Luscious layers of creamy lemon cheesecake mousse, buttery crumble, and bright lemon curd — these sunny parfaits are a refreshing, tangy-sweet dessert perfect for spring, summer, or any time you need a little sunshine in a glass.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lemon Cheesecake Parfaits with Crumble Topping are the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and tangy. They are easy to assemble, require no baking, and can be prepared ahead of time. Their vibrant layers and fresh lemon flavor make them an ideal dessert for warm-weather gatherings, bridal showers, or whenever you crave a light, citrusy treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup lemon curd
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1 cup graham cracker crumbs or buttery cookie crumble
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1 tablespoon melted butter
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Fresh lemon zest for garnish
Directions
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In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
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In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
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Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
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In a small bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter.
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To assemble, layer the crumble, cheesecake mousse, and lemon curd in serving glasses.
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Repeat the layers and top with extra crumble and a little lemon zest.
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Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 parfaits, depending on the size of the serving glasses. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and chilling time is at least 1 hour, making the total time around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Variations
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Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers for a different texture.
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Add a layer of fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for added color and flavor.
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Incorporate a few drops of lemon extract into the cheesecake mousse for an even more intense lemon flavor.
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Use lime or orange curd instead of lemon curd for a unique citrus twist.
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Create mini parfaits in shot glasses for a delightful party-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
Store the assembled parfaits covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed chilled. These parfaits are not suitable for freezing, as the texture of the mousse and crumble may be compromised.
FAQs
Can I make the parfaits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the parfaits up to a day in advance to save time.
What can I use if I do not have lemon curd?
You can substitute lemon curd with a homemade lemon sauce or use a store-bought citrus preserve.
How do I soften the cream cheese quickly?
Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of whipping cream?
Yes, although homemade whipped cream provides a fresher and richer flavor.
What type of cookies work best for the crumble?
Graham crackers, shortbread cookies, vanilla wafers, or even digestive biscuits all work beautifully.
Can I add gelatin to firm up the cheesecake layer?
Yes, you can dissolve a small amount of gelatin in water and incorporate it into the cream cheese mixture if a firmer texture is desired.
Is it possible to make this dessert sugar-free?
You can use a sugar substitute like powdered erythritol and a low-sugar lemon curd to make a reduced-sugar version.
How can I enhance the lemon flavor even more?
Add a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest into the cheesecake mousse for an extra lemony kick.
Should the parfaits be served immediately after chilling?
They can be served after chilling for at least one hour and are best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture.
Can I use individual jars or cups for serving?
Yes, individual jars, small cups, or even wine glasses make an attractive presentation for these parfaits.
Conclusion
Lemon Cheesecake Parfaits with Crumble Topping are a bright, cheerful dessert bursting with fresh citrus flavor and luxurious creaminess. With minimal effort and no baking required, they offer a perfect sweet finish to any meal. Their beautiful layers and delightful texture will leave everyone asking for more.
Print
Lemon Cheesecake Parfaits with Crumble Topping
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4–6 parfaits
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Dessert Method
- Cuisine: American
Description
Lemon Cheesecake Parfaits with Crumble Topping feature luscious layers of creamy lemon cheesecake mousse, buttery crumble, and tangy lemon curd. These bright, refreshing desserts are perfect for spring and summer celebrations, offering a delicious burst of sunshine in every bite!
Ingredients
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
-
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup lemon curd
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1 cup graham cracker crumbs or buttery cookie crumble
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1 tablespoon melted butter
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Fresh lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
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In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
-
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
-
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
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In a small bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter.
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To assemble, layer the crumble, cheesecake mousse, and lemon curd in serving glasses.
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Repeat layers and top with extra crumble and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
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Chill parfaits for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
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You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed shortbread or vanilla wafers for a different flavor.
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Store parfaits covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Add a few fresh berries between layers for extra color and freshness.
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For a lighter version, use light cream cheese and whipped topping.
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