Apple Crisp Cheesecake Parfait

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why make this recipe

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Parfait is a delightful dessert that combines two beloved treats: apple crisp and cheesecake. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of creamy and crunchy textures in their desserts. It’s also a great way to showcase seasonal apples, making it a lovely treat for fall gatherings or any special occasion. The individual serving size in mini jars allows for easy sharing and presentation, making it a fantastic option for parties or family dinners.

This dessert is not just indulgent but also surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you are an experienced baker or a beginner, this parfait recipe can be achieved with a few simple tasks. The layers of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and crunchy granola will please adults and children alike, making it a hit at any table. It’s a dish designed for everyone to enjoy, and who doesn’t love the flavors of apple and cinnamon coming together in a deliciously sweet way?

how to make Apple Crisp Cheesecake Parfait

Making Apple Crisp Cheesecake Parfait is a fun and rewarding experience. Follow these simple steps to create a decadent dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients

1 cup apple pie filling: Store-bought or homemade, this will provide the sweet and spiced apple flavor.
1 cup cream cheese: This adds a rich and creamy texture to the filling.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped cream adds lightness and fluffiness to your cheesecake layer.
1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake mixture perfectly.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely vanilla flavor to the cheesecake.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Enhances the apple flavor and adds warmth to the dessert.
1 cup granola: Provides a crunchy texture that complements the creaminess of the cheesecake and softness of the apples.
Mini jars for serving: The jars are perfect for layering and presenting the parfait.

Directions

Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture: Start by placing your cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Beat the cream cheese using a hand mixer or a stand mixer until it becomes smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps in your mixture.
Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, take your heavy whipping cream and add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. This means that when you pull the beaters out, the cream should hold its shape a bit but still be smooth and fluffy.
Combine Mixtures: Next, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Do this carefully to keep the airiness of the whipped cream, as you want your cheesecake layer to be light and fluffy.
Add Cinnamon: Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and mix it gently until evenly incorporated. The cinnamon should enhance the flavor of the cheesecake, giving it that warm, cozy taste.
Layer the Parfaits: Now it’s time to start building your parfait! Grab your mini jars and begin by adding a layer of apple pie filling at the bottom.
Repeat the Layers: On top of the apple layer, add a layer of the cheesecake mixture. Then sprinkle a layer of granola. Repeat this process, alternating between layers of apple filling, cheesecake mixture, and granola until you fill up the jars.
Top Off the Parfaits: Finish by adding a sprinkle of granola on the very top layer for a nice crunch. If you’re not serving them right away, cover the jars to keep everything fresh.
Enjoy or Store in the Refrigerator: These parfaits can be served immediately, or you can refrigerate them for a bit to allow the flavors to meld together.

how to serve Apple Crisp Cheesecake Parfait

Serving Apple Crisp Cheesecake Parfaits is a breeze! Since they are already in individual mini jars, you can simply take the jars out of the fridge and place them on a serving platter. You can garnish each jar with an extra sprinkle of granola or a drizzle of caramel sauce if you want an added touch of sweetness.

If you are serving them at a gathering, consider providing small spoons so guests can dig right in. These parfaits are perfect for celebrations, picnics, or a cozy family dessert night. They also make a lovely presentation on any table, bringing an element of fun and elegance to your dessert service.

how to store Apple Crisp Cheesecake Parfait

If you plan to make the Apple Crisp Cheesecake Parfaits ahead of time, storage is simple. Keep the jars covered in the refrigerator. The parfaits will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to store them unopened to maintain the crunchy texture of the granola. If you prefer, you can keep the granola in a separate container and add it just before serving to ensure it stays crunchy.

In case any of your delicious parfaits are left after serving, simply cover them with plastic wrap or a tight lid to keep them fresh. It’s a good idea to consume the parfaits within a few days for the best taste and texture.

tips to make Apple Crisp Cheesecake Parfait

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh apples can be a delightful addition if you want to make your own pie filling. Just cook down some apples with sugar and spices for a homemade twist.
Choose the Right Granola: The type of granola you use can change the flavor profile of your parfait. Consider using cinnamon granola for an additional pop of flavor or even chocolate granola if you prefer a sweeter touch.
Make Ahead: The cheesecake filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to serve them. Just layer everything together when you’re ready.
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to top your parfaits with additional toppings such as chopped nuts, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter cheesecake layer, you can add a little more powdered sugar. Make sure to taste as you go!

variation

If you want to switch things up, you can try different fruit fillings. For instance:

Berry Cheesecake Parfait: Use mixed berries instead of apple pie filling. Layer the cheesecake mixture with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfait: Substitute the apple pie filling with pumpkin puree mixed with spices like nutmeg and ginger for a fall-inspired dessert.
Peach Crisp Cheesecake Parfait: Replace the apple filling with peach pie filling for a summery twist. The sweetness of peaches is delicious with the creaminess of the cheesecake.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! You can use gluten-free granola or make your own crumb topping using gluten-free oats for the parfaits.

Q: How can I make this recipe vegan?
A: To make a vegan version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream. Ensure your granola is also vegan-friendly.

Q: Can I freeze these parfaits for later?
A: It’s best not to freeze the parfaits as the texture can change when thawed. However, the cheesecake filling can be frozen separately for later use. Just layer fresh ingredients when you’re ready to serve.

Q: How can I make the apple pie filling from scratch?
A: To make homemade apple pie filling, peel and slice 3-4 apples and cook them with sugar, cinnamon, and a little lemon juice in a saucepan until soft.

Q: Is there a non-dairy substitute for cream cheese?
A: Yes, you can use cashew cream or store-bought dairy-free cream cheese as a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe.

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Parfait is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. With its easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll find that it’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether for a family gathering or a special celebration, this parfait is sure to impress!