These lemon cream parfait pie jars are a bright, refreshing dessert made with layers of buttery cookie crust, silky homemade lemon curd, and a light vanilla cream topping. Served in individual jars, they feel elegant yet comforting, making them perfect for gatherings or simple make-ahead treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert delivers all the flavor of a classic lemon cream pie in a fun, portable form. The lemon curd is fresh and tangy, balanced by a sweet, fluffy cream layer and a crisp buttery crust. It can be prepared in advance, assembled quickly, and served chilled, making it ideal for parties, holidays, or warm-weather occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lemon curd
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 4 lemons)
1 cup granulated sugar
6 large eggs
12 tablespoons unsalted butter (3/4 cup)
1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)

Crust
2 cups crushed butter cookies or graham crackers
4 to 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Vanilla cream topping
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups cold heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional garnish
Fresh mint leaves

Directions

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the lemon juice, sugar, and eggs over medium-low heat until smooth. Add the butter and cook gently, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once small bubbles appear, cook for 1 minute longer, then remove from heat. Stir in the lemon zest if using. Transfer the lemon curd to a bowl or jar and chill for 1 hour in the refrigerator or about 25 minutes in the freezer.

To prepare the crust, combine the crushed cookies or graham crackers with the sugar. Stir in the melted butter, starting with 4 tablespoons and adding more as needed until the mixture resembles damp sand.

For the vanilla cream topping, beat the cream cheese in a bowl for about 5 minutes until very light and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and mix for 1 minute more. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until firm peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and airy.

To assemble, spoon a layer of crust into the bottom of each jar, followed by a layer of chilled lemon curd and a layer of vanilla cream topping. Repeat the layers if desired. Finish with a small amount of crust on top and garnish with mint leaves. Chill until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 8 individual dessert jars.
Preparation time is about 30 minutes.
Chilling time is about 1 hour.
Total time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store the assembled parfait jars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep them chilled and do not freeze once assembled. Reheating is not recommended, as this dessert is meant to be served cold.

FAQs

Can I make these parfait jars ahead of time?

Yes, they are ideal for making ahead. Assemble them up to one day in advance and keep them chilled until serving.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.

What type of cookies work best for the crust?

Butter cookies or graham crackers both work well. Choose whichever flavor you prefer.

Can this recipe be made into a full pie?

Yes, the same components can be layered into a 9-inch pie dish instead of jars.

How do I know when the lemon curd is thick enough?

The curd is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and holds a line when you swipe your finger through it.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

You can slightly reduce the sugar in the cream topping, but keep the lemon curd measurements the same for proper texture.

Is this dessert very tart?

The lemon curd is bright and tangy, but the cream layers balance it out for a smooth, pleasant flavor.

Can I skip the cream cheese in the topping?

The cream cheese helps stabilize the whipped cream, but you can omit it if you prefer a lighter topping.

What size jars should I use?

Small dessert jars or 6- to 8-ounce jars work best for individual servings.

Can I decorate these for special occasions?

Yes, you can add extra crumbs, lemon zest, or mint leaves on top for a festive presentation.

Conclusion

Lemon cream parfait pie jars are a beautiful and flavorful dessert that combines creamy, tangy, and buttery elements in every spoonful. Easy to prepare and impressive to serve, they are a wonderful choice for celebrations or anytime you crave a fresh lemon treat.

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