This No Bake Cheesecake Parfait is the easiest way to make an extra-special, crowd-pleasing dessert with almost no effort. You get all the creamy goodness of classic cheesecake layered with crunchy cookie crumbs, fresh fruit, whipped cream, and whatever fun toppings your heart desires, without turning on the oven. The customizable parfait setup makes it perfect for feeding a group. Everyone gets their own little treat, and doesn’t everything taste better eaten out of a fancy glass? Originally published April 11, 2014.
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Do you ever misspell a word so many times that even when you get it right it looks wrong?
Parfat. Parfaight. Parfaite. Parfaaaaaaaaay. Spellcheck and Google are both reassuring me that parfait is correct, but I can’t trust anyone anymore. They’re ALL WRONG.
I’m pretty sure this is a French word, always a dangerous road when it comes to spelling. Like charlatan, for example. The first time I thought of naming my blog The Food Charlatan I googled how to spell ‘charlatan’ first. (Who would have guessed that “a” is the only vowel?) When I’m talking to people In Real Life and they want to know how to find my blog I say, first Google charlatan, then Google food charlatan. Prooooobably I should get some business cards.
Cheesecake parfaits: the star of your next party
Eric was so sad that I finished off the last of this parfait without him that he left for the store to buy more ingredients for it within minutes of learning that I was a bad sharer. That’s how good it is. I didn’t even mind making it again because it requires like zero effort. (Also, we had leftover toppings. It’s easy to run into the too-much-milk-now-I-need-more-cereal problem with this dessert.)
I love this no bake parfait idea so much that I used it Charlotte’s 3rd birthday party. I had no plans to post it on the blog, but EVERYONE at the party was raving about it and 2 people texted me that week for the recipe because they were already planning on using it to entertain.
As far as party food goes, this recipe is preeeeeetty tough to beat. 100% make ahead-able? Check. Adaptable to different tastes and audiences? Check. Easy to serve? It’s self-serve. Check. 1000% delicious? Triple check.
The cheesecake layer is basic and can be paired with just about anything. I used cherry pie filling, strawberries, blueberries (with lemon zest!) aaaaaaaand some Chocolate Covered Sea Salt Butterscotch Caramels. Of course. Because I’m obsessed. Don’t doubt me. It was awesome. #sorrynotsorry
I think this No Bake Cheesecake Parfait Bar would be an awesome dessert to serve at an Easter gathering. Light, fresh, and portable, so that you can carry it with you while you are sneaking your kids’ Easter candy helping them search for eggs.
Featured Comment
“It’s always so hard to find super easy but delicious desserts out there, and this one was parfection! Me(and all of my siblings) thank you. It was a big hit!
– Eveny B.
Key ingredients
Guess what that cheesecake layer is you guys? Three ingredients. That’s it.
- Cream cheese – Skip the reduced fat, or, even worse, fat free. You need the full fat stuff here.
- Sweetened condensed milk aka liquid magic.
- Vanilla bean paste – You can totally use regular vanilla in this recipe. It will taste great. But it will taste AMAZING if you use vanilla bean paste. I asked for it for Christmas and got this huge giant bottle. I swear I use it like every other day.
How to make no bake cheesecake parfaits
Beat the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until it’s silky smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla (or vanilla bean paste!) and mix until everything is fully combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
Look at those vanilla specks. I. love. it
Transfer the cheesecake filling to a pretty serving bowl, cover, and chill for 2-3 hours so it gets nice and cool.
While that chills, melt the butter in a medium bowl and stir in the graham cracker crumbs. But don´t pulverize them into dust. You want those little crunchy bits.
Set out all your toppings in separate bowls and let everyone build their own parfait masterpiece. More whipped cream? Absolutely. Extra cookie crumbs? Yes please. Dessert is served!
What toppings should I use for my parfait?
The real fun here comes from the toppings. I had fun brainstorming some other flavors you could use. But go wild. This is your dessert.
