Jul. 27, 2020

Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits

Yield: 6-8, based on cup size

Skill level: Easy

Cherry cheesecake parfaits are a simple, no-bake dessert that delivers all the flavor of classic cheesecake in an easy, layered format. Creamy cheesecake filling is paired with a buttery graham cracker crust and a sweet, vibrant cherry sauce for the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Ideal for entertaining or make-ahead desserts, these parfaits are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Ingredients

For the cherry sauce layer:

  • 1 pound Superfresh cherries, pitted & halved
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the cheesecake layer:

  • 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream

For crust layer:

  • 9 large graham cracker rectangles (1 small pack)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

 

Cherry cheesecake parfaits with graham crust. A creamy, no-bake dessert perfect for any occasion.

Directions

For the cherry sauce layer: 

  1. Measure out and place pitted cherries in a medium-sized bowl.
  2. Prinkle sugar over the cherries and stir to coat. Set out for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a small pot and heat over medium-low heat.
  3. Once the cherries start to heat up and break down a little, add in cornstarch and water mixture (combine beforehand, then add in) and vanilla.
  4. Continue to heat, using the back of a mixing spoon to break up any lumps, until cooked for several minutes and thickened.
  5. Set aside.

For the cheesecake layer: 

  1. In a stand mixer (or a hand mixer), combine cream cheese, sugar, and whipping cream.
  2. Beat mixture until mixed well, scraping down the sides of your bowl as needed.
  3. Transfer the mixture into a piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with the corner cut off).
  4. Set aside.

For the crust layer: 

  1. In a food processor, blend graham crackers until they become crumbs.
  2. Transfer to a small bowl and add melted butter.
  3. Stir to combine.
  4. Set aside.

Assembly: 

  1. Layer crust, cheesecake filling, and cherry sauce.
  2. Then, if desired, pipe a little more filling on top and top with a full cherry and additional graham cracker crumbs as shown.*

*Feel free to make different layers in your parfaits- using more or less filling or adding additional layers as desired. Make them your own, and enjoy! Yummm.

Serving size varies based on the serving cup you use. These are great in small party cups (like ones you can find at a party store), short drinking glasses, or even wine glasses!

Other Recipes