Easy No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Parfait Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a delightful dessert that requires no oven and bursts with flavor, look no further than this easy no bake cherry cheesecake parfait recipe! This dessert layers creamy cheesecake filling with sweet, tangy cherry topping and crunchy graham crackers. It’s an indulgent treat that balances smooth and rich textures with a bright cherry finish, making it a favorite for gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying on a cozy evening at home.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Estimated Calories: 350 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) cherries, pitted and halved or quartered
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice
- 1/2 cup (100 g) white granulated sugar (for cherries)
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) cold water
- 1 Tbsp (8 g) cornstarch
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream (can substitute half and half)
- 1/4 cup (50 g) white granulated sugar (for cheesecake filling)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 4-5 oz (115-140 g) graham crackers, chopped
- Whipped cream (optional for topping)
Instructions
- In a pot, combine the pitted and halved or quartered cherries with lemon juice and 1/2 cup of sugar. Cook on medium-low heat until the cherries soften.
- Mix the cornstarch with the cold water and stir it into the cherry mixture. Continue to cook until thickened, then set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until combined, then beat on medium-high speed until fluffy.
- Transfer the cheesecake filling to a piping bag for easy layering.
- In glass parfait cups, begin layering by adding graham crackers, followed by the cheesecake filling, and then the cherry filling. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled.
- Top with whipped cream if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Why This Recipe is Popular
This no bake cherry cheesecake parfait is a crowd-pleaser, especially during the warmer months for its refreshing flavors and chilled texture. Plus, it evokes feelings of nostalgia for many who remember traditional cherry desserts. The simplicity of preparation without baking makes it a go-to recipe for those seeking an easy yet impressive treat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this no bake cherry cheesecake parfait at family gatherings, summer barbecues, or any festive occasion. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollops of additional whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Tips and Variations
- Storage: Keep the parfaits covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The graham crackers may soften over time.
- Texture Tip: For a crunchier layer, add the graham crackers just before serving to maintain their crispness.
- Flavor Ideas: Experiment by adding different fruit toppings such as blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry parfait.
- Sweetness Adjustment: You can adjust the sugar in the cherry topping according to the sweetness of the cherries.
- Substitutes: If you’re out of heavy whipping cream, half and half works well but won’t yield as rich a filling.
FAQ
1. Can I make this parfait ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components and layer them a few hours in advance. Just keep them refrigerated.
2. What can I use instead of cherries?
Consider using mixed berries or even pie filling for a different fruit option.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free crumbs or crushed nuts.
4. How can I make it sweeter?
Feel free to increase the amount of sugar in both the cherry and cheesecake filling to your taste.
Don’t wait any longer—grab your ingredients and whip up this easy no bake cherry cheesecake parfait recipe today! You won’t regret treating yourself and your loved ones to such a delicious dessert.
No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Parfait
A delightful dessert layering creamy cheesecake filling with sweet cherry topping and crunchy graham crackers, perfect for gatherings and warm evenings at home.
For the Cherry Topping
- 1 lb 1 lb (450 g) cherries, pitted and halved or quartered
- 2 Tbsp 2 Tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (100 g) white granulated sugar (for cherries)
- 2 Tbsp 2 Tbsp (30 ml) cold water
- 1 Tbsp 1 Tbsp (8 g) cornstarch
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream (can substitute half and half)
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (50 g) white granulated sugar (for cheesecake filling)
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch Pinch of salt
For Assembly
- 4-5 oz 4-5 oz (115-140 g) graham crackers, chopped
- 1 cup Whipped cream (optional for topping)
Cherry Topping Preparation
- In a pot, combine the pitted and halved or quartered cherries with lemon juice and 1/2 cup of sugar. Cook on medium-low heat until the cherries soften.
- Mix the cornstarch with the cold water and stir it into the cherry mixture. Continue to cook until thickened, then set aside to cool.
Cheesecake Filling Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until combined, then beat on medium-high speed until fluffy.
- Transfer the cheesecake filling to a piping bag for easy layering.
Layering and Serving
- In glass parfait cups, begin layering by adding graham crackers, followed by the cheesecake filling, and then the cherry filling. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled.
- Top with whipped cream if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Keep the parfaits covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For crunchier graham cracker layers, add them just before serving. Feel free to experiment with different fruit toppings, and adjust the sweetness according to taste. Substitute heavy cream with half and half if needed.