Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits are the ultimate no-bake dessert, layering rich chocolate, tangy cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry goodness into one delightful treat. Served in individual glasses, these parfaits are as beautiful as they are delicious—a perfect combination of flavors and textures for any occasion.

I first made Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits when I wanted a dessert that was quick yet impressive. The creamy cheesecake layer paired perfectly with the tartness of the cherries and the decadent chocolate, creating a dessert that felt luxurious and indulgent without the fuss of baking. They were a hit at the table, and everyone loved the layered presentation.

What I love most about these parfaits is their flexibility. Use fresh cherries when in season, or swap in cherry pie filling for convenience. Add a layer of chocolate cake crumbs or crushed cookies for extra texture, or top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an elegant finish. Whether served at a dinner party, holiday gathering, or just as a sweet indulgence for yourself, Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits are an easy, stunning, and delicious dessert that will leave everyone wanting more.

Perfect for:

Celebratory events
Dinner parties
Valentine’s Day
Birthdays
Chocolate and cherry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits will become your new favorite indulgence:

Decadent Flavor Fusion: A rich combination of chocolate, cream cheese, and cherries creates a balanced and satisfying treat.
Stunning Layered Presentation: The visual appeal of these parfaits makes them an eye-catching centerpiece.
Creamy and Velvety Textures: The cheesecake and chocolate layers provide a delightful contrast in mouthfeel.
Fresh Cherry Goodness: Juicy cherries add a burst of fruity freshness that elevates the dessert.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual gathering, these parfaits bring elegance to any table.
Easy Make-Ahead Dessert: Assemble the parfaits ahead of time, ensuring a stress-free serving experience.
Customizable Layers: Adjust the sweetness or add extra chocolate chips and nuts for a unique twist.
Compact Individual Servings: Each parfait is perfectly portioned, making serving simple and neat.
Indulgent Yet Light Feel: Creamy layers are decadent but still maintain a light, fluffy texture.
Show-Stopping Appeal: Impress guests with a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling time)
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Base:

1 cup chocolate cookie crumbs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

The Cream Cheese Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream, whipped

For the Cherry Topping:

1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Optional Garnish:

Fresh cherries
Chocolate shavings

Ingredient Highlights

Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture and tangy balance.
Fresh Cherries: Provide a burst of fruity sweetness and vibrant color.
Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: Create a rich, crunchy base for texture.
Heavy Cream: Essential for achieving that light and fluffy cheesecake layer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Chocolate Base:

Prepare Crust: In a bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until combined.
Layer Base: Spoon 1 tablespoon of the chocolate crumb mixture into the bottom of each parfait glass and press down slightly.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:

Cream the Ingredients: In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until a fluffy cheesecake mixture forms.

Prepare the Cherry Topping:

Cook Cherries: In a small saucepan, heat cherries with 2 tablespoons of sugar over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Assemble the Parfaits:

Layer the Cream Cheese: Spoon a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on top of the chocolate crumb base in each glass.
Add Cherries: Spoon a layer of cooked cherries over the cream cheese mixture.
Repeat Layers: Alternate adding cream cheese and cherry layers until the glass is full.

Chill the Parfaits:

Refrigerate: Cover the parfaits and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits:

