Seeing cherry trees in full bloom is one of those sights that must be seen. Especially when there are endless rows of them in an orchard. The sight rows upon rows of heavily laden pink hued blossomed branches set against a blue spring sky is literally breathtaking. Yet, seeing trees with their stark branches set against the back drop of deep blue winter sky and blanketed by snow is it's own kind of beauty. Taking in the landscape of a cherry orchard is akin to drinking a magic elixir. You can't help but feel completely smitten with it's beauty. Having had the experience of seeing cherry trees in all of their spring glory and their winter hibernation, I can honestly say both are equally visually compelling sights. But for completely different reasons. On my recent trip up to Door County, I came home with photos of orchards, bags of chocolate covered cherries, jars of cherry jam, and only one jar of a cherries jubilee topping. I realized what a bad one jar decision I made as soon as I took a bite of these No Bake Cherries Jubilee Cheesecake Parfaits.
Summer may be months away but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy cherries in the off season. These elegant, yet easy to make No Bake Cherries Jubilee Cheesecake Parfaits are a perfect way to get your cherry fix in year round.
A trend of simple meals, simple desserts seems to be emerging here on the blog. Whether with age comes wisdom or not, this emerging trend is one definitely growing on me. And hopefully you too! Especially when these semi-homemade recipes taste and look like those time and labor intensive homemade ones.
Sometimes you want to serve a substantially sized dessert. Then there are those other times where you want the meal to end with a 'small' bite to satisfy the need to end the meal with a little sweetness. Depending on which size glasses or jars you use, this recipe makes enough to serve four to eight. Maybe even up to ten! Whichever sized parfait you make, they are definitely one of those destined make friends or influence people desserts!
Cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and freshly squeezed lemon juice create the cheesecake layers. Store bought graham crackers lightly toasted in the oven, cherries jubilee topping, lightly sweetened whipped cream, and a cherry for the top make up the rest of the ingredients for the parfaits.
Allowing the cream cheese to soften slightly will help to ensure it whips up smoothly. The key to creating the most luscious cheesecake filling is beating the mixture until it is super light and creamy. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds just the right amount of tartness.
Toasting the graham crackers in the oven before crushing them will keep them from softening in the assembled parfaits. Because you definitely want a bit of crunch in your spoonfuls.
You can serve the parfaits immediately after you make them or you can make them several hours or more ahead. Just cover, keep them chilled, and wait to put the finishing touch of the lightly sweetened whipped cream and cherry on top!
For the cherry layers I used a jar of Cherries Jubilee topping I bought up in Door County (ordering information is listed below). If you live near a town filled with cherry orchards you might find one similar. Or you can make your own (recipe listed below in the notes). But if you don't want to wait for a mail ordered jar or make your ow cherries jubilee, a jar/can of a good cherry pie filling is yet another option.
The cheesecake and cherry lovers in your life these No Bake Cherries Jubilee Cheesecake Parfaits are the embodiment of everything they love. Which means their love for your cooking will only deepen. If, by chance, you serve this to first time guests at your dinner table, some will be wondering how to get on next invite list. For those who are repeat dinner guests, they might be wondering why you were holding out on them. Seriously, these parfaits are the dreamiest, creamiest, crave worthy little bites of deliciousness. Unlike some cheesecakes, these parfaits are more light than heavy in texture. And visually, these parfaits are absolutely stunning! So, if you are looking for an impressive dessert, one delivering huge on flavor, and super simple to make these No Bake Cherries Jubilee Cheesecake Parfaits are the ones you want! Just in case you need a reminder, don't be so quick to tell everyone how easy they were to make. Enjoy letting them think you spent hours creating these little masterpieces for awhile before you spill the beans.
No Bake Cherries Jubilee Cheesecake Parfaits
Serves 4 to 8 or maybe even 10 (depending on size of glass/jar used)
Ingredients
1 pound (452 g) cream cheese, slightly softened
1 - 14 ounce (396 g) can of sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons good quality vanilla
12 double sized graham crackers (about 1 1/2 sleeves), toasted and crushed
19 ounce (538 g) jar of cherries jubilee topping. Note: You can make your own (see below), purchase online (link here), or use a good quality cherry pie filling
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup (40 g) confectionary sugar, sifted
4-8 stemmed cherries (fresh, amarena, or luxardo cherries)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Place graham crackers on a cookie sheet. Toast graham crackers in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Let cool completely before crushing. Put graham crackers in a large ziplock back. Use a rolling pin to create crumbs. Set aside.
2. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add in the sweetened condensed milk. Beat until mixture is well blended and creamy.
4. With the mixer on low add in the vanilla and lemon juice. Beat until very smooth and creamy.
5. Using stemless wine glasses or small jars/clear glasses, layer the graham cracker crumbs, followed by the cheesecake filling, and then the cherries. Repeat the layering process a second time. If not serving immediately, cover and chill. Note: Can be made early in the day.
6. When ready to serve, whip the whipping cream and confectionary sugar until firm peaks form. Pipe the whipped cream on top of the cherry mixture. Top with a fresh cherry, pitted amarena cherries with stems, or luxardo cherries! Note: If the parfaits were chilled, wait until you are ready to serve to pipe on the sweetened whipped cream.
Notes: (1) The size of the glass and/or jar used will determine how many parfaits this recipe will make. Using a stemless wine glass, it will yield 4 servings. But using smaller clear glasses or jars, it will yield at least 8 servings. If using smaller glasses/jars, fill them to almost the top. (2) I used this 19 ounce jar of Cherries Jubilee Topping from Lautenbach's Orchard Company. You could use a good quality cherry pie filling or make your own cherries jubilee. If you make your own cherries jubilee, you will need to make ahead. See recipe below. (3) If not using fresh cherries to top the parfaits, use the Pitted Amarena Cherries with Stems from Trader Joe's or Luxardo Cherries.
Cherries Jubilee Recipe: 2 cups frozen or canned red tart cherries, 3/4 cup tart cherry juice, 3/4 cup water, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 Tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/3 cup brandy. Combine cherry juice, water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir to dissolve sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, mix in the cornstarch, and stir constantly until the mixture has thickened Add the cherries and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from the heat an stir in the vanilla. Add the brandy and ignite with a match. When the flame subsides, stir and let come to room temperature. Pour into a large jar, seal, and place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Cherry Orchards, Door County, Wisconsin (February 2020)
