Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Parfait

I was well into my thirties before I discovered the magic of layered desserts. Growing up, dessert meant a slice of cake or a scoop of ice cream – simple and straightforward. When mom tried anything fancier, it usually ended up looking… well, let’s just say Instagram-worthy it was not.

That’s why I love these strawberry cheesecake parfaits so much. They’re practically impossible to mess up, and they look like you spent way more time on them than you actually did. All you need is some basic ingredients, a clear glass, and the ability to stack things on top of each other. Trust me, if I can make these look good, anyone can.

What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?

For cheesecake parfaits, regular full-fat block cream cheese is your best bet – it creates the smoothest, creamiest texture without getting runny. While low-fat cream cheese might seem like a good option, it can make your filling a bit watery and less rich-tasting. Make sure to grab blocks rather than the spreadable kind that comes in tubs, since those contain extra ingredients that can affect how well your parfait sets up. The most important thing is letting your cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing – this helps prevent those annoying lumps that can make your parfait less than perfect. Just take it out of the fridge about an hour before you plan to start making your dessert.

Options for Substitutions

This parfait recipe is pretty flexible and you can make several swaps based on what you have in your kitchen:

• Cream cheese: For a lighter version, you can use Neufchâtel cheese or light cream cheese. Greek yogurt can work too, but your parfait will be less rich and have a tangier taste.
• Heavy cream: Half-and-half can work in a pinch, though the filling won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut cream is a good substitute.
• Graham crackers: Any crunchy cookie works here! Try vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even crushed Oreos (without the cream filling) for a different twist.
• Fresh berries: When fresh berries aren’t in season, thawed frozen berries work just fine. Just drain them well to avoid excess liquid. You can also try other fruits like peaches or mangoes.
• Whipped cream: For a healthier spin, try using Greek yogurt whipped with a bit of honey. Coconut whipped cream is great for a dairy-free version – just refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight and whip the solid part.
• Lemon juice and zest: Orange or lime can work instead of lemon. If you don’t have fresh citrus, you can skip the zest and use bottled juice, though fresh really does taste better!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making parfaits is working with cream cheese that’s not properly softened – cold cream cheese will leave you with lumpy layers instead of the smooth, creamy texture you’re after, so make sure to let it sit at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours before starting.

When layering your parfait, avoid the common mistake of making the layers too thick – thinner layers (about 1-2 tablespoons each) create a better balance of flavors and make it easier to reach all the way to the bottom with your spoon.

To prevent your graham cracker layer from becoming soggy, add it just before serving, and if you’re using fresh berries, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture that could make your layers runny.

For the best presentation and taste, chill your parfait glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling, and serve within 2-3 hours of preparation to maintain the perfect texture of each layer.

What to Serve With Parfaits?

These sweet and creamy parfaits are pretty filling on their own, but there are some nice ways to round out your dessert spread! A hot cup of coffee or tea makes the perfect beverage pairing – the warm, slightly bitter notes balance out the sweetness of the parfait really well. For brunch, I like serving these alongside some fresh fruit, like sliced peaches or a mixed berry medley, which adds nice color to the plate and keeps things fresh. If you’re hosting a dessert party, you can set up a little topping bar with extra berries, crushed cookies, chocolate chips, and nuts so everyone can customize their parfait just how they like it.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These parfaits are best when enjoyed within 2-3 days. Place them in the fridge in airtight containers or cover each glass tightly with plastic wrap. The graham crackers might soften over time, but they’ll still taste great! For the best presentation and texture, add the fresh berries just before serving.

Make Ahead: You can prep these parfaits up to 24 hours in advance – perfect for when you’re planning a party or special dinner! Just layer everything except the fresh berries and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, top with fresh berries and any extra whipped cream you’d like.

Keep Components Separate: If you want to prep even further ahead, make the cheesecake mixture and store it separately from the graham crackers and berries. The cheesecake mixture will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready, just assemble your parfaits!

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	15-20 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2000-2200
• Protein: 15-20 g
• Fat: 130-140 g
• Carbohydrates: 180-200 g

Ingredients

• Two 8-ounce packs of cream cheese at room temperature
• 3 tablespoons of heavy cream
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon vanilla essence
• 1 1/2 cups crumbled graham crackers
• 1 1/2 cups fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries
• 1 cup of whipped cream, either homemade or from the store

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, heavy cream, and sugar.

Beat the mixture until smooth.

Add in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the mixture is light and creamy, about 3 minutes.

This will form the base of your cheesecake parfaits.

Step 2: Ready the Graham Cracker Layer

Take each parfait glass and add a layer of graham crackers to the bottom.

The graham crackers will provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy cheesecake layer.

Step 3: Assemble the Parfaits

Spoon or, for easier assembly, transfer the cheesecake mixture to a sealable plastic bag or piping bag, and pipe it into the glasses over the graham cracker layer.

Add a layer of fruit on top of the cheesecake mixture.

You can choose fruits that pair well with the lemony cheesecake, like berries or banana slices.

Refer to any specific notes or preferences from Kelly’s Notes if available.

Step 4: Add Whipped Cream and Serve

Finish each parfait with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

This adds an extra creamy and slightly sweet finish.

The parfaits are now ready to serve, though all components can be prepared a day in advance for added convenience.

Simply assemble the parfaits prior to serving for the freshest texture.

Step 5: Enjoy the Parfaits

Present your parfaits on a platter or serve them individually.

Enjoy the layered textures and flavors of creamy cheesecake, crunchy graham crackers, and fresh fruit.

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