Go Back
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 cup heavy cream - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 4 tablespoons melted butter - Mint leaves for garnish (optional) If you want to swap ingredients, here are some ideas: - Instead of fresh strawberries, use blueberries or raspberries. - You can use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter option. - Coconut cream works well in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free choice. - For a gluten-free crust, use gluten-free graham crackers. Gather these tools before you start: - Mixing bowls for combining ingredients - Electric mixer or whisk for beating cream cheese and whipping cream - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy - Serving glasses or jars for layering the parfaits - Plastic wrap for chilling the parfaits in the fridge Getting these ingredients and tools ready will make your cooking smoother. Enjoy the fun of creating your strawberry lemon cheesecake parfaits! First, take your fresh strawberries. Cut off the green tops and dice them into small pieces. Place the diced strawberries in a bowl. Add one tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently to mix. Let the strawberries sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps them release their sweet juices. You’ll love the flavor they develop! Now, grab a mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese to it. Beat the cream cheese with a mixer until it is smooth. This step is key for a creamy cheesecake layer. Next, add the powdered sugar, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix everything until well combined. The lemon gives a nice zing to the cheesecake! In a separate bowl, pour in one cup of heavy cream. Use a mixer to whip the cream until stiff peaks form. This means the cream holds its shape. Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mix. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream. This keeps your layer light and fluffy. For the crust, take another bowl. Combine one cup of graham cracker crumbs with four tablespoons of melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs look moist. This will be your tasty crust for the parfaits. It adds a nice crunch! Now, it's time to layer. Grab your serving glasses or jars. Start with a spoonful of the graham cracker mixture at the bottom. Next, add a layer of the cheesecake mix. Then, add a layer of the macerated strawberries. Repeat these layers until the glasses are full. Make sure to end with the cheesecake layer on top. Looks good, right? Cover the parfaits with plastic wrap. Place them in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling time helps the flavors blend well. Just before serving, garnish each parfait with a fresh strawberry and a sprig of mint if you like. Now, you have a beautiful dessert ready to impress everyone! - Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. They add a sweet and juicy touch. - Let the strawberries sit with sugar. This step helps them release their sweet juices. - Whip the cream until stiff peaks form. This gives your parfaits a light and airy texture. - Fold the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mix. This keeps the mixture fluffy and smooth. - Chill the parfaits for at least two hours. This helps the flavors blend nicely. - Don't skip the sugar with the strawberries. Skipping this can lead to bland fruit. - Avoid over-mixing the whipped cream. This can make it grainy and lose its fluffiness. - Ensure the cream cheese is softened. Cold cream cheese will not mix well and can cause lumps. - Don't rush the chilling process. Serving too soon can affect the texture and taste. - Serve in clear glasses for a pretty view of the layers. It makes your dessert look inviting. - Garnish with a mint leaf and a fresh strawberry. This adds color and a touch of elegance. - Pair with a light dessert wine for an adult twist. It makes for a fun dessert experience. - Enjoy with friends or family for a special treat. Sharing makes it even more delightful! {{image_2}} You can change the fruit in these parfaits for a new taste. Try blueberries or raspberries. They work well with lemon. You can also mix fruits for fun layers. Just make sure the fruits are fresh and ripe. This will keep the flavors bright and tasty. If you want to cut sugar, there are many options. Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. You can also try agave nectar for a different sweetness. If you need a low-calorie choice, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Adjust the amount to your taste. Each sweetener brings its own flavor, so choose one you like. You can make this dessert fit your diet. For gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed nuts for the crust. If you want a vegan version, replace cream cheese with a cashew cream or tofu blend. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and maple syrup as a sweetener. These changes keep the dessert tasty and fun for everyone. To store leftovers, place the parfaits in an airtight container. Cover them with a lid or plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh and prevents any odors from getting in. You can keep your parfaits in the fridge for up to three days. If you add fresh strawberries or mint, do this right before serving. You can freeze the parfaits, but it may affect the texture. To freeze, place each parfait in a freezer-safe container. Seal it well to avoid freezer burn. They can last in the freezer for up to two months. When you are ready to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Enjoy them cold for a refreshing treat. The shelf life of these parfaits varies. If stored in the fridge, they stay good for three days. If you freeze them, they can last up to two months. After thawing, enjoy them within two days for the best taste. Always check for any changes in color or smell before eating. Keeping an eye on freshness helps you enjoy your parfaits at their best! Yes, you can make these parfaits a day in advance. They taste even better after sitting in the fridge. Just layer and chill them in your serving glasses. This makes your prep easy for parties or gatherings. Just remember to cover them well with plastic wrap. If you want a cream cheese substitute, try Greek yogurt. It gives a tangy taste and creamy texture. You could also use mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor. For dairy-free options, cashew cream works well too. Just blend soaked cashews until smooth and creamy. No-bake desserts like these parfaits last about three days in the fridge. Store them in airtight containers to keep them fresh. The strawberries may soften over time, but the flavor will stay great. Enjoy them within a few days for the best taste! This blog post covered how to make delicious strawberry parfaits. We explored key ingredients, needed tools, and easy step-by-step instructions. I shared tips to ensure your parfaits turn out perfectly and discussed ways to adapt the recipe for different diets. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best taste. These parfaits are fun and simple. With the right techniques, you can impress anyone. Enjoy making your own tasty treats!

Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Parfaits No Bake

Indulge in the delightful layers of Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Parfaits! This easy dessert features fresh strawberries, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a crunchy graham cracker crust that will satisfy your sweet cravings. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special treat at home. Ready to make a delicious and refreshing dessert? Click through for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to create this luscious parfait!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced

1 tablespoon sugar

1 cup heavy cream

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

4 tablespoons melted butter

Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Strawberries: In a bowl, combine the diced strawberries and sugar. Stir gently to combine and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to release their juices.

    Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined.

      Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until incorporated, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream.

        Prepare the Crust: In another bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well combined. This will create your crumbly crust for the parfaits.

          Assemble the Parfaits: In serving glasses or jars, layer the ingredients starting with a spoonful of the graham cracker mixture at the bottom. Follow with a layer of the cheesecake mixture, then a layer of the macerated strawberries. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled, ending with the cheesecake layer on top.

            Chill: Cover the parfaits with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

              Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish each parfait with a fresh strawberry on top and a sprig of mint if desired.

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2.5 hours | Servings: 4