No-Bake Cherry Pie Parfaits

Creating the perfect whipped cream is essential for your Cherry Bliss No-Bake Parfaits. Start with cold heavy cream, as the temperature significantly affects how well it whips. Use a chilled mixing bowl and beaters to further enhance the whipping process. Whip the cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. At this stage, gradually add powdered sugar to sweeten the cream without compromising its volume. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form—this means the cream should hold its shape well when you lift the beaters.

Beat the heat this summer with Cherry Bliss No-Bake Parfaits, a delightful dessert that requires no oven! These visually stunning parfaits feature vibrant layers of fresh cherries, creamy vanilla cream cheese, and a crunchy graham cracker base. They are easy to prepare, making them perfect for picnics or family gatherings. With a balance of sweet and tart flavors, this refreshing treat promises to impress. Plus, they can be made ahead for stress-free entertaining!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and roughly chopped

1 tablespoon granulated sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of the cherries)

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream

8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for whipped cream)

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup slivered almonds or chopped walnuts (optional, for added crunch)

Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Cherry Mixture:

If using fresh cherries, rinse them thoroughly, remove the pits, and chop them into smaller pieces. For frozen cherries, allow them to thaw and then drain any excess juice. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the prepared cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gently toss the ingredients together until the cherries are well coated. Set the mixture aside to macerate for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and the additional teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing well until the mixture is completely combined and creamy without any lumps.

Whip the Cream:

In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until it reaches soft peaks. This means that when you lift the whisk, the cream should hold its shape but still be a bit floppy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Take care not to deflate the whipped cream; the goal is to keep the mixture light and airy.

Layer the Parfaits:

In each clear glass or parfait cup, start by adding about 2 tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs to the bottom. Follow this with a layer of the cherry mixture (also about 2 tablespoons). Then, add a layer of the cream cheese mixture, using about 3 tablespoons. Repeat these layers until you reach the top of the glass, finishing with a final layer of the cherry mixture for a beautiful presentation.

Add Crunch (Optional):

For an extra textural element, consider sprinkling a layer of slivered almonds or chopped walnuts between the layers for added crunch and flavor.

Chill and Serve:

Cover each parfait with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the parfaits to set properly. Just before serving, garnish each parfait with fresh mint leaves and a cherry on top for a delightful finishing touch.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour chilling | Serves 4.