Easy No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits Recipe

This delightful No-Bake Cheesecake Parfait is a summer staple as well as being effortlessly elegant! Whipping the cream cheese with lemon zest makes the filling go light and tangy, which along with the crunchy graham cracker layers adds a perfect textural contrast to this dessert that is so refreshing on a warm day.

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Easy No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits Recipe Ingredients

• The Cheesecake Layer:
  • 2 packages (8-ounce each) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 5 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• The Whipped Topping:
  • 1 cup chilled heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
• The Assembly:
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

How To Make Easy No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits Recipe

1. Beat the base: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), combine the softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, and 5 tablespoons of sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until completely smooth and lump-free.
2. Add zest: Scrape down the bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, the lemon juice, and the lemon zest. Beat for another 3 minutes until the mixture is light, airy, and creamy. Set aside.
3. Whip the cream: In a separate large bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of chilled heavy cream, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the sour cream. Using the whisk attachment or hand mixer, whip on high speed until soft peaks form. (The peaks should flop over gently when you lift the whisk).
4. Prep for assembly: Transfer the cheesecake mixture into a large ziplock bag (or piping bag) and snip off the corner. This makes layering neat and easy!
5. Build the parfaits: Grab 4-6 serving glasses. Spoon a generous layer of crushed graham crackers into the bottom of each glass.
6. Pipe: Pipe a thick layer of the cheesecake mixture over the crumbs.
7. Fruit layer: Top the cheesecake with a layer of fresh berries.
8. Finish: Top each parfait with a big dollop of the sour cream whipped topping. Serve immediately or chill until needed.

Recipe Tips!

• Sour Cream Secret: Adding sour cream to the whipped topping stabilizes the cream so it holds its shape longer, and adds a subtle tang that mimics a baked cheesecake flavor perfectly.
• Room Temp Cheese: The cream cheese must be at room temperature. If it’s cold, you will get lumps that no amount of beating will remove. If you’re in a rush, microwave the unwrapped block for 10-15 seconds.
• Zest First: Zest your lemon directly into the bowl to catch the oils. That’s where the real lemon flavor lives!
• Cookie Crumble: Use a food processor to get fine crumbs, or smash them in a bag with a rolling pin for a chunkier, more rustic texture. Both work great!

What To Serve With Easy No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits Recipe?

This Easy No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits Recipe is a self-contained dessert joy! However, a crisp Almond Biscotti stuck into the top adds a lovely dipping element. For a boozy twist, macerate the berries in a splash of Grand Marnier or Limoncello before layering! A hot Espresso or a cold Iced Latte is the perfect beverage to cut through the creamy richness.

How To Store Easy No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits Recipe

• Refrigerate: You can assemble these up to 24 hours in advance! The graham crackers will soften slightly into a cake-like texture, which is delicious.
• Prep Ahead: Keep the components (crumbs, filling, fruit) in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days and assemble right before serving for maximum crunch.
• Freeze: Do not freeze these parfaits. The fresh fruit will turn mushy and the whipped cream may separate.

Easy No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 6g

Nutrition information is estimated per parfait (serves 6).

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