Hamdi Saidani This Easy No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait is a creamy and easy recipe, which is made with cream cheese and graham crackers. It’s the perfect no-fuss dessert, ready in about 20 minutes.
Easy No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits Ingredients
- Two (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons chilled heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) sugar
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1 1/2 cups fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries or raspberries
How To Make Easy No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a stand mixer, beat the room-temperature cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of the heavy cream, and 5 tablespoons of the sugar until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, the lemon juice, and zest. Beat for about 3 minutes until light and creamy.
- Make the whipped cream topping: In a separate large bowl, whisk the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream, the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the sour cream with a handheld electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Assemble the parfaits: Spoon a layer of crushed graham crackers into the bottom of each parfait glass. Top the graham crackers with a layer of the cheesecake filling, then a layer of fresh fruit.
- Top and serve: Finish each parfait with a dollop of the whipped cream and serve immediately, or chill until ready to serve.
Recipe Tips
- How to get a smooth filling? The most important step is to use cream cheese that is fully softened to room temperature. This ensures it will beat into a smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes. The recipe notes that all components of the parfaits can be prepared a day in advance and stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the parfaits just before serving for the best texture.
- What if I don’t have a piping bag? For easier and neater assembly, you can transfer the cheesecake mixture and the whipped cream to separate large resealable plastic bags, snip off a corner, and use them to pipe the layers into the glasses.
- Can I use different fruit? Absolutely. This recipe is wonderful with any fresh berries, sliced peaches, or even a tropical fruit like mango or pineapple.
What To Serve With Cheesecake Parfaits
These individual desserts are a complete treat on their own. They are perfect for parties as they are already portioned.
- A crisp, buttery cookie like a shortbread or a pizzelle on the side
- A cup of hot coffee or tea
- A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce over the top
How To Store Cheesecake Parfaits
- Refrigerate: Assembled parfaits can be covered with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The graham cracker layer will soften over time. For the best result, store the components separately and assemble just before serving.
Cheesecake Parfaits Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 parfait
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 7g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do I have to use a stand mixer?
No, a regular hand-held electric mixer will work perfectly well for both the cheesecake filling and the whipped cream.
Can I use a different kind of crust?
Yes. Crushed Oreo cookies, shortbread cookies, or even vanilla wafers would make a delicious alternative to the graham cracker crumbs.
Why did my cream not whip into peaks?
This usually happens if the heavy cream is not cold enough. For the best, most stable whipped cream, use very cold cream and chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for about 15 minutes before you start.
Try More Recipes:
- Fleur de Sel Chocolate Chip Blondies Recipe
- My Sister Maria’s Easy Apple Cake and Ice Cream Recipe
- Dulce de Leche Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Easy No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits Recipe
Description
A quick, no-bake layered dessert with a crunchy graham cracker crust, a creamy lemon-kissed cheesecake filling, and fresh berries, all served in individual glasses.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cheesecake Filling: Beat the cream cheese, 3 tbsp heavy cream, 5 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp vanilla, and the lemon juice and zest until light and creamy.
- Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream with the remaining 3 tbsp of sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla, and the sour cream until soft peaks form.
- Assemble: In individual glasses, create layers starting with graham cracker crumbs, then the cheesecake filling, then a layer of fresh fruit.
- Top each parfait with a dollop of the whipped cream and serve.
Notes
- Using room temperature cream cheese is the most important step for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- This is a fantastic make-ahead dessert for a dinner party; just assemble right before serving.
- For a professional look, use a piping bag to create neat layers in your glasses.
- Feel free to get creative with the fruit, using whatever is in season.
