No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits with Graham Cracker Crumble

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Layers of smooth cream cheese filling, tart cherry compote, and buttery graham cracker crumble create an easy, elegant no-bake dessert parfait. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup cold heavy cream with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and fluffy.
  4. Step 4: Combine 10 crushed graham crackers with 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter in a small bowl and mix until evenly coated and crumbly.
  5. Step 5: In serving glasses, layer 2 tbsp graham cracker crumble, then 1/4 cup cream cheese filling, followed by 2 tbsp cherry pie filling. Repeat once more to create two layers.
  6. Step 6: Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and filling to set.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits with Graham Cracker Crumble take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits with Graham Cracker Crumble?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits with Graham Cracker Crumble?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits with Graham Cracker Crumble for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits with Graham Cracker Crumble?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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