No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits with Graham Cracker Crumble

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and airy cheesecake layered with fresh strawberries and crunchy graham cracker crumble, perfect for an effortless no-bake treat. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers cream cheese, softened, 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 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese, 2/3 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and fluffy.
  3. Step 3: Combine 1 cup crushed graham crackers with 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter and 1 tsp lemon zest in a small bowl. Stir until moist and crumbly.
  4. Step 4: In 4 serving glasses, layer 2 tbsp graham cracker crumble, followed by 1/4 cup cheesecake filling, then 3 tbsp sliced fresh strawberries. Repeat the layers once more topping with strawberries.
  5. Step 5: Refrigerate parfaits for at least 2 hours to set before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Bake Strawberry 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 Strawberry 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 Strawberry 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 Strawberry 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 Strawberry 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.