If you love the rich, velvety taste of cheesecake but want to skip the oven and complicated baking steps, this No Bake Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling is exactly what you need. It layers a buttery graham cracker crust with a luscious, creamy cheesecake filling and finishes with a sweet-tart cherry topping, creating a beautiful parfait that’s as delicious as it is easy to assemble.

This dessert is perfect for warm days when turning on the oven is the last thing you want, or for last-minute guests who deserve a fancy yet simple treat. The graham cracker crust offers a subtle crunch, contrasting perfectly with the smooth cream cheese and airy whipped cream mixture. The cherry pie filling adds a burst of fruity sweetness and vibrant color that makes each spoonful feel like a celebration. Plus, it’s great for making ahead — just layer, chill, and serve!

Whether you’re planning a picnic, a family gathering, or just craving a creamy dessert with a pop of fruit, this no bake cheesecake parfait will quickly become a favorite for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Oven Needed — Perfect for quick prep and hot days.
Layered Textures — Crunchy crust, creamy filling, and juicy cherry topping.
Easy to Customize — Swap cherry pie filling for other fruits or preserves.
Make-Ahead Friendly — Can be assembled in advance and chilled.
Impressive Presentation — Perfect for entertaining and casual dining alike.

Ingredients

Crust

Honey graham crackers (finely crushed)
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter (melted)

Cheesecake Filling

Cream cheese (room temperature)
Granulated sugar
Fresh lemon juice
Vanilla extract
Kosher salt
Heavy cream (room temperature)

Topping

Cherry pie filling (canned)

Variations

Fruit Swap: Use blueberry, strawberry, or mixed berry pie filling instead of cherry.
Crust Alternatives: Substitute graham crackers with crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits.
Flavor Boost: Add almond extract or a splash of liqueur to the filling for extra depth.
Mini Versions: Serve in small glasses or jars for party favors or portion control.
Vegan Option: Use vegan cream cheese and coconut cream, with a dairy-free crust substitute.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened.

Step 2

Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of serving glasses or a large dish to form the crust layer.

Step 3

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.

Step 4

Add lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt; mix until well incorporated.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

Step 6

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and fluffy.

Step 7

Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the crust layer in your glasses or dish.

Step 8

Top each parfait with a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling.

Step 9

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the parfaits to set and flavors to meld.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature cream cheese and heavy cream for the smoothest filling.
Crush graham crackers finely for an even, compact crust.
Be gentle when folding whipped cream to keep the filling light and airy.
Refrigerate parfaits for several hours or overnight for best flavor and texture.
Add a little lemon zest to the filling for a fresh citrus note.

How to Serve

Serve the parfaits chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves or additional fresh cherries for a pretty touch. Perfect for casual family dinners, elegant parties, or as a refreshing summer dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover and refrigerate parfaits for up to 3 days. The crust may soften over time but will still taste delicious.

Freezing

This dessert is best served fresh; freezing is not recommended as it may affect texture.

Reheating

No reheating needed—serve straight from the fridge.

FAQs

1. Can I use different pie fillings?

Yes! Blueberry, strawberry, or peach fillings all work beautifully.

2. Can I prepare the crust in advance?

Absolutely, you can prepare and press the crust layer up to a day ahead.

3. How do I make the filling fluffy?

Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold it gently into the cream cheese mixture.

4. Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream is best for structure; light cream may not whip properly.

5. What if I don’t have graham crackers?

Crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers are good substitutes.

6. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, use vegan cream cheese and coconut cream as a substitute.

7. How long should I chill the parfaits?

At least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use larger serving dishes or more glasses.

9. Is it okay if the crust softens?

Yes, it will still taste great though the texture changes slightly.

10. Can I add nuts or granola to the crust?

Yes, adding chopped nuts or granola can add extra crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

This No Bake Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling offers the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and fruity elements in a simple, no-fuss dessert. Ideal for warm weather or when you want something impressive without the oven, these parfaits deliver rich cheesecake flavor with a refreshing cherry topping. Easy to prepare and beautiful to serve, they’re sure to become a go-to dessert for gatherings, celebrations, or anytime you want a little indulgence.