Introduction
Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling is the perfect layered dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the sweetness of cherry pie filling in an easy-to-serve, individual parfait. These no-bake parfaits are made with a creamy, tangy cheesecake layer and topped with a luscious, tart cherry filling, making for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. With a crunchy graham cracker base and silky-smooth cheesecake, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or just looking for a fun treat, these parfaits will wow your guests.
I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. The individual parfaits were a hit, and everyone loved how the layers came together with just the right balance of creamy and sweet. What’s great about these parfaits is how customizable they are—you can adjust the sweetness of the cheesecake layer or even switch up the fruit topping depending on the season. If cherries aren’t in season, you can easily swap them for other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or even a mix of fresh berries.
These parfaits are surprisingly simple to prepare, too. With just a few basic ingredients and a few minutes of assembly, you can create a beautiful, indulgent dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes. Whether you’re looking for a no-bake treat for a busy day or a fancy dessert to impress at a dinner party, these cheesecake parfaits are guaranteed to be a hit!
Perfect for:
- Family gatherings
- Picnics
- Dinner parties
- Celebrations
- Dessert trays
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling will become your new favorite dessert:
- No-Bake Convenience: These parfaits are quick and easy to make, no baking required.
- Layered Perfection: The combination of creamy cheesecake, crunchy graham crackers, and sweet cherry filling creates the perfect bite in every spoonful.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these parfaits ahead of time, saving you time on the day of your event.
- Customizable: Feel free to use other fruit fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry for a fun twist.
- Individually Served: Serving these parfaits in individual cups makes them easy to enjoy and share.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling:
For the Crust Layer:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
For the Cherry Pie Filling:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or homemade if preferred)
For Garnish (optional):
- Whipped cream
- Fresh cherries or mint leaves
Ingredient Highlights
- Cream Cheese: Adds richness and creaminess to the cheesecake layer.
- Heavy Cream: Helps create a fluffy, smooth texture for the cheesecake.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provide the base for the parfait with a satisfying crunch.
- Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet, tangy cherry filling brings a burst of flavor to each bite.
- Lemon Juice: A touch of lemon brightens the cheesecake flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling:
Prepare the Crust Layer:
- Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Layer the Crust in Cups: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each serving glass or cup. Press down lightly to form a firm crust.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
- Whip the Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and smooth. Add lemon juice if using.
Assemble the Parfaits:
- Layer the Cheesecake Filling: Spoon or pipe a generous layer of the cheesecake mixture on top of the graham cracker crust in each cup.
- Add the Cherry Pie Filling: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of cherry pie filling on top of the cheesecake layer.
- Repeat the Layers (Optional): If you have enough ingredients, you can repeat the layers for extra height and flavor. Finish with a dollop of cherry pie filling on top.
Chill the Parfaits:
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 40 minutes to allow the cheesecake layer to firm up and the flavors to meld together.
Serve and Garnish:
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, top each parfait with whipped cream, fresh cherries, or mint leaves for a decorative touch. Serve chilled.
How to Serve
- As a Light Dessert: Perfect for a refreshing and light dessert after a heavy meal.
- For Special Occasions: These parfaits are great for birthdays, holidays, or celebrations.
- For a Picnic or Potluck: These individual servings are easy to transport and share.
- With a Side of Fruit: Serve with additional fresh berries or a fruit salad for a lighter option.
Additional Tips
- Soften the cream cheese for a smoother texture.
- Use homemade cherry pie filling if you want a more homemade touch.
- If you don’t have whipped cream, you can substitute with cool whip or a whipped topping.
- Keep the parfaits refrigerated until ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Blueberry Cheesecake Parfaits
- Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits
- Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits
- Peach Cheesecake Parfaits
- Chocolate Cheesecake Parfaits with Cherry Pie Filling
- Lemon Cheesecake Parfaits with Mixed Berries
- Vegan Cheesecake Parfaits with Cherry Topping
- Caramel Cheesecake Parfaits with Chopped Nuts
- Key Lime Cheesecake Parfaits
- Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Parfaits
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: These parfaits can be frozen for up to 1 month. Simply wrap them tightly and freeze. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.
Special Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Serving cups or glasses
- Whisk for whipping cream
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different fruit filling? Yes, feel free to substitute with blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry pie filling.
- Can I make these parfaits ahead of time? Yes, they can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Can I make the cheesecake layer without heavy cream? Yes, but the texture may be less fluffy.
- Can I use graham cracker crumbs from a store-bought crust? Yes, you can use premade crumbs for convenience.
- Can I add a crumble topping? Yes, add a sprinkle of granola or crushed graham crackers on top for extra crunch.
Conclusion
These Cheesecake Parfaits with Cherry Pie Filling are a delightful, no-bake treat that’s as delicious as it is impressive. With layers of creamy cheesecake, a crunchy graham cracker crust, and a sweet, tangy cherry topping, each bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ideal for any occasion, these parfaits are quick to prepare, making them perfect for everything from casual family gatherings to picnics or even a sweet snack. The best part? They’re just as easy to make ahead as they are to enjoy, so you can focus on enjoying the moment.
I’d love to see how your Cheesecake Parfaits turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy every spoonful!