No-Bake Lemon Basil Cheesecake Parfaits

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and tangy no-bake cheesecake layered with lemon curd and fresh basil for a summery dessert parfait. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest 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 350 calories and feeds 6, 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 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
  2. Step 2: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup cold heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold in the cream cheese mixture along with 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil leaves until fully combined.
  3. Step 3: Combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 5 tbsp melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Divide the crumb mixture evenly among 6 parfait glasses, pressing down to form a base layer.
  4. Step 4: Spoon a layer of the lemon basil cheesecake filling over the crust, then add a layer of 1 cup lemon curd divided evenly. Repeat the layers if desired, finishing with a dollop of lemon curd and a sprinkle of chopped basil. Chill parfaits for at least 2 hours before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Bake Lemon Basil Cheesecake Parfaits 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 Lemon Basil Cheesecake Parfaits?

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 Lemon Basil Cheesecake Parfaits?

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 Lemon Basil Cheesecake Parfaits for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Lemon Basil Cheesecake Parfaits?

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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