is ideal because it’s sturdy and easy to cube. You can also use angel food cake for a lighter texture or gluten-free cake if needed. Pro tip: Freeze the cake before cutting to get clean, uniform cubes.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of pie filling?
Absolutely. Fresh strawberries and blueberries work beautifully—just make sure they’re ripe and sweet. If using fresh fruit, consider macerating the strawberries with a little sugar to bring out their juices.

Is homemade whipped cream necessary? Not at all! While homemade whipped cream adds a lovely touch, you can use store-bought whipped topping for convenience.

How do I keep the layers looking neat in the cups?
Use a spoon or piping bag to add whipped cream and fillings carefully. Clear cups or mason jars help show off the red, white, and blue layers—just layer gently and evenly for the best visual impact.

What size cups should I use?
12–14 oz clear cups or mason jars work well for individual servings. They’re large enough to hold multiple layers and show off the colors beautifully.

Can I freeze the parfaits?
Freezing isn’t recommended, as the whipped cream and pie fillings can become watery when thawed. These are best enjoyed fresh or within a few hours of assembly.

What’s a fun way to serve these at a party?
Set up a DIY parfait bar with prepped ingredients in bowls and let guests build their own. It’s interactive, festive, and perfect for summer gatherings.

Can I swap the fruit for other colors or flavors?
Definitely! Try raspberries or cherries for red, blackberries for blue, or even tropical fruits like mango and kiwi for a fun twist. Just keep the color theme in mind if you’re going for a patriotic look.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Patriotic Parfaits
• Banana Blueberry Yogurt Parfaits
• Tropical Parfaits
• Individual Patriotic Jello Parfaits

Real Mom Kitchen original recipe.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As always, my opinions are 100% my own.