No-Bake​​ Cheesecake Parfait Recipe (Easy to Make)

These beautiful, portion-controlled cheesecake parfaits are easy to make, holiday-ready, and have the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and stunning tart cherry topping. They're guaranteed to be the showstopper at your next gathering.

These cheesecake parfaits have a satisfyingly rich cream cheese base that's beautifully balanced by a refreshing tangy cherry topping. They are always a hit at any gathering, from a casual family lunch to a more formal dinner party.

If you're a fan of these delicious cherry cheesecake parfaits, you'll also love my breakfast cottage cheese parfait - a light and refreshing way to start your day. And for more traditional flavors, my berry Greek yogurt granola parfait is a definite winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is a cinch to make. With a few simple steps, you'll have a batch of these delicious parfaits ready in no time.
• Tasty: The combination of creamy cheesecake, crunchy graham crackers, and sweet cherry topping is simply irresistible.
• Crowd Pleaser: Whether you're serving these at a family dinner or a holiday party, these parfaits are guaranteed to be a hit.
• Classic Flavors: This recipe's nod to the classic cherry cheesecake will win over even the most discernible of palates.

Key Ingredients

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this cheesecake parfait recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

For a full list of ingredients and quantities, please check the recipe card at the end of this post.

• Graham Crackers: These will be crushed to form the base of our parfaits, providing a delicious, crunchy texture.
• Cream Cheese: The star of our recipe, this will give our parfaits a rich, creamy
• Heavy Whipping Cream: This will be whipped to stiff peaks and folded into our cream cheese mixture, giving our parfaits a light, fluffy texture.

• Cherry Pie Filling: We will use it as the topping for our parfaits. It will add a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake.
• Canned Cherries: These will be used as a garnish for our parfaits, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

• Parfait Cups: We'll be using these to assemble our cheesecake parfaits.

How to Make Cheesecake Parfait

Making this incredible cheesecake parfait is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

Crush Graham Crackers: The first step is to crush the graham crackers well in a food processor. Set the crumbs aside until you're ready to use them.

Make Cheesecake Filling: Start by beating the softened cream cheese and sugar together at high speed. You want to achieve a creamy consistency and guarantee that the sugar granules are completely dissolved.

Add Heavy Cream: Next, add the heavy cream to your mixture. Be sure to scrape the cream cheese off the sides of the mixing bowl and make sure that all the ingredients are well incorporated. Start beating at a low speed and gradually increase the mixing speed. 

Continue Beating: Beat the mixture until it becomes thick and smooth in texture. This should take about a minute. Be sure to scrape the cream off the sides of the mixer bowl at least once during this process to make sure there are no lumps left in the mixture.

How to Assemble No Bake Cheesecake Parfaits

Assemble the Parfaits: Add 2 full tablespoons of the crushed graham cracker crumbs onto the bottom of each cup. This will be the base of your parfait.

Pipe the Cream: Fill a 16” pastry bag with the cream mixture and pipe the cream into each cup, filling them about ¾ full.

Top with Cherries: Now, top each cup with cherry pie filling until it reaches the top of the cup. This will be the sweet and tangy topping of your parfait.

Garnish: Finally, garnish each parfait cup with a canned cherry with a stem. This not only adds a pop of color but also makes your parfaits look beautiful and inviting.

Chill and Serve: Once your parfaits are assembled, refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. These parfaits are a great make-ahead recipe, so they can be made one day before serving.

For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.

Tips for Making the Best Cheesecake Parfait

• Choose Quality Ingredients: For this cheesecake parfait recipe, always opt for high-quality ingredients. From the graham crackers to the cherry pie filling, the better the quality, the tastier your parfait will be.
• Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened. Leaving it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes should do the trick. Softened cream cheese will mix more smoothly and give your parfait a creamy texture.
• Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar Well: Beat the cream cheese and sugar on a high mixing speed until the mixture is creamy and the sugar granules are dissolved. This step is crucial for the smoothness of your parfait.
• Assemble Parfaits Neatly: When assembling the parfait cups, use a pastry bag to pipe the cream into each cup. This will make your parfaits look neat and professional, perfect for any dinner party or gathering.
• Chill Before Serving: After assembling the parfait cups, refrigerate them for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the parfait to set, resulting in a delicious dessert. These parfaits can also be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions 

• Side of Fruit: Serve these cherry cheesecake parfaits with a side of fresh berries or any other fruit you may like.
• With a Warm Drink: For a cozy winter treat, pair these cherry cheesecake parfaits with a hot cup of cocoa or latte. The warmth of the drink contrasts beautifully with the cool, smooth texture of the cheesecake, making it a perfect dessert for the cold winter months.
• Dinner Dessert: If you're planning a dinner party, these cherry cheesecake parfaits are a guaranteed hit. Serve them with a glass of sparkling champagne for an elegant dessert that will impress your guests.

Recipe Variation Ideas 

This delicious cheesecake parfait recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

• Mixed Berries: If you're a fan of mixed berries, this variation is perfect for you. Simply replace the cherry pie filling with a mixed berry compote or fresh mixed berries.
• Lemon Zest: For a refreshing twist, try adding lemon zest to the cheesecake mixture. The citrusy flavor of the lemon zest cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and adds a refreshing touch to the parfait. You can also top the parfait with a dollop of lemon curd for an extra burst of flavor.
• Spiced: If you're a fan of warm, comforting flavors, you can easily add a touch of spice to this parfait. Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg into the graham cracker crumbs for a spiced crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Leftovers

• Storing: After enjoying these delicious cherry cheesecake parfaits, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Simply cover the parfait cups with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Unfortunately, this cheesecake parfait recipe does not freeze well due to the creamy nature of the cheesecake and the texture of the graham cracker crumbs. Once frozen, the texture can become mushy and the flavors may not be as enjoyable.

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• Berry Greek Yogurt Granola Parfait
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Recipe Card

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