No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits Recipe

Introduction

No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring creamy cheesecake layers, sweet cherry filling, and a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfect for any occasion, these parfaits require no oven and come together quickly.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 7 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 21-ounce can cherry pie filling

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese and beat until fully combined and smooth.
4. Step 4: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and vanilla extract until the mixture is evenly flavored.
5. Step 5: Place six 9-ounce plastic punch cups on a tray or cookie sheet for easy handling.
6. Step 6: Divide 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker crumb mixture into the bottom of each cup and press down lightly to form a firm crust base.
7. Step 7: Spoon 3 tablespoons of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the crust layer in each cup.
8. Step 8: Evenly distribute half of the cherry pie filling among the cups, reserving the other half for later.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker crumb mixture over the cherry filling layer in each cup.
10. Step 10: Divide the remaining cheesecake mixture among the cups and spread evenly over the crumbs.
11. Step 11: Top each parfait with the reserved cherry pie filling and finish with a light sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs.
12. Step 12: Serve the parfaits immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set.

Tips & Variations

• For a tangier flavor, add a bit more lemon juice to the cheesecake mixture.
• Substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry or strawberry pie filling for a different fruit twist.
• Use clear glass cups to showcase the beautiful layers for a more elegant presentation.
• Garnish the top with fresh cherries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra appeal.

Storage

Store the parfaits covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. They taste best chilled and can be served cold directly from the fridge. Avoid freezing, as it may affect the texture of the cheesecake mixture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these parfaits ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the parfaits up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but keep in mind the texture may be slightly less creamy.

No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits Recipe

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No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring layers of creamy cheesecake filling, sweet cherry pie filling, and a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfect for a quick treat or a make-ahead dessert, these parfaits require no baking and can be served immediately or chilled for enhanced flavor and texture.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 ½ cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 7 tablespoons melted butter

Cheesecake Filling

• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

• 1 21-ounce can cherry pie filling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: In a small mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated. Set aside so the crust mixture is ready when needed.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. This creates a creamy base for the cheesecake filling.
3. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Beat in the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined, ensuring a smooth and consistent filling.
4. Add Lemon Juice and Vanilla: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and vanilla extract thoroughly for balanced flavor.
5. Assemble the Parfaits: Place 6 plastic, 9-ounce punch cups on the counter or a cookie sheet to prepare for layering.
6. Add Crust Layer: Scoop 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker crumb mixture into the bottom of each cup and press down lightly, creating a firm base layer.
7. Add Cheesecake Layer: Add 3 tablespoons of the cheesecake mixture to each cup and spread out evenly for consistent layering.
8. Add Cherry Layer (First Half): Evenly distribute half of the cherry pie filling between the 6 cups, reserving the other half for the next cherry layer.
9. Add Crust Layer (Second Time): Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker crumb mixture over the cherry layer to add texture.
10. Add Cheesecake Layer (Second Time): Divide the remaining cheesecake mixture between the 6 cups and spread out evenly to complete the cheesecake layers.
11. Add Cherry Layer (Second Half): Distribute the reserved cherry pie filling evenly between the cups, then sprinkle the top with a small amount of graham cracker crumbs for garnish.
12. Serve or Chill: Serve the parfaits immediately or chill them for up to 24 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the parfaits to set.

Notes

• For softer crust, press graham cracker mixture firmly; for crumblier texture, press lightly.
• Chilling the parfaits for a few hours enhances flavor and texture, but they can be served immediately if desired.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for best results and richer flavor.
• Substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry or strawberry for variation.
• To soften cream cheese quickly, leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before use.
• The parfaits can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: no bake cheesecake, cheesecake parfaits, cherry pie filling, graham cracker crust, easy dessert, no bake dessert