No Bake Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling

No Bake Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling: A Luscious, Effortless Dessert Dream 🍒🍰✨

1. Introduction

If you’re craving a creamy, dreamy dessert without the hassle of baking, this No Bake Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling is your perfect match! Combining layers of buttery graham cracker crumbs, velvety cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry pie topping, this dessert is as stunning as it is delicious. Ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a quick sweet fix, this no bake cheesecake parfait is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes—no oven required!

Looking for more easy dessert ideas? Check out our complete recipe collection for inspiration!

2. Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (try crushing your own for extra freshness!)
• ¼ cup melted butter (unsalted works best for controlling sweetness)
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat gives the creamiest texture)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted to prevent lumps)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (pure vanilla makes a difference)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled for best whipping results)
• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or try homemade using this amazing recipe)
• Fresh cherries and whipped cream for garnish (optional but beautiful)

If you love cherry desserts, you might also enjoy our White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters for another fruity treat!

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust Layer

In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. Spoon a generous layer into the bottom of your serving glasses or jars, pressing lightly to form a firm base. Pro tip: Use the back of a spoon to compact the crumbs for a perfect foundation.

For more crumb-based desserts, try our Easter Crack recipe – it’s another no-bake favorite!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until perfectly smooth (about 2 minutes). Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, blending until fully incorporated and fluffy. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form (about 3-4 minutes). Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until light and airy – this creates that perfect no bake cheesecake texture we all love!

Love creamy desserts? Our Lucky Charms Ice Cream Sundae is another must-try creamy treat!

Step 3: Layer the Parfait

Spoon a thick layer of the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker base (about 1/2 inch), followed by a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling (let those beautiful cherries shine!). Repeat the layers—another graham cracker crumb layer, more cheesecake, and another cherry layer—until the glass is nearly full. Finish with a beautiful dollop of cherry pie filling on top and maybe a few whole cherries peeking out for presentation.

For more layered dessert ideas, check out our Millionaire Brownies with their gorgeous caramel layer!

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 1 hour (2 hours is even better) to allow the layers to set properly. This chilling time helps all the flavors meld together beautifully. Before serving, add a final flourish with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a perfect fresh cherry on top. For extra elegance, you could even grate some white chocolate over the top or add a sprig of mint.

Need a quick breakfast idea while your parfaits chill? Try our breakfast recipes for delicious morning options!

4. Tips for the Perfect No Bake Cheesecake Parfait

• Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, creamiest texture (low-fat versions can make the filling runny)
• For a fun twist, swap cherry pie filling with blueberry or strawberry (or use a mix!)
• Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream – this helps it whip up faster and hold its shape better
• Serve in clear glasses or mason jars to showcase the beautiful layers (presentation is half the fun!)
• Make individual portions in small jars for parties or one large trifle bowl for family-style serving

For more perfect dessert tips, browse our snack recipes section!

5. Variations

• Chocolate Lover’s Parfait: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling and use chocolate graham crackers for the crust layer
• Lemon Berry Parfait: Mix 1 tbsp lemon zest into the cheesecake filling and top with mixed fresh berries instead of cherries
• Nutty Crunch: Substitute graham crackers with crushed vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even gingersnaps for a spiced version
• Peanut Butter Cup: Swirl 1/4 cup peanut butter into the cheesecake filling and top with chocolate sauce

Love cookie variations? Check out our cookie recipes for more inspiration!

6. Storage Instructions

Store assembled parfaits in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (cover tightly with plastic wrap). For longer storage (up to 5 days), keep components separate and assemble just before serving. The graham cracker layer may soften over time when assembled, so if you’re making ahead for more than a day, you might want to store the crumbs separately and add them fresh when serving.

For more make-ahead dessert ideas, try our Butterbeer Cookies that stay fresh for days!

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is actually an ideal make-ahead dessert. Assemble the parfaits a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve. The flavors actually improve with a little time to meld together.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of pie filling?

Definitely! Simmer 2 cups frozen cherries with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tbsp cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tbsp water) over medium heat until thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Let cool completely before using.

Is there a dairy-free alternative?

Yes! Substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese (Kite Hill makes a great one) and use coconut whipped cream (chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight, then whip the solid part).

Can I use different fruit toppings?

Of course! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, or even apple pie filling. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or mango also works beautifully.

8. Why You’ll Love This No Bake Cheesecake Parfait

• Quick and easy—no baking required (perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven)
• Perfect for entertaining (impressive looking but secretly simple) or a personal treat (because you deserve it!)
• Endlessly customizable with different flavors (change it up every time you make it)
• Light yet indulgent texture (the perfect balance of creamy and fruity)
• Portion-controlled servings (unless you go back for seconds… which you probably will)
• Great for all ages (kids and adults alike go crazy for these)

For more crowd-pleasing desserts, explore our white chocolate recipes collection!

9. Conclusion

This No Bake Cheesecake Parfait with Cherry Pie Filling is truly a dessert lover’s dream—simple enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions. The combination of crunchy graham cracker crumbs, velvety cheesecake filling, and sweet-tart cherry topping creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors in every spoonful. Best of all, you can customize it endlessly based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, need a quick dessert for unexpected guests, or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this no bake cheesecake parfait delivers every time. The beautiful layered presentation makes it look like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality it comes together in minutes. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a new favorite in your dessert rotation!

Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share your creations with us on social media. We love seeing your delicious recreations of our recipes!

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