Print

Easy No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits

no bake cherry cheesecake parfaits - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy no-bake dessert featuring creamy cheesecake filling, crunchy graham cracker crust, and sweet cherry topping. Perfect for summer gatherings and last-minute treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full crackers crushed)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups pitted cherries, fresh or frozen (thawed)
  • 2 tbsp cherry preserves or jam (optional)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand, about 3 minutes. Add a tiny splash of melted butter if mixture seems dry.
  2. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of crumb mixture into each parfait glass as the base layer. Press gently to compact slightly. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides halfway through.
  4. In a separate chilled bowl, whip heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Avoid overbeating.
  5. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture using a spatula until combined, about 10 slow strokes. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Spoon or pipe a generous layer of cheesecake filling over crust in each glass. Smooth tops lightly.
  7. In a small bowl, mix cherries with cherry preserves and lemon juice. Mash fresh cherries slightly to release juices.
  8. Spoon cherry mixture over cheesecake filling. Add a few whole cherries on top for garnish.
  9. Cover parfait glasses with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4, to let flavors meld and crust firm up.

Notes

Do not microwave cream cheese; soften by leaving at room temperature or warming wrapped block in warm water. Chill mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream. Fold whipped cream gently to keep filling airy. Press crust firmly to avoid sogginess. Use tart cherries for balanced sweetness or add extra lemon juice if cherries are very sweet. Parfaits hold well refrigerated up to 2 days. For gluten-free, substitute crust with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake, cherry cheesecake, parfaits, summer dessert, easy dessert, quick dessert, graham cracker crust, creamy filling

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/easy-no-bake-cherry-cheesecake-parfaits-recipe-perfect-for-summer-desserts/