These No Bake Cheesecake Parfaits are layered with buttery graham cracker crumbs, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh berries for an easy dessert that's as pretty as it is delicious. Made with cream cheese and Greek yogurt, they have all the flavor of cheesecake without having to turn on the oven.
When berry season rolls around, fresh strawberries and blueberries add bright flavor and beautiful color, making these parfaits perfect for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, and Fourth of July celebrations. Best of all, they can be made ahead, making party prep a little easier.
If you love creamy desserts, also try my Greek yogurt fruit dip.
Pick This Recipe If:
- You're looking for a make-ahead treat for a party or cookout. Since they're served in individual cups or jars, they're easy to transport, easy to serve, and perfect for parties.
- You love cheesecake but don't want to bake one. The cheesecake filling comes together in just a few minutes with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- You need a patriotic dessert for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July.
- You want an easy no-bake dessert that looks impressive with minimal effort.
If it's strawberry season and you have extra berries on hand, check out more ideas of what to make with fresh strawberries.
Ingredient Notes
- Cream Cheese: For the smoothest filling, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. I tested this recipe with both Philadelphia cream cheese and Aldi cream cheese, and both worked well.
- Greek Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt creates a rich, creamy texture and adds a slight tang that's similar to traditional cheesecake. I also made this recipe for our son Luke's 11th birthday (Happy Birthday, buddy!) and used nonfat plain yogurt that worked nicely.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries and blueberries create a beautiful red white and blue dessert that's perfect for patriotic holidays, but feel free to swap in your favorite berries.
If you love berry desserts, be sure to try my Raspberry Oatmeal Bars too.
How to Make Graham Cracker Crumbs
I don't keep graham crackers on hand and make my own instead. Here's how:
Zip Top Bag Method - Place graham cracker sheets in a gallon-size zip top bag and seal tightly. Use a rolling pin to crush the crackers into crumbs. I like to roll over the bag a few extra times to catch any larger pieces hiding in the corners.
Food Processor Method
Food Processor Method - Add graham crackers to a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form.
Both methods work well, but I usually reach for the zip top bag method because it saves washing another kitchen gadget. Plus, some days, pulverizing graham cracker crumbs is just what I need.
How to Make No Bake Cheesecake Parfaits
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust Layer. In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Divide the mixture between four small dessert cups, mason jars, or parfait glasses, gently pressing to the bottom of the container. The bottom of a small glass or even a shot glass works well here.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add the Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and fully combined.
Note: You really will want to use an electric mixer of some sort here to get all the lumps out and a smooth cheesecake texture.
- Assemble the Parfaits. Spoon half of the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker layer.
Alternatively, you can add the filling to a piping bag (or a ziptop bag with a hole snipped in the corner) and pipe in the cheesecake layer.
Top with half of the chopped strawberries and blueberries.
Repeat with the remaining cheesecake filling and berries.
- Chill. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. The cheesecake mixture will firm up as it sits.
Why These Make the Perfect Patriotic Dessert
The layers of red strawberries, white cheesecake filling, and blue blueberries make these parfaits a natural choice for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day celebrations. That's three festive occasions covered, but they're easy enough to enjoy any day of the week.
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Serve them in clear jars or dessert cups to show off the colorful layers.
Storage Tips
Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
These cheesecake parfaits can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance, making them a great option for entertaining.
Variations
- Add whipped cream. Because why not? Top each parfait with a dollop of whipped cream just before serving. It adds a fun, different texture.
- Mix up your berries. Raspberries, blackberries, or sliced cherries all work well in place of the strawberries or blueberries.
- Make mini dessert cups: Serve these in small cups for baby showers, graduation parties, holiday gatherings, or dessert tables.
For another easy make ahead dessert, check out my Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. These no bake cheesecake parfaits can be assembled up to one day before serving and stored in the refrigerator.
Yes, although full-fat Greek yogurt creates the richest, creamiest texture.
No. A gallon-size zip top bag and rolling pin work perfectly and make cleanup easy-peasy.
No Bake Cheesecake Parfaits for Summer Parties
Whether you're hosting a Fourth of July cookout, attending a neighborhood potluck, or simply looking for an easy make-ahead dessert, these no bake cheesecake parfaits are always a crowd favorite. The combination of creamy cheesecake filling, fresh berries, and graham cracker crumbs delivers all the flavor of cheesecake in an easy-to-serve individual dessert.
More Easy Summer Desserts
If you're planning a cookout or summer gathering, you'll also love:
These easy desserts and side dishes pair perfectly with summer meals and holiday celebrations.
Recipe
No Bake Cheesecake Parfaits
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup graham cracker crumbs and 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter until evenly combined.
- Divide the crumb mixture evenly among 4 small dessert cups, mason jars, or parfait glasses.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened 4 ounces cream cheese until smooth.
- Add 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and well combined.
- Spoon or pipe half of the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker layer.
- Top with half of the strawberries and blueberries.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining cheesecake filling and berries.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve chilled.
Farm Girl Tips
- To make your own graham cracker crumbs, place graham crackers in a gallon-size zip top bag and crush with a rolling pin. A food processor works well too.
- For the smoothest filling, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing.
- These parfaits can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance, making them perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
- Serve in clear jars or glasses to show off the layers.
- For a festive red white and blue dessert, garnish with additional berries just before serving.
- Full-fat Greek yogurt creates the creamiest cheesecake texture, but low-fat Greek yogurt can be substituted if preferred.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream before serving for an extra-special touch.
