No-Bake Berry Cheesecake Parfaits

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
• 1 1/2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form using an electric mixer.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and fluffy.
4. In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
5. Prepare parfait glasses or small bowls. Start by adding a spoonful of the graham cracker crumb mixture to the bottom of each glass and gently press down to create a base layer.
6. Add a layer of the cream cheese filling over the crumbs, followed by a layer of mixed berries. Repeat the layers until the glasses are full, finishing with berries on top.
7. Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and for the filling to set.
8. Garnish with fresh mint leaves just before serving, if desired.

Chef tips

• Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
• If fresh berries are not available, frozen berries can be thawed, drained, and used instead.
• For a citrus twist, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese mixture.
• To make it vegan, substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream.