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Easy No-Bake Berry Cheesecake Parfaits

no-bake berry cheesecake parfaits - featured image
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A quick and simple no-bake dessert featuring creamy cheesecake layers, fresh berry compote, and a crumbly graham cracker crust, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen; blueberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated and look like wet sand. Press about 2 tablespoons of this crumb mixture into the bottom of each parfait glass to create a firm base. Set aside.
  2. Make the berry compote: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine mixed berries, honey, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until berries soften and release juices. If too runny, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  3. Prepare the cheesecake filling: Using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla extract and mix briefly.
  4. Whip the heavy cream: In a cold bowl, beat heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes on medium-high speed.
  5. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture: Gently fold one-third of whipped cream into cream cheese mixture to lighten it, then fold in remaining cream until well combined and airy.
  6. Assemble the parfaits: Spoon or pipe a layer of cheesecake filling over the crust in each glass. Add a layer of cooled berry compote. Repeat layers as desired, finishing with a berry topping. Chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Keep cream cheese at room temperature before mixing for smooth filling. Use a light hand when folding whipped cream to keep mixture airy. Chill parfaits at least 2 hours to set. Assemble the night before for convenience. Frozen berries should be thawed and drained to avoid watery parfaits. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour for graham cracker crumbs. For dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake, cheesecake, berry parfait, summer dessert, easy dessert, quick dessert, no oven dessert

Find it online: https://spoonette.com/easy-no-bake-berry-cheesecake-parfaits-recipe-for-perfect-summer-desserts/