Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits: A Sweet Holiday Treat
Have you ever tasted something so delicious that it instantly transported you to a happy place? That’s exactly how I feel every time I indulge in these Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits! Seriously, all the flavors of a classic cheesecake combined with the irresistible joy of candy canes? Yes, please! These little cups of happiness are perfect for holiday gatherings or just because you’re craving a festive treat. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
What Are Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits?
Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits are a whimsical dessert layering creamy cheesecake filling with crunchy candy canes and velvety whipped cream. They look beautiful in a glass, making them a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table. The combination of sweet and minty flavors wrapped up with a creamy texture is absolutely divine. You’ll love how easy they are to make, and they’re perfect for portion control (if you can stop at one, that is!).
Ingredients Overview for Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits
Here’s what you will need to whip up these scrumptious parfaits:
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat for the richest flavor. Softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar: A must for that sweet cheesecake foundation!
- Vanilla Extract: For a touch of warmth and flavor.
- Whipped Cream: Store-bought or homemade, it adds a light, airy texture.
- Candy Canes: Crush them up for that festive crunch and peppermint flavor.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: These will give a nice base and texture.
- Butter: To mix with the graham crackers for that amazing crust experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits
- Prepare the Base: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix well and set aside.
- Make the Cheesecake Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Fold in half of your whipped cream gently, leaving the rest for topping later.
- Layer It Up: Start with a tablespoon of your graham cracker mixture at the bottom of your serving cups. Follow this with a layer of the cheesecake filling, then sprinkle some crushed candy canes. Repeat the layers until you’ve filled the cups.
- Top It Off: Finish with a generous dollop of whipped cream and garnish with more crushed candies for that cute festive look.
- Chill & Serve: Place the parfaits in the fridge for at least an hour to let them set, then serve them up!
Serving Suggestions
These Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits are great on their own, but here are a few fun ideas to serve them:
- Pair with holiday cookies for a dessert platter.
- Serve alongside hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Top with chocolate shavings or additional crushed candy canes for extra flair.
Tips for the Perfect Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits
- Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps in your cheesecake mixture.
- Feel free to use flavored whipped topping or a bit of peppermint extract for added mintiness.
- If you want a healthier alternative, replace sugar with a sugar substitute.
- Make ahead and store in the fridge for an even more flavorful dessert!
Q&A Section
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Absolutely! Just remember, it might affect the creaminess, but it will still taste yummy.
How long will they last in the fridge?
They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, making them a wonderful make-ahead holiday treat.
Can I substitute another kind of candy for the candy canes?
Yes! Try using crushed peppermint bark or chocolate-covered mints for a different flavor twist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers!
Why You’ll Love Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits
These parfaits not only burst with holiday flavor, but they also offer a lovely balance of creamy and crunchy textures that keep every bite exciting. Plus, who can resist those festive red and white layers? Honestly, if you’re looking for a fun dessert to impress your family and friends, look no further.
The Story Behind My Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits
When I first tried making these, I was nervous about the layers staying put. At first, I ended up with a bit of a messy presentation—I mean, I had cheesecake spilling over like it was in a candy cane tug-of-war! But once I figured out the right technique for layering, they not only looked gorgeous, but they also tasted like pure holiday magic. I love how simple it is to create something that makes people smile, and I can’t wait for you to try these out for yourself!
Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits combine creamy cheesecake filling, crunchy candy canes, and velvety whipped cream, making a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Whipped Cream
- 1 cup Candy Canes, crushed
- 1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
- 1/4 cup Butter, melted
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix well and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped cream gently.
- Start with a tablespoon of graham cracker mixture at the bottom of serving cups, layer with cheesecake filling, then sprinkle crushed candy canes. Repeat layers until filled.
- Finish with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with more crushed candies.
- Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Notes
Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Feel free to make ahead and store for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parfait
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg