No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Parfaits
No bake caramel apple cheesecake parfaits are a dreamy fall-inspired dessert that layers creamy cheesecake filling, sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery graham crumbs, and rich caramel sauce. Each spoonful tastes like a blend of caramel apple pie and creamy cheesecake – without ever turning on the oven!
Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, these easy-to-make parfaits capture all the flavors of autumn in a beautiful layered treat. To save you even more time, you can make the apple pie filling a couple of days in advance and keep it in the fridge.
And with the most time-consuming ingredient out of the way in advance, these no-bake individual desserts can be whipped up quickly, even as a last-minute party treat, which also doubles as a beautiful décor on the table. Pretty. Simple. Sweet.
Why You’ll Love No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Parfaits
- No Baking Needed: Enjoy all the flavors of cheesecake and apple pie without turning on the oven – perfect for quick and easy dessert prep.
- Layers of Flavor: Each spoonful combines creamy cheesecake, buttery graham crumbs, caramel drizzle, and cinnamon-spiced apples for a cozy fall treat.
- Beautiful Presentation: Served in individual glasses or jars, these parfaits look elegant and festive for any occasion.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare them in advance and chill until serving, making dessert time completely stress-free.
No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Parfaits Ingredients
For the Crust
- Graham Crackers: These provide the perfect buttery, slightly sweet crunch for the base of your parfaits. When crushed, they create a firm yet crumbly layer that supports the cheesecake and apple filling.
- Unsalted Butter: Used to bind the graham cracker crumbs together, butter adds richness and a smooth, creamy texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the sweetness and balance the flavors perfectly.
- Organic Sugar: A natural sweetener that adds gentle sweetness to the graham cracker crust or apple layer without overpowering the other flavors. Organic sugar is slightly more flavorful than regular white sugar, giving a subtle caramel-like note.
Cheesecake Ingredients
- Cream Cheese (softened): The star of the cheesecake layer, softened cream cheese creates a rich, creamy, and smooth base that’s easy to whip into a fluffy filling. Softening ensures there are no lumps and that it blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Organic Sugar (or white granulated sugar): Adds sweetness to the cheesecake layer, balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese. Using organic sugar can give a slightly deeper, more natural flavor.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake, adding warmth and aromatic sweetness that complements both the creamy filling and the spiced apples.
- Organic Heavy Whipping Cream: When whipped and folded into the cream cheese mixture, it lightens the texture, making the cheesecake layer airy, smooth, and perfectly scoopable for layering in parfaits.
Diced Apple Pie Topping Ingredients
- Organic Sugar (or white granulated sugar): Provides sweetness to the apple layer, helping to balance the tartness of the Granny Smith apples while enhancing the natural fruit flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness and depth to the apple mixture, giving it a warm, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the apples with classic fall spice, giving the dessert a comforting aroma and a subtly sweet, earthy flavor.
- Sea Salt: A small pinch enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the natural taste of the apples and caramel.
- Xanthan Gum: A thickening agent that helps the apple layer hold together and maintain a slightly syrupy consistency without becoming too runny.
- Organic Granny Smith Apples: Crisp and tart, these apples are ideal for the parfaits. Their firm texture holds up well when cooked with sugar and spices, creating a perfect balance to the creamy cheesecake layer.
Cheesecake Parfaits Toppings
- Organic Caramel Dip (or your choice of caramel): Adds a rich, sweet, and buttery finish to the parfaits. Drizzling caramel over the layers enhances the dessert’s flavor and gives it that classic caramel apple taste.
- Diced Apple Pie Topping: Provides an extra layer of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples that mimic the texture and flavor of traditional apple pie, adding depth and sweetness to each bite.
- Organic Heavy Whipping Cream: Can be whipped into a light, airy topping to crown the parfaits, adding creaminess and balancing the sweetness of the caramel and apples.
- Organic Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream or any additional layers, ensuring the parfait has a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Fresh Apple Slices (optional): Add a crisp, fresh contrast to the soft layers, giving the parfaits visual appeal and an extra bite of tart apple flavor.
For a full list of ingredients and quantities, please check the recipe card at the end of this post.
No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Parfaits Instructions
How to Make Apple Pie Filling
In a small glass bowl, combine all dry ingredients: organic sugar (or white granulated), organic light brown sugar, cinnamon, sea salt, and Xanthan gum. Stir all together to combine and set aside until ready for use.
Rinse, peel, and chop apples (I like to use my handy onion chopper for this, but you may chop them any way you like). Place the chopped apples into a 5-quart saucepan.
Sprinkle the dry cinnamon-sugar mixture over the apples and mix until the apple cubes are well coated. Then add vanilla extract and mix once more.
Place apple filling mixture on a stovetop burner and bring it to a simmer, stirring constantly. As soon as it starts simmering, cook for 2 minutes (always stirring to prevent the sweet liquid from burning on the bottom of the pan).
Remove from heat and cool to warm before using. (The apple pie topping will cook a bit more during the cooling time, so don’t worry if the filling looks slightly undercooked when removed from the heat).
How to Make Graham Crackers Crust
Crush graham crackers in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. Add room temperature unsalted butter and sugar. Process again for 30 seconds or until well combined. Set aside until ready for use.
Cheesecake Batter Instructions
Beat cream cheese and sugar until the consistency is creamy and the sugar granules are dissolved. Using a silicone spatula, scrape down the sides of the mixer bowl a couple of times if necessary.
Add vanilla extract and mix once more until well combined.
Finally, add the heavy cream. Scrape down the cream cheese off the sides of the mixer bowl, and beat it on low, gradually increasing the mixing speed. Beat until smooth in texture for about a minute or so.
Cheesecake Parfaits Whip Cream Topping Instructions
Beat heavy whipping cream and sugar, just until the cream thickens and stiff peaks form. Set aside until ready for use.
How to Assemble No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Parfaits
Place two tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs into each parfait cup. Press the crumbs down using the same measuring spoon until firm.
Fill a piping bag with cheesecake filling and fill each parfait cup 3/4 full.
Then fill another piping bag with caramel sauce and pipe a thin layer of caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake filling.
Place cooled diced apple pie topping over the caramel sauce all the way to the top of the parfait cup.
Finally, fill one more piping bag with whipped whipping cream, and pipe a puff design over each cheesecake parfait cup.
Sprinkle some graham crackers crumbs and garnish each parfait with a fresh slice of apple.
For a full instructions, see the recipe card below.
No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Parfaits Recipe Tips
- Cook Apples Gently: Sauté apples over medium heat just until tender to avoid turning them mushy; this keeps a pleasant texture in the parfait.
- Use High-Quality Caramel: A rich, creamy caramel dip or homemade caramel enhances the dessert’s flavor and makes it taste indulgent.
- Serve in Clear Glasses: Parfaits look best in transparent glasses or jars, letting the layers show off their colors and textures for an attractive presentation.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 2–3 hours (or overnight) to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld, making each bite perfectly creamy and flavorful.
- Presentation: To prevent apple slices from browning, combine 1/4 cup of cool boiled water with two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Soak the apple slices for a couple of minutes in the lemon water, then pat dry each apple slice using a paper towel before placing it on top of parfaits.
Substitutions and Variations
- Crust Alternatives: Instead of graham crackers, try crushed digestive biscuits, shortbread cookies, or even gingersnaps for a spiced twist.
- Caramel Options: Use salted caramel sauce, butterscotch sauce, or even dulce de leche as a variation for the topping.
- Flavor Boosters: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the apple layer for extra fall spice. A splash of bourbon or apple cider can also enhance the flavor.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping, coconut cream, and a vegan caramel sauce to make these parfaits plant-based.
How to Store No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Parfaits
- Refrigerate Promptly: Store any leftover parfaits in the refrigerator within 2 hours of serving to keep the layers fresh and safe to eat.
- Use Airtight Containers: If the parfaits are in glasses, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or use airtight lids. If storing in separate containers, layer carefully to prevent the apples or caramel from making the cheesecake soggy.
- Keep Layers Intact: To maintain texture, try to avoid stirring the parfaits. The crisp graham cracker layer may soften slightly over time, but the flavor will remain delicious.
- Storage Duration: Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Beyond that, the apples may release extra liquid, affecting the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not recommended to freeze, as the whipped cheesecake and apples may separate or become watery when thawed. Best served fresh or chilled in the fridge.
Yes. Taste each layer while preparing and adjust sugar according to your preference, especially in the apple and cheesecake layers.
Sure! Pears, peaches, or berries can be layered with or instead of apples for a different twist.
More Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Farmers Cheese Cheesecakes
- Honey Graham Cracker Cake
- Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits
- Strawberry Kiwi Cheesecake Parfaits
Check out all dessert recipes HERE.
No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Parfaits
Ingredients
Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Parfaits Crust Ingredients
- 9 (one pack) graham crackers
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 tbsp. organic sugar (or white granulated)
Cheesecake Parfaits Cheesecake Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- ¼ cup organic sugar (white granulated sugar works as well)
- ¼ tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups cold organic heavy whipping cream
Diced Apple Pie Topping Ingredients
- ¼ cup organic sugar (or white granulated sugar)
- ¼ cup organic light brown sugar
- ½ tbsp. ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp. sea salt
- ½ tsp. Xanthan gum or corn starch
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 4 large organic Granny Smith apples
Cheesecake Parfaits Toppings Ingredients
- 14 oz. organic caramel dip (or caramel of your choice)
- 2 cups homemade diced apple pie topping
- 2 cups organic heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp. organic sugar
Instructions
How to Make Apple Pie Filling
- In a small glass bowl, combine all dry ingredients: organic sugar (or white granulated), organic light brown sugar, cinnamon, sea salt, and Xanthan gum. Stir all together to combine and set aside until ready for use.
- Rinse, peel, and chop apples (I like to use my handy onion chopper for this, but you may chop them any way you like). Place the chopped apples into a 5-quart saucepan.
- Sprinkle the dry cinnamon-sugar mixture over the apples and mix until the apple cubes are well coated. Then add vanilla extract and mix once more.
- Place apple filling mixture on a stovetop burner and bring it to a simmer, stirring constantly. As soon as it starts simmering, cook for 2 minutes (always stirring to prevent the sweet liquid from burning on the bottom of the pan).
- Remove from heat and cool to warm before using. (The apple pie topping will cook a bit more during the cooling time, so don’t worry if the filling looks slightly undercooked when removed from the heat).
How to Make Graham Crackers Crust
- Crush graham crackers in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. Add room temperature unsalted butter and sugar. Process again for 30 seconds or until well combined. Set aside until ready for use.
Cheesecake Batter Instructions
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until the consistency is creamy and the sugar granules are dissolved. Using a silicon spatula, scrape down the sides of the mixer bowl a couple of times if necessary.
- Add vanilla extract and mix once more until well combined.
- Finally, add the heavy cream. Scrape down the cream cheese off the sides of the mixer bowl, and beat it on low, gradually increasing the mixing speed. Beat until smooth in texture for about a minute or so.
How to Make Cheesecake Parfaits Whip Cream Topping
- Beat heavy whipping cream and sugar, just until the cream thickens. Set aside until ready for use.
How to Assemble Caramel Apple Cheesecake Parfaits
- Place two tablespoon of graham cracker crumbs into each parfait cup. Press the crumbs down using the same measuring spoon until firm.
- Fill a piping bag with cheesecake filling and fill each parfait cup 3/4 full.
- Then fill another piping bag with caramel sauce and pipe a thin layer of caramel sauce over the cheesecake filling.
- Place cooled diced apple pie topping over the caramel sauce all the way to the top of the parfait cup.
- Finally, fill one more piping bag with whipped whipping cream, and pipe a puff design over each cheesecake parfait cup.
- Sprinkle some graham crackers crumbs and garnish each parfait with a fresh slice of apple.
Notes
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Help. Approximately what size cups do you use?
5 oz. parfait cups.
Can you make these and leave in refrigerator over night to serve the next day?
Hi Tina! Absolutely! Thank you for asking!
I made this for my client at work last week and her family said it was the best dessert they had ever had. I’m making it again tonight for my family.
I am so happy to hear that! It’s one of my favorites as well. Thank you for your feedback and amazing review!