Description
No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait is a creamy, indulgent dessert that requires no oven time but delivers all the rich, velvety flavors of traditional cheesecake. Layered with a graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and a sweet fruit topping or sauce, this dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for any occasion, it’s an easy-to-make treat that’s guaranteed to impress your guests or satisfy your own sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream (optional, for extra tang)
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 8 graham crackers)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Fresh fruit or fruit compote (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries are great choices)
Ingredient Highlights
- Cream Cheese: The base for the cheesecake filling, cream cheese provides the creamy texture and rich flavor that make cheesecakes so irresistible.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped cream adds lightness and a fluffy texture to the filling.
- Graham Crackers: The graham cracker crumbs make for a classic, crunchy base that contrasts nicely with the smooth cheesecake.
- Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruit adds a vibrant and refreshing element that balances the richness of the cheesecake.
Instructions
Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
- Crush the Graham Crackers: Place the graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until they are finely crushed. Alternatively, you can place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Combine Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Layer the Crust: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each parfait glass or jar. Press down gently to compact it.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Whip the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream (if using) to the cream cheese. Continue mixing until fully combined.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
Assemble the Parfaits:
- Layer the Cheesecake Filling: Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling on top of the graham cracker crust in each parfait glass, dividing it evenly among the glasses.
- Add Fruit: Top the cheesecake filling with fresh fruit or fruit compote. You can use berries, a berry compote, or even sliced mango or peaches for a tropical twist.
- Chill: Cover the parfaits with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
Serve:
- Serve: Once chilled, serve the parfaits directly from the fridge. You can garnish with additional fruit or a drizzle of honey for extra flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 6g