Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Layers and Topping
- 1/2 cup lemon curd
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
- Fresh fruit for topping parfaits (such as berries or sliced kiwi)
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: Place the softened cream cheese in a large bowl and beat with a handheld electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, then continue beating until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, indicating the cream is thick and holds shape.
- Fold Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful to maintain the airy texture without deflating it.
- Assemble Parfaits: In four parfait glasses, layer the cream cheese mixture, lemon curd, and crushed graham cracker crumbs in three alternating layers, ensuring even distribution to create distinct layers.
- Add Fresh Fruit and Chill: Top each parfait with fresh fruit of your choice. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the parfaits to set before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor impact.
- If you prefer a sweeter dessert, adjust the powdered sugar amount to taste.
- Fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries make excellent toppings for color and flavor contrast.
- These parfaits can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
