No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait

INTRODUCTION

No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait is a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It is creamy, sweet, and has a refreshing burst of cherry on top. This dessert is not only easy to make, but it also looks beautiful in your serving cups. With layered textures and flavors, each bite is a treat for your taste buds. Best of all, you don’t need to turn on the oven!

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait because it is simple and quick. With only a few steps and basic ingredients, you can create a stunning dessert that everyone will enjoy. The combination of creamy cheesecake, crunchy graham crackers, and sweet cherry filling makes it irresistible. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, so it’s perfect for parties or gatherings. This dessert is sure to impress friends and family, making it a favorite at special events.

HOW TO MAKE No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait

Creating a No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait is straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you will have a delicious dessert to share.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following items:

• A small mixing bowl
• A medium mixing bowl
• An electric mixer
• A set of 6 plastic, 9-ounce punch cups (or any small dessert cups)
• A measuring cup
• A spoon for mixing
• A spatula for spreading

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 1/2 cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 7 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 21-ounce can cherry pie filling

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well mixed and set aside.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes.

3. Once the cream cheese is smooth, add the sweetened condensed milk and beat until well combined.

4. Next, pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and add the vanilla extract. Stir well until everything is mixed together.

5. Now, set 6 plastic, 9-ounce punch cups on the counter or a cookie sheet for easy assembly.

6. Scoop 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker crumb mixture into the bottom of each cup. Press down lightly to create a solid base.

7. Add 3 tablespoons of the cheesecake mixture into each cup on top of the crumbs. Spread it out evenly.

8. Now it’s time for the cherry filling. Evenly distribute half of the cherry pie filling between the 6 cups. Set aside the remaining half for later.

9. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker crumb mixture over the cherry layer. This adds an extra crunch to your parfait.

10. Divide the remaining cheesecake mixture between the 6 cups. Spread this layer out evenly on top.

11. Finally, take the reserved cherry pie filling and divide it evenly among the 6 cups.

12. For a decorative touch, sprinkle a little graham cracker crumb mixture on top.

13. You can serve the parfait immediately. However, for the best flavor, chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before serving.

HOW TO SERVE No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait

When it’s time to serve your No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait, you can simply take it out of the fridge and enjoy! These parfaits are great as individual servings. You can place them on a serving tray or let guests help themselves right from the fridge. Add a sprig of mint on top for a touch of color if you like. The parfaits are delicious and fun to eat!

STORAGE & FREEZING : No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait

You can store the No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent the toppings from getting soggy. This dessert does not freeze well because the creamy texture changes when frozen and thawed. Just keep it refrigerated until you are ready to enjoy.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

To make your dessert even more special, you can serve it with whipped cream on top. Fresh fruit or an extra drizzle of cherry filling can also complement the flavors perfectly. You might even consider pairing it with a light, refreshing drink like lemonade or iced tea.

VARIATIONS

There are plenty of ways to customize your No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait. Here are a few ideas:

• Different Fruit Toppings: Instead of cherry pie filling, use blueberries, strawberries, or even a mix of your favorite fruits.
• Flavored Cheesecake Layers: Add different flavors like chocolate or vanilla extract to your cheesecake mixture.
• Nutty Crunch: For added flavor and crunch, stir in chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the graham cracker layer.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle chocolate syrup on top for a decadent touch.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?

   • No, cream cheese is essential for the creamy texture of the cheesecake filling. However, you can use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative if you prefer.

2. How long does it take to make these parfaits?

   • The preparation time is about 30 minutes, plus any chill time you want to include.

3. Can I use store-bought cheesecake filling?

   • Yes, using store-bought cheesecake filling can save time. Just layer it as you would with the homemade mixture.

4. Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?

   • Absolutely! You can use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed nuts instead of regular graham cracker crumbs.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait

This dessert is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble the parfaits a day before you plan to serve them. Just remember to keep them in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely. When you are ready to serve, you can add any last-minute garnishes like whipped cream or fresh fruit to make them even more appealing. Enjoy this hassle-free dessert at your next gathering!

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