Craving cheesecake but not all time and hassle it takes to make it? Try these easy cheesecake parfaits that call for only 6 basic ingredients and 5 minutes to whip it together. They’re super-creamy and luscious with a lovely tangy lemon flavor. Top these parfaits with fresh fruit if desired!
I originally planned to share this recipe with you on Saturday. Well, I decided I just couldn’t wait a day longer. These cheesecakes are just too good. Way too good. As in, I ate wayy too much of it.
I couldn’t imagine a better light and tasty springtime dessert other than these lovely cheesecakes. Okay, maybe this, this, and oh my gosh, this come in close second. 😉
Since these cheesecakes are not baked, they’re even perfect for summer, when you don’t feel like heating up your kitchen by using the oven.
I’ll admit that I don’t make cheesecake very often, because I dislike all the time it takes to make it. I mean you’ve gotta bake it for forever and then you have to CHILL it for hours longer. By then, my low level of patience has run out.
With THIS cheesecake, it literally takes 5 minutes to whip everything together and then just a few hours in the fridge to get ’em nice and cold. My kind of dessert. Make. Chill. Eat.
I also kind of love the fact that they’re individually portioned, which means you get an entire glass-full of this cheesecake all to yourself. *insert evil laugh*
A simple graham cracker crumb mixture makes up the crust of these beautiful cheesecakes. — It goes perfectly with the tangy lemon filling! You’re gonna need to grab your graham cracker crumbs (make sure the crumbs are finely ground) and just a pinch of coconut sugar for the crust.
The lemon cheesecake filling is luscious and perfectly tangy, but not overly sweet. It’s so darn tasty, you might find yourself eating half the filling right out of the mixing bowl.
I may or may not have done the exact same thing. *blush*
The filling couldn’t be simpler. All you’ll need is: Softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. — Literally that’s all! I told you these cheesecakes were extremely simple.
Note: If lemon isn’t your thing, feel free to swap out the lemon juice for any fruit juice you desire. — This cheesecake is very versatile and adaptable.
Whip it all together til it’s nice and purtyy. Then evenly spoon over your graham cracker crust in individual serving glasses.
Now comes the hard part: Waiting a few hours for your cheesecake to chill. It’s tough, but sooo worth the wait. The cheesecake firms up slightly during this time, but will still have a smooth, creamy texture to it.
If you desire, you can top these cheesecakes with fresh fruit or even a lovely berry sauce. I used fresh strawberries as you can see, but the next time I make these cheesecakes I so want to try this blueberry sauce drizzled on top. A combination made in heaven. 😉
With just the right amount of sweetness and tangy-ness, these cheesecakes are downright addicting. That first luscious bite is the absolute BEST.
Grab an extra-large spoon and dig in.
No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Parfaits
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fruit for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Divide evenly between 7 serving cups or glasses. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, with a handheld electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Beat in condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla. Continue beating on medium-high speed until mixture is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Spoon cheesecake filling over graham cracker crumbs in individual glasses and gently smooth tops. Cover and refrigerate 3 hours, or until slightly firm. Serve with fruit if desired.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Deliciously Sprinkled.
Kathi @ Deliciously Yum! says
I am so glad you didn’t wait much longer to share this parfait. Looks so yummy and perfect for this time of year 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks for the visit, Kathi! and Ikr? So perfect for spring. 😉
whatjessicabakednext says
I love these- so brilliant they’re no-bake! Love the lemon and strawberries- delicious combination!
Sarah says
Thanks, Jessica! Have a fabulous weekend!
Karen @ The Food Charlatan says
Oh my gosh we are foodie twins!!! So basically, geniuses. I love the lemon added in these! Just lovely Sarah! We are awesome 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks so much, Karen! And we really are awesome, aren’t we? 😉 LOVE how both our minds work involving cheesecake! LOL.
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
Cheesecake and lemon? Yes, please! Plus I love that these are no-bake. Hope you had a great weekend, Sarah!
Sarah says
Thanks Ashley! Hope you had a good weekend, as well! 🙂
Kelly @ The Pretty Bee: Cooking + Creating says
These look so light and delicious! I love easy desserts for summertime!
Sarah says
Thanks, Kelly! And yes, these cheesecakes are so perfect and easy for summer! 😉
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
I made my first even mini cheesecakes this weekend for a small get together. I wish i had this simpler version then. Do you think I can make this as a larger cheesecake version to bring to my sister’s on Sunday? or are they best as individual portions?
Sarah says
Absolutely, Kathy! This cheesecake would be perfect in a 9×13 baking pan. You will have to increase the chilling time a little bit though. Just make sure that they are slightly firm before serving.
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
No-bake lemon cheesecake in a parfait? Oh, yes! Love this simple but pretty recipe, Sarah. Perfect for spring and Easter! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks so much, Stacy!
Jenn @ Deliciously Sprinkled says
I love no bake desserts, especially lemon cheesecake ones! These look delicious, pinned 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks for the inspiration for this recipe, Jenn and for the pin! 🙂
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
This is SUCH a great idea Sarah! I love cheesecake, but now I don’t have to wait for it to cook and cool. Plus, no cracks on the top.
Mademoiselle Gourmande says
I love cheesecake in every way – icecream, cake, tartelettes… Never tried a no-bake version, but it sounds great! 🙂
Sarah says
Oh, you are so going to love this cheesecake then, Tina! Thanks for stopping by and have a fantastic rest of the weekend!
Tracy Williams says
Made these last night and served them to my co-workers today. They were delicious! I substituted granulated sugar for the coconut sugar and added whipped cream and raspberries to the top. So good!!!
Sarah says
Glad to hear that these parfaits were a hit, Tracy! 🙂