Berry Cheesecake Parfait Using Greek Yogurt

When you think about making cheesecake, you probably think about a long and involved process of making a crust, creating the filling and waiting for the cake to bake. But with this recipe for berry cheesecake parfait using Greek yogurt, you’re still making everything from scratch but it is a no-bake dessert that comes together easily and is super delicious to serve when having friends or family over for a meal or celebration.

Berry Cheesecake Parfait Using Greek Yogurt

Years ago, I worked at Food and Wine magazine, not as a recipe developer, not as an editor but helping the advertising and marketing departments promote the magazine. It was during that time that I first developed a love of cooking and the very first thing I ever made was a traditional cheesecake. In fact, the first time I went for dinner at my future in-laws’ home, I brought a homemade cheesecake. Needless to say, I did OK with that dish as my husband and I have been married for more than 30 years.

Not surprisingly, cheesecake holds a special place in my heart because of those long-ago good feelings associated with making it. I feel just as good about this recipe for a cheesecake parfait because it doesn’t involve baking anything in the oven. I can easily make a cheesecake dessert filled with fresh berries with a lot less effort than a traditional cheesecake.

Bonus: when hunting your favorite thrift and resale stores for vintage Corningware, Pyrex dishes or mason jars, be on the lookout for clear glass sundae dishes — sometimes called tulip or pedestal glasses — like the ones shown in the photos here. They are perfect for serving a layered dish in: it’s a feast for your eyes as well as your mouth. If you strike out while shopping in person, there’s always shopping on Etsy.

Last year, for patriotic holidays — Memorial Day, Labor Day, 4th of July — I made my red, white and blue trifle dessert. However, this year, this berry cheesecake parfait might just bump the trifle from the top summer dessert spot.

Ingredients

The ingredients are listed here in two clusters. First are the ingredients for your homemade base. It’s kind of like making granola from scratch. Second are the cheesecake ingredients using Greek yogurt and cream cheese, plus fruit and natural sweeteners.

Crust Ingredients

• 1/4 cup raw almonds
• 1/4 cup raw pecans
• 3 pitted dates roughly chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon plus more for garnish

Cheesecake Ingredients

• 4 ounce cream cheese softened
• 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup strawberries
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1/2 cup blueberries

Instructions

In the bowl of a food processor, combine almonds, pecans, dates and cinnamon. Pulse until the mixture starts to form a ball and the nuts are nicely broken down. Add the nut crust to four serving dishes or sundae glasses as the base. Set aside.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or immersion blender to beat the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, honey — or maple syrup — and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Set aside.

Wash the berries and slice strawberries in half or quarters — chef’s choice.

Layer the cheesecake mixture and berries in your serving dishes, repeating until all remaining cheesecake mixture and fresh berries are used up. Save a few berries to to garnish on top.

Place the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to chill. To serve, garnish with ground cinnamon or an extra drizzle of honey or maple syrup, if desired. Enjoy!