Silky No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait Recipe

Top-Tier No-Bake Silky Cheesecake Parfait Recipe

Creamy desserts never fail to delight, and this no-bake cheesecake parfait with its silky smooth texture will instantly captivate your taste buds.

Layers of rich cream cheese blend effortlessly with a crisp graham cracker base, creating a decadent treat that requires zero oven time.

Each spoonful promises a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.

The parfait’s elegant presentation makes it ideal for summer gatherings or intimate dinner parties.

No complicated techniques or long baking times stand between you and this luxurious dessert.

Light, refreshing, and incredibly simple to assemble, this parfait will become your go-to recipe for effortless indulgence.

Let’s transform simple ingredients into a dessert that looks and tastes like a professional pastry chef crafted it.

Tools to Layer No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining graham cracker crust ingredients and cream cheese mixture.
  • Electric mixer or whisk: Essential for beating cream cheese and whipping heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring ingredients like sugar, butter, and vanilla extract.
  • Serving glasses: 4-6 clear glasses needed to create beautiful layered parfaits.
  • Spatula or spoon: Helps fold whipped cream and layer ingredients smoothly.
  • Piping bag (optional): Great for neatly adding cheesecake layers if you want a more elegant presentation.

How to Assemble Cheesecake Parfaits With Cherries

  • Create Graham Cracker Base

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter until perfectly combined. Press mixture firmly into bottom of serving glasses.

  • Whip Dreamy Cream Cheese Mixture

Beat cream cheese until silky smooth, blending in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Separately whip heavy cream until it forms soft, billowy peaks.

  • Fold and Layer Creamy Goodness

Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture, creating a light and airy texture. Carefully spoon this luscious blend over graham cracker base.

  • Top with Fruity Delight

Generously pour cherry pie filling over cream cheese layer, allowing the vibrant red color to peek through. Repeat layers if desired for extra indulgence.

  • Chill and Decorate

Refrigerate parfaits for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and mixture set. Before serving, add a playful garnish of extra whipped cream or sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a delightful crunch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 135 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Cheesecake Parfait With Cherry Pie Filling

For Crust Layer:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crunchy, buttery foundation that adds texture and classic dessert flavor.
  • Melted Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and creates a rich, golden base for the parfait.
  • Sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps the crust hold its shape.
For Cheesecake Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy foundation that gives the parfait its signature creamy texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a silky, lump-free mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cheesecake's flavor profile.
  • Heavy Cream: Lightens the cream cheese mixture and adds luxurious airiness.
For Topping and Garnish:
  • Cherry Pie Filling: Delivers a burst of fruity sweetness and vibrant color to contrast the creamy layers.
  • Whipped Cream: Provides an extra layer of light, airy indulgence.
  • Crushed Graham Crackers: Adds a delightful crunch and echoes the crust's flavor.
  • White Chocolate Shavings: Offers an elegant, decorative touch with a subtle sweet finish.

Add-Ins That Work With Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits

  • Press graham cracker mixture firmly into glasses to create a solid, compact base that won't crumble when serving.
  • Prepare parfaits up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavor development and save party prep time.
  • Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version, and use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream for a vegan adaptation.
  • Experiment with different pie fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or peach to create unique seasonal variations that keep the dessert exciting and fresh.
  • For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted almond slivers or crushed pistachios between layers to add delightful nutty complexity to the creamy parfait.

Serve Parfaits for Quick and Pretty Desserts

  • Festive Party Presentation: Serve these delightful parfaits at summer gatherings, game nights, or potluck dessert tables. Create a colorful dessert bar with multiple parfait variations.
  • Romantic Date Night Treat: Craft an elegant dessert for two by using smaller elegant glasses or crystal stemware. Add a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings for extra sophistication.
  • Make-Ahead Dessert Delight: Prepare parfaits up to 24 hours in advance, keeping them covered in the refrigerator. Perfect for busy hosts who want to plan desserts ahead of entertaining guests.
  • Creative Flavor Twist: Experiment with different pie fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or peach to create unique flavor combinations. Switch up graham cracker crust with crushed chocolate cookies for added variety.

Chill and Store Parfaits in Jars With Lids

  • Keep parfaits sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Individual glasses with tight-fitting lids work best to maintain texture and prevent flavor absorption.
  • Prepare graham cracker base and cheesecake mixture separately up to 2 days before assembling. Store cream cheese mixture and crumb layer in separate refrigerated containers to maintain optimal crispness.
  • Wrap parfait glasses tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving, gently stirring to restore creamy consistency.
  • Use small mason jars or clear shot glasses for individual servings. This approach helps control serving sizes and creates elegant presentation while making cleanup and storage super simple.
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Silky No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait Recipe

Silky No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait


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4.5 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Delightful no-bake cheesecake parfait whisks cherry pie filling into a luscious layered dessert that promises pure indulgence. Sweet creamy textures mingle with tart cherry goodness, delivering a perfect treat you’ll savor to the last delectable spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (21 oz or 595 g) cherry pie filling
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tbsps melted butter
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Crushed graham crackers or white chocolate shavings (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Thoroughly blend graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar, then distribute evenly across serving glasses, gently compacting the mixture to create a solid foundation.
  2. Cream Cheese Fusion: Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Separately, whip heavy cream to soft peak stage, then delicately incorporate into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light, airy filling.
  3. Layering Technique: Elegantly layer the creamy cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker base, followed by a luscious cascade of cherry pie filling. For added indulgence, repeat the layering process, ensuring a visually appealing and decadent dessert.
  4. Chilling and Presentation: Refrigerate parfaits for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and texture to set. Prior to serving, enhance with optional garnishes like whipped cream, crushed graham crackers, or delicate white chocolate shavings for a sophisticated finish.

Notes

  • Ensure graham cracker crumbs are finely ground and evenly mixed with butter for a compact, stable crust layer that won’t crumble when eating.
  • Whip heavy cream to soft peaks, not stiff peaks, to maintain a light, airy texture that blends smoothly with cream cheese mixture.
  • Keep ingredients like cream cheese at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, smooth cheesecake layer.
  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives or crushed nuts for gluten-sensitive diets, and use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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