Creamy Rhubarb Cheesecake Parfaits
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time (for compote): 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: ~1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6 parfaits
Difficulty: Easy
Intensity: Low
Introduction
Sweet, tangy, and lusciously creamy, Creamy Rhubarb Cheesecake Parfaits are the ultimate spring and summer dessert. These elegant layered treats combine a velvety no-bake cheesecake mousse, a tart rhubarb compote, and buttery graham cracker crumbs for a perfectly balanced spoonful in every bite.
Ideal for entertaining or a refreshing make-ahead dessert, these parfaits bring together the nostalgia of rhubarb pie and the indulgence of cheesecake—without the oven!
Ingredients
For the Rhubarb Compote:
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2 cups fresh or frozen rhubarb (chopped)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons water
For the Cheesecake Layer:
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8 oz cream cheese (softened)
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
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3/4 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
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1 cup graham cracker crumbs
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
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1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
Optional Toppings:
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Whipped cream
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Mint leaves
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Crushed pistachios or almonds
Kitchen Tools Needed
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Electric mixer or hand whisk
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Mixing bowls
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Saucepan
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Rubber spatula
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Small glasses or dessert jars (6–8 oz)
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Spoon or piping bag (for neat layers)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Rhubarb Compote
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In a small saucepan, combine rhubarb, sugar, lemon juice, and water.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb breaks down and becomes soft (about 12–15 minutes).
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Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
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Let the compote cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 30–60 minutes until chilled.
Tip: You can make the compote up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
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Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest (if using). Beat until light and fluffy.
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In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to soft peaks.
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Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and creamy.
Step 3: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
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In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and brown sugar.
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Stir until evenly moistened and crumbly.
Make it gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free graham crackers if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Parfaits
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Spoon or sprinkle a layer of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each dessert glass.
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Add a layer of the creamy cheesecake filling using a spoon or piping bag.
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Spoon a layer of rhubarb compote on top.
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Repeat layers if your jars are tall enough, finishing with a swirl of cheesecake or a dollop of compote.
Optional Garnish:
Top each parfait with whipped cream, a fresh mint leaf, or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for added texture and flair.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled. These parfaits are perfect for:
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Spring brunches
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Mother’s Day desserts
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Garden parties
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Make-ahead dinner party treats
Pair with a glass of Prosecco or a hot herbal tea for a light, refreshing finish.
Tips & Variations
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Make it fruity: Mix strawberries or raspberries into the rhubarb compote.
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Add crunch: Layer in chopped nuts or granola for extra texture.
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Go dairy-free: Use a plant-based cream cheese and coconut whipped cream for a vegan-friendly version.
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Layer smart: For clean layers, use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off to pipe in the cheesecake layer neatly.
Storage & Make-Ahead
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Fridge: Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Not recommended, as the cheesecake mousse can separate upon thawing.
These parfaits are ideal for meal prep—assemble them the night before for a stress-free dessert.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Estimated values based on 6 servings.
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Calories: 320 kcal
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Protein: 3g
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Fat: 22g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Sugar: 18g
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Fiber: 1g
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Cholesterol: 55mg
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Sodium: 160mg
Final Thoughts
These Creamy Rhubarb Cheesecake Parfaits are a delightful way to showcase rhubarb’s unique tanginess while satisfying your sweet tooth with a rich cheesecake cream. They’re easy to prepare, beautiful to present, and versatile enough to customize with your favorite flavors and textures.