No Bake Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling

No Bake Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling is the perfect dessert for those who crave something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This delightful treat features layers of creamy cheesecake filling, tangy cherry pie topping, and a crispy graham cracker crust, all presented beautifully in easy-to-assemble parfaits. It’s an uncomplicated recipe that beckons for special occasions or simple family gatherings, promising a comforting finish to any meal without the need for baking. In this post, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dessert, showcasing how quick and satisfying it can be.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the standout features of the No Bake Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling is its ease of preparation. With minimal cooking time and just a handful of simple ingredients, it’s a dessert that anyone can master. You won’t need to worry about complex baking techniques or lengthy wait times; instead, this recipe allows you to focus on flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or at a potluck. The combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet cherry topping is irresistible and nostalgic, making it a heartwarming favorite among both kids and adults.

Ingredients

To create this luscious No Bake Cheesecake Parfait, gather the following ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese, softened: This provides the smooth and creamy base for your cheesecake filling.
1 cup sour cream: The sour cream adds a delightful tang that balances the sweetness of the dessert.
1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetness is key for this recipe, and powdered sugar helps achieve a light and fluffy texture.
1 tsp pure vanilla extract: The aromatic essence of vanilla rounds out the flavors beautifully.
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: These provide a crispy, buttery layer that creates a wonderful contrast with the creamy filling.
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter helps bind the crust ingredients together, adding richness.
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling: Juicy and sweet, the cherry topping crowns your parfait and adds a pop of color.

Each ingredient contributes to a sensory experience: the creaminess of the cheesecake, the crunch of the graham cracker crust, and the bright sweetness of the cherries create a delightful symphony of flavors and textures.

Step-by-Step Directions

Creating a No Bake Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these easy steps to make your own:

Prep the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy. Next, add the sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s fluffy and well-combined, ensuring a delectable consistency.
Make the Graham Cracker Crust: In another bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand, providing a crunchy base for your parfait.
Layer Your Parfait: In individual jars or parfait glasses, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a spoonful of the graham cracker crust at the bottom. Follow with a layer of the creamy cheesecake mixture, and then top with a generous amount of cherry pie filling.
Repeat Layers: Continue to repeat the layers of graham cracker crust, cheesecake filling, and cherry topping until the jars are full, ensuring the last layer showcases the vibrant cherry topping on top.
Chill Out: Place your assembled parfaits in the refrigerator and allow them to chill for at least one hour. This step is essential as it helps the flavors meld and the cheesecake filling set slightly for a firmer texture.

Tips & Tricks

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure to use softened cream cheese at room temperature for the smoothest cheesecake filling.
Personalize Your Topping: Feel free to substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit toppings such as strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry for a different flavor profile.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste your cheesecake mixture before layering. If you prefer it sweeter, simply add more powdered sugar according to your liking.
Jar Sizes: Using different sizes of jars can create a beautiful display that accommodates all your guests.
Garnishes: Consider adding fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on top for added texture and presentation.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These No Bake Cheesecake Parfaits are incredibly versatile! Serve them for various occasions, such as birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or even casual family dinners. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for adults, while kids might enjoy them alongside a glass of milk. For a festive touch, consider serving them in decorative jars or cups and adorning the table with colorful napkins and utensils.

Nutritional Information

Each parfait container typically contains roughly 300-350 calories, depending on portion size and added ingredients. Overall, this dessert provides a nice balance of fats from the cream cheese and butter, carbohydrates from the graham crackers, and sweet energy from the cherry filling. It’s best enjoyed in moderation, as it’s a rich and satisfying treat.

Storing Tips & Variations

If you have leftovers, you can store these parfaits covered in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change once thawed. If you want to switch it up, experiment with different layer combinations or add whipped cream between layers for extra creaminess. Feel free to explore other flavors, like chocolate cheesecake or lemon cheesecake, using the same layering technique.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve discovered how to make No Bake Cheesecake Parfaits with Cherry Pie Filling, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Let us know how your layers turned out and if you added any personal twists to your dessert. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these parfaits a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
You could substitute crushed cookies like Oreos or digestive biscuits if you prefer.
Can I use whipped cream instead of sour cream?
While you could use whipped cream, it will alter the texture and flavor. Sour cream adds a nice tanginess that complements the cheesecake well.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe typically yields about 4-6 servings, depending on the size of your jars.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dessert gluten-free, use a gluten-free version of graham cracker crumbs or another gluten-free cookie alternative.