No Bake Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling

Indulgent, creamy, and irresistibly simple, this No Bake Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling is a delightful dessert that delivers all the flavor of a classic cheesecake—without the oven. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a fluffy and rich cream cheese filling, and a sweet cherry topping, it’s layered to perfection in individual servings for maximum appeal and minimum fuss.

Ideal for parties, holidays, or last-minute dessert cravings, these parfaits are a stress-free way to impress guests. They offer that satisfying contrast of crunchy, creamy, and fruity layers, and because they’re no-bake, they’re especially great during warm weather when you want to keep your kitchen cool. Whether you’re making them in jars, glasses, or dessert cups, the result is always visually stunning and utterly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. No Oven Needed – Perfect for summer or quick entertaining.
2. Individual Portions – Great for parties, gifting, or meal prepping desserts.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly – Ideal for preparing in advance and chilling.
4. Rich and Creamy Texture – Tastes just like traditional cheesecake.
5. Customizable Layers – Easily adaptable with different fruits or toppings.

Ingredients

Crust:

• Honey graham crackers, finely crushed
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Vanilla extract
• Kosher salt
• Heavy cream

Topping:

• Cherry pie filling

Variations

• Switch the Fruit: Try blueberry, strawberry, or peach pie filling.
• Chocolate Version: Add cocoa powder to the crust and drizzle with chocolate sauce.
• Oreo Crust: Swap graham crackers for crushed Oreos for a twist.
• Mini Mason Jars: Use small jars for a rustic and portable presentation.
• Nut Crust: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the crust for texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Crust

In a bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of serving glasses or jars. Set aside or chill while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. Mix until creamy and fully combined.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and light in texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Parfaits

Layer the cheesecake filling over the crust in each serving glass. Top with a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling.

Step 5: Chill

Refrigerate the assembled parfaits for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for best texture and richness.
• Let cream cheese come to room temperature for smoother mixing.
• Fold the whipped cream gently to maintain fluffiness.
• Layer with a piping bag for a neater look.
• Chill before serving to help the layers firm up.

How to Serve

Serve chilled, straight from the refrigerator, in small glasses or dessert cups. Garnish with extra crushed graham crackers, whipped cream, or fresh cherries for an elegant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep covered parfaits in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store them in airtight containers or tightly covered jars.

Freezing

Not recommended, as the texture of the whipped cream and filling may be affected once thawed.

Reheating

Not applicable — these are best served cold.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought whipped topping?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with whipped topping for convenience, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

2. Can I make this in a large dish instead of individual servings?

Absolutely. Use an 8×8 or 9×9-inch dish and layer as a traditional no-bake cheesecake.

3. How long do these need to chill?

At least 2 hours, but overnight is best for optimal flavor and texture.

4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

You can, but full-fat cream cheese yields a creamier result.

5. Is it okay to use canned whipped cream?

It’s not recommended for folding into the filling, as it deflates too quickly. Save it for topping.

6. What can I use instead of graham crackers?

Try digestive biscuits, shortbread, vanilla wafers, or crushed cookies.

7. Can I add fresh fruit on top?

Yes, fresh cherries, strawberries, or blueberries make a great topping.

8. Can I make it ahead?

Yes, prepare up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge.

9. Can I skip the sugar in the crust?

You can, but it adds a nice balance to the buttery flavor.

10. Can I layer the filling and crust multiple times?

Definitely! Create alternating layers for a more complex look and bite.

Conclusion

This No Bake Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling is a delightful dessert that’s both beautiful and effortless. It captures all the creamy richness of a classic cheesecake with a fraction of the work and time. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a weeknight indulgence, these parfaits are the perfect make-ahead treat that never fails to impress.

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