Imagine a dessert so decadent, so effortlessly elegant, that it looks like you've spent hours in the kitchen when in reality, it took just 30 minutes to create. These No Bake Orange Cranberry Cheesecake Parfaits are your secret weapon to impressing guests, satisfying sweet cravings, and enjoying a luxurious treat without turning on the oven. With a perfect balance of tangy cranberry, zesty orange, and creamy cheesecake layers, this dessert is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand-like texture.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add powdered sugar to the cream cheese, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
- In a separate clean bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the cream. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Zest the entire orange and squeeze its juice. Add orange zest and half of the orange juice to the cream cheese mixture, stirring gently to incorporate.
- In clear parfait glasses or mason jars, begin layering by first adding a generous spoonful of graham cracker crumb mixture as the base.
- Carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker layer, filling about one-third of the glass.
- Add a layer of cranberry sauce on top of the cream cheese layer, ensuring even distribution.
- Repeat the layering process, ending with a final garnish of graham cracker crumbs and a small dollop of cranberry sauce.
- Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and set properly.
- Before serving, optionally garnish with additional orange zest or a fresh cranberry for presentation.
Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened at room temperature to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth mixture.
- When whipping cream, use a chilled bowl and beaters for faster and more stable peaks.
- Fold the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture to maintain its light, airy texture.
- For a more intense orange flavor, use fresh orange zest and juice.
- If cranberry sauce is too thick, warm it slightly to make layering easier.
- Use clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers of your parfait.
- For a make-ahead option, these parfaits can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance.
- Chill thoroughly to allow flavors to meld and achieve the perfect set.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 85mg
