desserts

No-Bake Strawberry Kiwi Cheesecake Parfaits

These No-Bake Strawberry Kiwi Cheesecake Parfaits are a beautifully layered, creamy, and refreshing dessert. With a graham cracker base, smooth cheesecake filling, and fresh fruit toppings, these parfaits are perfect for special occasions or an easy make-ahead treat. They require no baking and are effortlessly elegant, making them a fantastic party dessert!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 small individual pack (or 6 pieces) graham crackers

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup organic sugar
  • 2 cups heavy cream

For the Topping:

  • 3 kiwis, peeled and chopped
  • 8 oz fresh strawberries, chopped

Other Supplies:

  • 12 parfait cups with spoons
  • 14″ pastry bag with Wilton #6B piping tip
  • 16″ pastry bag with Wilton #2A piping tip

Directions

  1. Prepare the Crust – Crush the graham crackers using a food processor or rolling pin. (You can mix in a couple of tablespoons of melted butter to prevent it from becoming too powdery.) Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Fruit – Rinse and chop the strawberries and kiwis into small pieces.
  3. Make the Cheesecake Filling – In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
  4. Add Heavy Cream – Gradually mix in the heavy cream, increasing speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Assemble the Parfaits:
    • Add 2 tbsp of crushed graham crackers to the bottom of each cup.
    • Fill a 16″ piping bag with the cheesecake mixture and pipe about ¼ cup into each cup.
    • Add a layer of chopped strawberries and kiwis.
    • Use a 14″ piping bag with a star tip to pipe a decorative topping of cheesecake cream.
    • Sprinkle the top with remaining graham cracker crumbs.
  6. Chill & Serve – Insert a spoon into each parfait cup and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: ~250 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: ~20g
  • Protein: ~3g
  • Fat: ~18g
  • Saturated Fat: ~10g
  • Sugar: ~15g
  • Fiber: ~2g

The Perfect Balance of Creaminess and Freshness

What makes the No-Bake Strawberry Kiwi Cheesecake Parfaits stand out is their perfect balance of creaminess and freshness. The creamy cheesecake filling is made with just three ingredients—cream cheese, sugar, and heavy cream—which come together to create a smooth and rich texture. The filling is light and fluffy, not overly dense, allowing the fruit to shine through without being overshadowed by the richness of the cheesecake.

The combination of strawberries and kiwis as the topping offers a burst of freshness and a delightful contrast to the creamy filling. The sweet strawberries bring their signature juicy sweetness, while the tangy kiwi adds a zesty, tropical flavor that complements the richness of the cheesecake. Together, these fruits not only elevate the taste but also add a pop of color, making the parfaits visually stunning.

A Deliciously Simple No-Bake Dessert

One of the biggest advantages of this dessert is that it requires no baking, making it a simple and quick option for those who don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The graham cracker crust provides the perfect foundation for the cheesecake filling, and with just a few ingredients, the cheesecake mixture comes together in minutes. Whether you are new to baking or simply want to avoid turning on the oven, these parfaits are an easy solution that delivers impressive results.

The graham cracker crust itself is buttery and slightly crumbly, adding a deliciously crunchy texture to the parfaits. While the crust is often overlooked in cheesecake recipes, it plays an important role in balancing the smooth, creamy filling. The crust also acts as a sturdy base, ensuring that the parfaits hold their shape when served in individual cups.

The Joy of Layering: How the Parfaits Come Together

The magic of parfaits lies in their beautiful layers. When assembling these No-Bake Strawberry Kiwi Cheesecake Parfaits, the process is simple but yields an elegant result. The graham cracker crust serves as the base, followed by a generous layer of the creamy cheesecake mixture. Adding the chopped strawberries and kiwis creates a fresh, fruity layer that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the filling.

To add an extra layer of decorative appeal, the parfaits are topped with another swirl of cheesecake filling piped through a pastry bag. This decorative touch gives the parfaits a professional finish, and the piped cream adds even more creaminess to the dessert. Finally, the parfaits are garnished with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for an added crunch.

Customization and Optional Add-Ins

While the classic combination of strawberries and kiwi is a winner, the No-Bake Strawberry Kiwi Cheesecake Parfaits are highly customizable to suit your personal tastes. For instance, you can easily swap out the strawberries and kiwis for other fruits, such as mango, blueberries, or raspberries. Each fruit will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the parfaits, allowing you to experiment with different combinations and create a variety of parfaits based on seasonal fruits.

Additionally, if you want to add a little more flavor to the cheesecake filling, you can incorporate spices or extracts. A touch of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon can enhance the overall flavor and create a more complex dessert. For a richer flavor, you might even consider adding a spoonful of fruit jam or preserve to the filling before layering it in the cups.

Ideal for Make-Ahead Desserts

These parfaits are an excellent choice for make-ahead desserts. Since they need to chill for at least an hour in the fridge, you can prepare them in advance and simply refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve. This makes them a fantastic option for busy hosts who want to prepare their desserts ahead of time.

In fact, these parfaits taste even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, as the flavors have more time to meld together. The graham cracker crust will soften slightly, absorbing some of the cheesecake filling’s moisture, creating a more cohesive dessert. If you make them the night before, the parfaits will be even firmer and easier to serve, making them ideal for parties or gatherings where you want to prepare ahead of time.

Perfect for Special Occasions

No-Bake Strawberry Kiwi Cheesecake Parfaits are perfect for any celebration. Their vibrant appearance and elegant presentation make them suitable for everything from casual family get-togethers to more formal occasions like birthdays, holidays, or even weddings. Because the parfaits are served in individual cups, they’re easy to serve at parties and allow guests to enjoy their own portion without the need for slicing a larger cake or dessert.

Moreover, since the parfaits are light and refreshing, they’re ideal for warm-weather occasions. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a picnic, or a garden party, these parfaits will provide a cool, satisfying treat that won’t leave you feeling too full. Their fruity topping makes them the perfect end to a meal, offering a sweet yet light alternative to heavier desserts.

Nutritional Benefits of the Parfaits

While these parfaits are indulgent, they also offer some health benefits. The cream cheese and heavy cream provide a good amount of protein and healthy fats, while the fresh fruits add vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants to the mix. Strawberries and kiwis are rich in vitamin C, which is important for immune health, skin health, and overall well-being. Additionally, the fiber in the fruit helps with digestion and can promote satiety, making these parfaits a satisfying treat.

Since the parfaits are made without any added gelatin or eggs, they’re a great option for those following eggless, gluten-free, or gelatin-free diets. The use of fresh ingredients also ensures that the parfaits are free from artificial preservatives or additives, making them a healthier dessert choice for any occasion.

Conclusion

The No-Bake Strawberry Kiwi Cheesecake Parfaits are a beautiful, easy-to-make dessert that offers a perfect balance of creamy cheesecake filling, fruity sweetness, and a crunchy graham cracker crust. Whether you’re serving them at a party, preparing them ahead of time for a special occasion, or simply enjoying them as a refreshing treat, these parfaits are sure to impress. With their vibrant colors, delightful textures, and light flavors, they make the perfect dessert for any celebration. Try them out today and enjoy a simple yet elegant treat that everyone will love!

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