No Bake Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling

If you’re craving a delicious and easy dessert that’s sure to impress, these No Bake Cheesecake Parfaits with Cherry Pie Filling are the perfect treat. Creamy, rich cheesecake layers paired with the sweet tang of cherry pie filling make these parfaits the ideal dessert for any occasion. The best part? They come together with no baking required, so you can create this indulgent dessert in a fraction of the time.

Made with a combination of softened cream cheese, whipped heavy cream, and sweetened with organic sugar, the cheesecake filling is as smooth and decadent as can be. Each bite is perfectly balanced by the graham cracker crust, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy filling and cherry topping. These parfaits are not only quick and easy to make but are also versatile and customizable. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a barbecue, or just making a batch to enjoy at home, these cheesecake parfaits are bound to be a hit.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. No Baking Required

With no need to turn on the oven, this is a stress-free dessert that you can prepare in no time.

2. Delicious Layering

The contrast between the smooth cheesecake filling, crunchy graham cracker base, and sweet cherry topping creates a delightful layered texture.

3. Perfect for Individual Servings

These parfaits are made in individual servings, making them easy to serve and enjoy at parties or gatherings.

4. Customizable

While cherry pie filling is used here, you can easily swap in other fruit toppings like blueberry, strawberry, or mixed berries.

5. Simple and Quick

The ingredients are easy to find, and the recipe comes together in less than an hour, making it a perfect last-minute dessert.

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Ingredients

• Graham crackers
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Organic sugar
• Heavy whipping cream (40%)
• Cherry pie filling (canned)
• Canned cherries with stems (for garnish)
• Parfait cups
• Pastry bag (for easy assembly)

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Variations

1. Fruit Toppings: Swap the cherry pie filling for other fruit fillings like strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry.
2. Crust Alternatives: Use crushed cookies (like Oreos or Biscoff) instead of graham crackers for a different flavor profile.
3. Whipped Topping: Instead of heavy whipping cream, you can use whipped topping for an even easier option.
4. Add a Liqueur: Add a small splash of amaretto or vanilla extract to the cheesecake filling for a flavor boost.
5. Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top of the parfaits before serving.

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How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Crush the graham crackers into small crumbs by either using a food processor or placing them in a ziplock bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Place a small layer of the graham cracker crumbs at the bottom of each parfait cup, pressing down gently.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and organic sugar, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Parfaits

Using a pastry bag or a spoon, layer the cheesecake filling on top of the graham cracker crumbs in each parfait cup. Use a spoon to smooth out the top of the filling.

Step 4: Add Cherry Pie Filling

Spoon a generous amount of cherry pie filling on top of the cheesecake layer, ensuring each parfait gets a good portion of cherries.

Step 5: Garnish

Top each parfait with a canned cherry with a stem for an elegant finishing touch.

Step 6: Refrigerate

Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to firm up.

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Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
2. Don’t Overwhip the Cream: Be careful not to overwhip the heavy cream. You want it to form stiff peaks but not to be grainy.
3. Use Fresh Toppings: While canned cherry pie filling is delicious, fresh or homemade fruit toppings will give your parfaits an even fresher taste.
4. Customize Layers: Feel free to experiment with different layers or mix-ins, such as crushed cookies or chopped nuts, to add texture.
5. Chill Properly: Make sure to refrigerate the parfaits for a few hours before serving so the layers set and the flavors develop.

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How to Serve

These parfaits are perfect for individual servings, making them a great choice for potlucks, dinner parties, or casual family gatherings. Serve them chilled in their individual cups for a delightful dessert that everyone can enjoy without the need for slicing. They also look great when presented on a dessert table, garnished with a fresh cherry on top.

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Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover parfaits in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The graham cracker crust may soften over time, but the flavors will still remain delicious.

Freezing

While the parfaits are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cheesecake layer (without the cherry topping) for up to 2 weeks. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator and top with fresh or canned cherry pie filling.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these parfaits. Simply enjoy them chilled straight from the refrigerator!

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FAQs

1. Can I use other fruit pie fillings instead of cherry?

Yes, you can easily swap the cherry pie filling for other flavors like blueberry, strawberry, or mixed fruit.

2. Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheesecake filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the parfaits.

3. How do I make the parfaits less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the cheesecake filling or use a sugar substitute.

4. Can I use a pre-made crust instead of making my own with graham crackers?

Yes, store-bought crusts or even crushed cookies can be used for convenience.

5. How long should I chill the parfaits before serving?

Chill the parfaits for at least 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up.

6. Can I use whipped cream instead of heavy cream?

You can use whipped topping instead of heavy cream for a quicker and lighter option, but the texture will be slightly different.

7. Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and a non-dairy whipping cream substitute to make this recipe dairy-free.

8. Can I add nuts to the parfaits?

Certainly! Adding crushed nuts such as almonds or pecans would provide a nice crunch to balance the creaminess.

9. Can I prepare the parfaits in advance?

Yes, you can prepare these parfaits a day or two in advance, just be sure to keep them covered in the refrigerator.

10. Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?

Fresh cherries can be used as a topping, though the flavor may differ slightly from canned pie filling. You can sweeten fresh cherries with sugar if needed.

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Conclusion

These No Bake Cheesecake Parfaits with Cherry Pie Filling are the perfect treat for anyone looking for a quick and indulgent dessert. With a creamy cheesecake filling, a crunchy graham cracker base, and a sweet cherry topping, these parfaits are sure to become a go-to dessert for any occasion. Simple to prepare and perfect for individual servings, they combine flavor, texture, and elegance in one delightful dessert.

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