Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits are the perfect combination of creamy, tangy cheesecake filling and sweet, juicy strawberries, all layered into an easy-to-make, elegant dessert. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, this dessert is as delicious as it is beautiful. The crunchy graham cracker crust adds the perfect texture, while the cheesecake filling offers a rich, velvety taste. These parfaits are perfect for a special occasion, a family dessert, or even just a sweet treat after a long day. They’re customizable, portable, and an instant crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the cheesecake filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream, cold
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for extra tang)
For the topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for macerating the strawberries)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. Spoon a small amount of the crust mixture into the bottom of serving glasses or jars, pressing it down gently to create a firm base.
Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add vanilla extract and lemon juice (if using) and continue to beat until combined. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the parfaits: Layer the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust in your serving glasses, spooning the mixture in and smoothing it out with a spatula. Add another layer of graham cracker crust if you like more crunch.
Prepare the strawberries: If you want to macerate the strawberries, toss them in a bowl with sugar and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes until they release their juices. This step is optional but helps to enhance the flavor. Then, spoon the strawberries on top of the cheesecake filling in each parfait.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld. Just before serving, garnish with extra fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 parfaits
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours

Variations

Mixed Berry Parfaits: Add other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a burst of flavor and color.
Chocolate Cheesecake Parfaits: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling for a chocolate twist.
Nutty Crunch: Top the parfaits with crushed nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for an added crunch and flavor contrast.
Sugar-Free Version: Use sugar-free graham crackers, sweeteners like Stevia or monk fruit, and sugar-free whipped cream for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover parfaits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be stored in the glasses or jars, as long as they’re sealed tightly.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat these parfaits—serve them chilled straight from the fridge.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of whipping my own?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought whipped cream for homemade whipped cream, but be sure to use a thick variety to maintain the parfait’s texture.

2. How can I make these parfaits gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or substitute with crushed gluten-free cookies to make this dessert gluten-free.

3. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the parfaits.

4. Can I make the parfaits ahead of time?

Yes, these parfaits are perfect for making ahead. Prepare them the day before and refrigerate them for the best results, allowing the layers to set and the flavors to develop.

5. How do I make the cheesecake filling smoother?

Ensure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the powdered sugar. This will help create a smoother filling. Whipping the heavy cream to stiff peaks before folding it in also ensures the texture stays creamy.

6. Can I make a larger batch of parfaits?

Yes! You can easily double or triple the recipe if you’re serving a crowd. Just adjust the quantity of each layer and the size of your serving glasses.

7. Can I make a no-bake version of these parfaits?

This recipe is already no-bake, as it requires no cooking or baking—just mixing and layering! The only thing you need to do is refrigerate the parfaits to set.

8. Can I make these parfaits in a large dish instead of individual servings?

Yes, you can layer the ingredients in a large trifle dish instead of individual glasses. Just make sure to adjust the amount of each layer to fill the dish.

9. Can I substitute the cream cheese for something lighter?

For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt, mascarpone, or a light cream cheese option.

10. Can I freeze these parfaits?

While you can freeze the parfaits, the texture of the cheesecake filling and graham cracker crust may change slightly once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or after chilling in the fridge.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits are a simple, elegant dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. The creamy cheesecake layers, crunchy graham cracker crust, and sweet strawberries create a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or enjoying a quick dessert at home, these parfaits are sure to impress everyone!