As an Elegant Dessert: Serve at birthday parties or anniversaries for a classy touch.
For Romantic Occasions: Perfect for Valentine’s Day with its indulgent chocolate-cherry combo.
As an Afternoon Treat: Enjoy as a delightful pick-me-up during tea time.
With Fresh Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness.
For Holiday Gatherings: A standout dessert for Christmas or New Year’s Eve celebrations.
With Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Enhance with a warm chocolate sauce topping.
In Mini Glasses for Buffets: Use smaller glasses for elegant buffet-style presentations.
As a Breakfast Indulgence: Pair with coffee for a decadent brunch treat.
As a Gift: Present parfaits in individual glasses as a thoughtful homemade treat.
With Edible Flowers for Decoration: Add a touch of elegance with floral garnishes.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Cherries: Opt for fresh cherries when in season for a burst of vibrant flavor, but frozen cherries work well too.
Chill Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and whipped cream are cold to get a firmer, smoother texture in your parfait layers.
Crushed Graham Crackers: Toast the graham cracker crumbs lightly to add a subtle crunch and extra flavor.
Double Chocolate Delight: Add chocolate chips or cocoa nibs to your graham cracker layer for an added chocolatey surprise.
Cherry Syrup Drizzle: Pour a bit of cherry syrup over the parfait layers for an extra burst of fruity sweetness.
Layer Creativity: Alternate your layers with different textures – try including chocolate syrup, cream, graham crumbs, and cherries.
Garnish with Style: Top each parfait with a dollop of whipped cream, a fresh cherry, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant touch.
Add a Hint of Almond Extract: Mix a small amount of almond extract into the cream cheese mixture for a subtle, nutty flavor enhancement.
Customize Serving Glasses: Use fun glasses or jars for an aesthetic touch that turns your dessert into a centerpiece-worthy treat.
Make Ahead Magic: Assemble your parfaits a few hours in advance and chill them overnight to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Recipe Variations

White Chocolate Cherry Parfaits: Use white chocolate chips for a lighter flavor.
Vegan Option: Replace cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream and vegan cream cheese alternatives.
Dark Chocolate Base: Use dark chocolate cookies for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Berry Mix Parfaits: Add strawberries and blueberries alongside cherries for a mixed berry twist.
Nutty Parfaits: Layer chopped almonds or hazelnuts for a satisfying crunch.
Coffee-Infused Chocolate Base: Add espresso powder to the chocolate crumb layer for a mocha twist.
Lemon Cherry Parfaits: Mix lemon zest into the cream cheese layer for a citrusy kick.
Mint Chocolate Cherry Parfaits: Include mint extract in the cream cheese layer for a refreshing flavor.
Layer with Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle a thin layer of ganache between parfait layers for extra luxury.
Alcohol-Infused Option: Add a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherry mixture for an elegant twist.

Special Equipment

Parfait Glasses: Perfect for showcasing the layered dessert beautifully.
Electric Mixer: Necessary for whipping cream and blending cream cheese layers.
Spatula: Use an offset spatula for smooth and neat layering.
Fine Mesh Sieve: Optional, for straining cherry toppings if a smoother texture is desired.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw frozen cherries and strain any excess liquid before using.
How long can these parfaits last in the fridge?
Store parfaits in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Can I make these parfaits ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them a day in advance and chill overnight.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Use vegan cream cheese or mascarpone for a slightly different texture.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the base layer.
Can I add alcohol to these parfaits?
Yes, a bit of cherry liqueur or vodka can enhance the flavor profile.
How do I prevent the parfaits from separating?
Ensure all layers are well-chilled before assembling to maintain structure.
Can I double this recipe for a larger gathering?
Simply scale up the ingredients proportionally and use larger glasses or a trifle dish.
Do I need to chill the parfaits before serving?
Yes, chilling for at least 4 hours ensures proper setting of the cream layers.
Can I use canned cherries for this recipe?
Yes, canned cherries can work well; just drain excess syrup before adding them to the parfaits.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits are an elegant, no-bake dessert that layers creamy cheesecake filling, luscious cherries, and rich chocolate for a show-stopping treat. These parfaits are as indulgent as they are beautiful, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and velvety flavors in every spoonful. Ideal for dinner parties, celebrations, or simply treating yourself, they’re a delightful way to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Quick to assemble and endlessly customizable, these parfaits feature layers of graham cracker or brownie crumbs, a silky cheesecake mousse, and a juicy cherry topping, finished with chocolate shavings or a drizzle of fudge sauce. You can serve them in glasses for an elegant touch or make them in jars for a portable, picnic-perfect dessert.

I can’t wait to see your Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to admire your creative layers. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you personalized this decadent dessert—it’s always fun to see your sweet spins on the recipe!