Easy Lemon Curd Parfait with Shaved Chocolate

Hi friends, as the days grow longer and the garden begins to show signs of growth, I find myself reaching for recipes that feel as fresh and bright as spring itself. One of my absolute favorites this time of year? A simple yet elegant, easy lemon curd parfait with shaved chocolate and layered with whipped cream.

It’s the kind of dessert that feels both luxurious and effortless—perfect for weeknight dinner desserts, a Sunday tea, dinner parties, or an afternoon on the porch with friends.

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Why Lemon Curd?

First, I love lemons.

I love lemon flower arrangements.

I love the color of lemons. 

And lastly, I love lemon curd. When you add chocolate to it, it takes it over the top.

In my opinion, Lemon curd is sunshine in a jar.

It’s tangy, silky, and sweet, and it adds a burst of citrus flavor that’s both refreshing and indulgent, especially in the summer and warmer months.

I love keeping a jar of lemon curd on hand—it’s perfect for layering into trifles, spooning over scones, swirling into plain Greek yogurt, or topping off cheesecake parfaits.

How to Make Your Own Lemon Curd

If you’ve never made your lemon curd, I urge you to try this quick and easy lemon curd recipe. All you need are large eggs or just the egg yolks, a cup of sugar, unsalted butter, and fresh lemon juice (or zest from regular lemons or Meyer lemons). 

Whisk together the large eggs (or just yolks), sugar, fresh lemon juice, and zest. Using the double-boiler method, cook gently using a double boiler over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula until thickened. Stir in unsalted butter until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove zest or curdles. Chill in an airtight container—perfectly tangy and creamy!

Okay so now that we have that covered, let’s move on to making the Easy Lemon Curd Parfait with Shaved Chocolate.

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Ingredients for Lemon Curd Parfaits

This recipe calls for just a few simple ingredients, most of which you may already have in your kitchen or can easily find at your grocery store.

• 1 jar lemon curd (store-bought or your own lemon curd that we covered above)
• 1½ cups whipped cream (or heavy whipping cream beaten to stiff peaks)
• 1 loaf pound cake or ladyfingers, cubed
• ¼ cup shaved chocolate (dark or white). I used a dark chocolate mousse bar from Zotter Chocolates
• Optional: fresh berries, mint leaves, or edible flowers for garnish

You can also layer in cookie crumbs (like graham crackers or shortbread cookies), lemon yogurt parfait layers, or a cream layer made with cream cheese and vanilla yogurt. Add a splash of maple syrup for extra sweetness.

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How to Make Lemon Curd Parfaits

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In individual parfait glasses (I used my vintage champagne glasses), trifle bowls, or vintage teacups, layer cubed pound cake, a layer of lemon curd, and whipped cream.
2. Repeat layers as desired until the glass is full.
3. Top with whipped cream and a generous sprinkle of shaved chocolate.
4. Garnish with fresh berries, fresh mint, or edible flowers.
5. Chill briefly before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Whipped Cream

In the bowl of an electric mixer or using a hand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip cold heavy cream with a tablespoon sugar and a teaspoon vanilla extract on high speed. Beat until soft peaks or stiff peaks form.

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Make-Ahead & Serving Suggestions

This easy dessert is a favorite for entertaining. Make them a few hours ahead and chill until guests arrive. Use a medium bowl to combine your whipped cream mixture and a small bowl to portion parfait layers cleanly.

For an extra-chilled version, set finished parfaits in an ice bath for 10 minutes before serving.

Lemon Lovers, This One’s for You

If you’re a fan of lemon meringue pie, lemon cream, or lemon slice desserts, you’ll love this bright and citrusy treat. A lemon curd parfait recipe like this one is a beautiful reminder that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a first-time-friendly recipe that showcases the best of citrus fruits.

Try pairing it with vanilla ice cream or serve it alongside fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries.

What you’ll need:

Lemon Curd Parfaits with Whipped Cream & Shaved Chocolate
Yield: 4 servings | Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 jar lemon curd
• 1½ cups whipped cream
• 1 loaf pound cake, cubed
• ¼ cup shaved chocolate
• Optional: fresh berries, mint, edible flowers

Instructions

1. In parfait glasses, layer pound cake, lemon curd, and whipped cream.
2. Repeat layers as needed.
3. Top with whipped cream and chocolate.
4. Garnish and chill before serving.

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Simple ingredients. Easy dessert. No baking required.

Step 1: cube pound cake.

Step 2: In parfait glasses, add cubed pound cake, layer with lemon curd.

Step 3: Repeat the layers and top with whipped cream and a generous sprinkle of shaved chocolate.

Printable Recipe Card

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Lemon Zest?

Yes! Adding lemon zest from large lemons or Meyer lemons gives your lemon curd parfaits a fresh, citrusy burst.

What’s the Best Cake to Use?

Cubed pound cake is my favorite because of its buttery texture, but ladyfingers or graham cracker crumbs also work beautifully.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Cover parfaits with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Use within 2 days for the best texture.

From My Kitchen to Yours

This lemon parfait recipe is a joy to make and a delight to serve. I often present it in vintage glassware or trifle bowls for a collected, heirloom feel. If you make it, I’d love to see your creation—tag me on Instagram @henandhorsedesign!