- Apple pie filling with caramel and crumble topping
- Oreo and chocolate syrup
- Peanut butter and Snickers
- Roasted bananas and butterscotch sauce
- Raspberry pistachio
- Peppermint ganache
- Don´t forget about Chocolate Covered Sea Salt Butterscotch Caramels. Of course. Because I’m obsessed.
How to store leftover cheesecake parfaits
Store any leftover cheesecake filling covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the graham cracker crumbs and toppings stored separately so everything stays fresh and crunchy.
Can I freeze leftover parfaits?
Yes! The cheesecake filling freezes beautifully! Transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then give it a quick stir before serving. I don’t recommend freezing the assembled parfaits. Use fresh toppings and graham crackers when reassembling.
More No-Bake Desserts
No Bake Cheesecake Parfait Bar
Ingredients
- 2 8-oz packages cream cheese, or neufchâtel, softened
- 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla, or 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- Your choice of toppings: pie filling, fresh fruit, lemon zest, chopped up brownies, chocolate chips, caramel sauce, etc.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until completely smooth, 1-2 minutes.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla (or vanilla bean paste) and combine thoroughly, scraping the sides.
- Transfer to a pretty bowl, cover, and refrigerate until chilled 2-3 hours.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium bowl. Add the graham cracker crumbs (they don’t have to be perfectly crushed) and mix it up.
- Divide toppings among separate bowls.
- Let people serve themselves! Party on.
Reduced fat cream cheese?? Are you kidding?? No way! This is too good to compromise on anything!
Hmm it appears like your site ate my first comment (it was
extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything.
Do you have any suggestions for beginner blog writers? I’d certainly appreciate
it.
Bummer for eaten comments! Dumb internet. I’m glad you’re enjoying my blog Saleh! My biggest advice for writing a blog is to be consistent. With you voice, your style, your number of posts, etc. Good luck blogging!
It’s always sooo hard to find super easy but delicious desserts out there and this one was Parfection…… Me (and all of my siblings) thank you. It was a big hit! <3
You are hands down my favorite food blogger! LOVE IT! ^.^
Thank you Eveny! It makes me so happy to hear that!!
Your desserts look great! Can I ask how long can this last in the fridge or freezer?
I found this recipe by google randomly and decided to try it for a farewell party at work. Everyone loved it! Thank you for posting this!
I’m so glad it was a success Alejandra! I literally just had this again last night at my cousin’s house. It’s rapidly becoming a family favorite :) Thanks for commenting!
This is such a fun idea! Looks delicious too! I am a terrible speller, and I regularly spell words incorrectly. It’s terrible!
This is such a great post Karen! Also can I just say, I think we would be friends in real life! You CRACK me up! I am always convinced I am mispelling words I write a lot. Gorgeous photos and great variations of cheesecakes! Pinned :)
Oh man I am SO glad I’m not the only one who has ended up in a downward spiral of messed up milk to cereal ratio. I’ve learned it also happens with chips and salsa and ice cream and cake. It’s a dangerous game. And I’m sure this cheesecake parfait would make it even more dangerous. I love that you were inspired by a Galentine’s Day recipe! Now I have not one but three solid recommendations for this dish. Clearly, it needs to happen.
I always get hung up on the word frittata. I know it has a double “t” but I always get confused when it comes to placement. I really need to get on this parfait bar…like, soon. So many options. Pinned.
This is beyond fabulous. When are you inviting me over so I can indulge in some of your awesome treats? That vanilla bean paste looks to die for. I’ve never heard of it and now I MUST try it. Seriously, I am pretty sure I’ll still be thinking about it when I hit my pillow tonight! XOXO
Yum yum! What a fun idea for a party! I’m a bad sharer too. My husband doesn’t even try anymore, which I’m fine with ;)
These parfaits look divine- I love no-bake desserts!
Salted caramels? Oh man, I really want to try this again with chocolate and those delicious versatile caramels :)
they really are versatile aren’t they? At least when I’m around to shove them in everything.
As I read this I had 3 questions about vanilla bean paste, and by the time I finished reading you had answered them all?