Description
Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits feature creamy cheesecake filling layered with a crunchy graham cracker crust and sweet strawberries for a delightful dessert.
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)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until everything is mixed evenly. Spoon a small amount of the crust mixture into the bottom of serving glasses or jars, pressing down gently to form a firm base.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and lemon juice (if using) and mix well. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth.
- Layer the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust in your serving glasses, smoothing the mixture with a spatula. Add another layer of graham cracker crust if you prefer more crunch.
- For the strawberries, if desired, toss them with sugar to macerate and enhance their sweetness. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release juices. Spoon the strawberries on top of the cheesecake layer.
- Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, garnish with extra fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookies.
- Use other berries such as blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry parfait.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the cream cheese or use a reduced-fat cream cheese option.
- These parfaits can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parfait
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg