Description
These cheerful Christmas parfait cups are creamy, colorful, and incredibly easy to make—no baking needed! Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a fun holiday dessert.
Ingredients:
1 cup crushed graham crackers
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whipped topping
Red food coloring
Green food coloring
Christmas sprinkles
Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter until crumbly. (
2 minutes)
Press 1–2 tablespoons of the graham mixture into the bottoms of mini dessert cups. Set aside. (
3 minutes)
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until smooth and creamy. (
4 minutes)
Fold in the whipped topping gently until fluffy. (
2 minutes)
Divide the mixture into two bowls; tint one red and the other green using food coloring. (
2 minutes)
Layer the red cheesecake filling over the crust in each cup. (
2 minutes)
Add a spoonful of green cheesecake filling on top. Repeat layers if using taller cups. (
3 minutes)
Finish with whipped topping and festive Christmas sprinkles. (
1 minute)
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. (
2 hours)
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 185 kcal | Servings: 10 mini parfaits
#ChristmasDesserts #NoBakeTreats #HolidayParfaits #FestiveFlavors
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect parfaits every time. First, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for at least 30 minutes; this prevents lumps. For the crust, use a food processor or a sealed bag and rolling pin to crush the graham crackers into fine, even crumbs. Mixing with melted butter should yield a texture like wet sand. When pressing into cups, use the back of a spoon to create a firm, even base. For the filling, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla on medium speed until completely smooth, scraping down the bowl. Gently fold in the whipped topping with a spatula until no streaks remain. Divide evenly and add food coloring one drop at a time, mixing thoroughly to achieve vibrant, festive shades.
Serving Suggestions
These parfaits are versatile for any holiday occasion. Serve them in clear glass cups or mason jars to showcase the colorful layers. For an elegant touch, garnish with a fresh mint sprig or a small star-shaped cookie on top. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. To create a stunning dessert board, arrange the parfaits alongside other no-bake treats like peppermint bark and chocolate-dipped pretzels.
How-to Summary
In summary, create a buttery graham cracker crust, press it into cups, and set aside. Make a smooth cream cheese filling, fold in whipped topping, and divide it to color red and green. Layer the fillings over the crust, top with more whipped topping and sprinkles, and chill for at least two hours to set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these parfaits ahead of time? Absolutely. You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Add the final sprinkles just before serving to prevent them from bleeding color.
What can I use instead of graham crackers? For a different flavor, try using crushed vanilla wafers, ginger snaps, or even crushed peppermint Oreos for a minty twist.
How do I store leftovers? Cover the parfaits tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Can I use liquid food coloring? Yes, but gel food coloring is highly recommended as it provides vibrant colors without thinning the filling mixture, which can happen with too much liquid dye.
Is there a non-dairy alternative? You can use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping. Ensure all other ingredients, like the graham crackers, are certified vegan if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using cold cream cheese, as it will not blend smoothly and will leave lumps in your filling. Do not overmix the filling after adding the whipped topping, as this can deflate it and make the texture dense. When adding food coloring, start with a small amount—you can always add more, but you can’t take it away. Ensure you chill the parfaits for the full two hours; skipping this step will result in a runny, unset dessert.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Christmas Cheesecake Parfaits are the ultimate hassle-free holiday dessert. They combine a crunchy crust, a creamy and tangy filling, and festive colors in a convenient single-serving cup. Impress your guests with this simple yet stunning treat that captures all the joy of the season without turning on the oven. Happy holidays and happy baking—or rather, no-baking!