Cranberries and Cream Parfaits: A Festive Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Dessert
If you can’t be bothered with pie this year or you’re simply craving something a little lighter to end a rich celebration, these Cranberries and Cream Parfaits are the answer. It’s the dessert I made for our Friendsgiving episode at America’s Test Kitchen (ATK), and it quickly became a new holiday favorite in my kitchen.
Cranberries and Cream Parfaits make entertaining easy. You can prepare them ahead and serve them straight from the fridge. This version mixes tangy cranberry curd with warm spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom. A layer of silky pastry cream softens the tart flavor. The dessert feels festive, bright, and refreshing. It’s a simple alternative to pie and cake for Thanksgiving. Your guests will love this cranberry and cream parfait.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Cream Parfait
- Make-ahead friendly: Both the cranberry curd and pastry cream can be made a day or two before serving.
- Vibrant and festive: The deep ruby color of the cranberries and the creamy layers make this dessert as striking as it is delicious.
- Balanced flavor: Warm spices complement the natural tartness of the fruit without overpowering it.
- Crowd-pleaser: Easy to scale up or portion individually for elegant serving.
The Flavor Behind the Cranberries Cream Parfait
Cranberries are high in natural pectin, which thickens beautifully when cooked, and their acidity helps balance richer elements like cream and butter. In this recipe, the curd gets extra depth from cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom — spices that create a cozy warmth perfect for the holidays. Paired with a smooth pastry cream, it becomes a layered dessert that’s both familiar and fresh.
If you’ve only ever used cranberries in sauce, this parfait is a great way to show off their versatility. The layers resemble a deconstructed tart, only easier to make and serve.
Make It Ahead
These cranberries and cream parfaits can be assembled and refrigerated up to a full day before serving, which makes them ideal for busy holiday schedules. Just hold back the crumbled Biscoff cookies until right before you serve, so they stay crisp and add the perfect crunchy contrast.
Where to Get the Full Recipe For the Cranberries Cream Parfait
You can find the full, tested recipe with step-by-step instructions over at America’s Test Kitchen, where I created it as part of their 2025 Thanksgiving Desserts Week.
Get the full Cranberries and Cream Parfait recipe at America’s Test Kitchen
More Holiday Dessert Ideas
If you liked this flavor of cranberries and cream parfait combination, you might also enjoy:
- Pumpkin Miso Bebinca
- Sweet Potato Honey Beer Pie (The Flavor Equation Cookbook)
- Spiced Pumpkin Flan