Strawberry S'mores Parfaits - Butter and Bliss

This recipe for Strawberry S’mores Parfaits combines silky vegan chocolate pudding, graham cracker crumbs (gluten free-friendly), and toasty marshmallows for a decadent no-bake summer dessert! The parfaits are easily portable and the small batch recipe can be adjusted to accommodate any serving size.

Gluten free strawberry smore parfait on wood tray

Strawberry S’mores Parfaits

Add these strawberry s’mores parfaits for two to your list of s’mores options! We are all familiar with the beloved summer s’mores. And while it is hard to beat a classic, the s’more does lend itself to some creative variations on dessert.

For example, how about taking all of the flavors and combining them into a toasty s’mores truffle? Or adding in a juicy summer berry that pairs perfectly with all of the flavors in a s’more?

This easy recipe deconstructs the classic even more, and adds bright and juicy fruit to make an impressive dessert! And if you love a pretty summer fruit parfait, you must check out the peach mousse trifle, coconut milk peach panna cotta, and the black forest chia pudding parfait!

Gluten free strawberry s'mores parfait in a glass on a table

A Pretty Layered Summer Dessert

Fresh Strawberries – And I mean fresh. No added sugar, and certainly no frozen strawberries!
Silky Chocolate Pudding – The pudding is silky creamy, and would you believe it is also vegan?! You can also try the parfait with the full-on dairy chocolate pudding recipe if you prefer!
Creamy Marshmallow Cream – Seems redundant, but a little coconut cream makes the melted marshmallows even creamier.
Layers of Texture – With fresh strawberries, creamy pudding, and crunchy graham cracker crumbs, there is no shortage of texture in these parfaits for two!
No-Bake – After all it is summer, so who doesn’t love a dessert that doesn’t require the oven!
Easy and Portable – We all want to be outside, at the pool, or at a BBQ in the summer. These parfaits come together so easy, and they can easily be transported. Just like the no-bake cherry cheesecake parfaits or the gluten free raspberry peach cheesecake cups!

Top view of strawberry smores parfait with toasted marshmallows

Ingredients

Fresh Strawberries – Fresh strawberries are the only way to go with this layered summer dessert!
Graham Crackers – You can use gluten free graham crackers or regular graham crackers. Your choice.
Marshmallows – I prefer the large marshmallows because they melt and toast well, and they are a prettier presentation on top of the parfait.
Cocoa Powder – My preference is Dutch process cocoa powder because I don’t find it as acidic as natural cocoa powder. And, it has a more robust cocoa flavor. However, you can use natural cocoa powder as well.
Tapioca Flour – The tapioca flour is what thickens the pudding. Depending on the brand, it can also be called tapioca starch. Corn starch and arrowroot starch/flour will also work.
Carton Coconut Milk – My go-to carton of coconut milk is So Delicious. Because it is so creamy and doesn’t taste have a strong coconut flavor. Be sure to get unsweetened since we are adding sweetener.
Canned Coconut Milk – Unsweetened canned coconut milk is what we use, and we are only using the coconut solids/cream from the can. The coconut cream is what makes this pudding silky and creamy.
Pure Maple Syrup – I love using maple syrup for its rich buttery flavor. And it has a lower glycemic index. However, you can substitute any sweetener of your choice.
Vanilla Extract – For flavor!
Salt – Balances out all of the flavors and sweetness of the pudding.

Ingredients for gluten free strawberry smores parfaits

helpful Tips

Refrigerate the can of coconut milk overnight – This causes the coconut solids and liquid to separate. We are only using the coconut solids from the can.
Use unsweetened canned and carton coconut milk – For one, we are adding sweetness. And two, sweetened coconut milk (or cream of coconut) is what they use to make Pina Colada’s, and is not the same product as unsweetened canned coconut milk.
Stir the cocoa powder and tapioca flour with liquid first – Before you heat your pudding ingredients, stir the cocoa and tapioca with the wet ingredients before getting them fully incorporated to remove any lumps.
Do not overcook the pudding! – Otherwise, it will set too firm (like jello). Heat it until is the consistency of yogurt. It will set even more when refrigerated.
Chill the pudding – Even though this pudding seems to thicken quickly, time in the refrigerator will help it set to the right pudding consistency for a layered dessert.
Adjust the serving size and assembly method as you like – This is an extremely versatile no-bake summer dessert. Meaning, you can assemble the parfaits however you prefer, and you can use as much (or little) of the graham cracker crumbs, marshmallow cream, and strawberry slices, as you like!
Add a little coconut cream to melt the marshmallows – The coconut cream makes the melted marshmallows more creamy. Otherwise, melted marshmallows tend to cool back to their original firmness.
Be careful toasting the marshmallows – ALWAYS toast marshmallows on a heat-proof metal baking sheet. And, move the torch around the marshmallows for even toasting, and to avoid burning!

Two gluten free strawberry smores parfaits in serving glasses on a table

Recipe FAQ

I don’t have tapioca flour. What can I use instead?

Corn starch or arrowroot flour will work to thicken the pudding.

Is it necessary to melt the coconut cream with the marshmallows?

I like to add a little of the cream to help loosen the marshmallows and make them creamier when layered in the parfait. You can omit the cream and just melt the marshmallows. Just be aware that they will firm up eventually.

What can I use the extra canned coconut milk for?

You can make a smaller batch of whipped coconut cream, black forest overnight oats, or caramel banana overnight oats. Or, if there is not much left, use it in a smoothie.

I don’t have a kitchen torch. Is there another way to toast the marshmallows?

You could try toasting them on a metal baking sheet under the broil setting of your oven. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

Single serving of gluten free strawberry smores parfait in a serving glass

about the author ...

I'm Erin and I'm all about desserts - and a little bit of butter!

I've tested, written, and photographed hundreds of recipes on my website. Here you'll find the tastiest small batch desserts - all homemade, all simple, and all for you! Click here to learn more about me!