Strawberry Cheesecake Yogurt Parfaits

Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Yogurt Parfaits
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups Greek yogurt; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Highlighted under: Dessert Haven

I absolutely love making Strawberry Cheesecake Yogurt Parfaits for a delightful dessert or a refreshing snack. The combination of creamy yogurt, sweet strawberries, and crunchy graham cracker crumbs creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. With just a few simple ingredients, I can whip up these parfaits in no time, making them ideal for entertaining or as a quick treat during the week. Trust me, once you try these parfaits, you’ll want to keep them in your regular rotation!

Created by

Margaret Hill

Last updated on 2026-02-16T11:33:36.769Z

When I first experimented with these Strawberry Cheesecake Yogurt Parfaits, I was amazed at how simple yet delicious they turned out. The combination of creamy yogurt and tangy cream cheese gives it an authentic cheesecake flavor without the hassle of baking. By layering fresh strawberries, I discovered that their natural sweetness complements the tanginess perfectly.

One particular tip I learned is to let the yogurt mixture sit for a few minutes before layering. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a parfait that tastes even better after a short chill. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Light and refreshing with a wholesome twist
No baking required, making it hassle-free
Can be customized with different fruits and toppings

Understanding the Ingredients

The primary ingredient in this recipe is Greek yogurt, which not only adds a creamy texture but also delivers a substantial dose of protein. When selecting the yogurt, opt for full-fat or non-fat versions depending on your dietary preferences. The cream cheese enhances the rich and cheesecake-like flavor, while honey or maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener. If you're avoiding sugar or looking for a lower-calorie option, consider using a sugar substitute such as stevia or erythritol, adjusting the quantity to your taste.

Fresh strawberries are essential for a pop of flavor and color. When picking strawberries, look for bright red, firm berries with a sweet aroma. If strawberries are out of season, you could substitute them with other berries such as blueberries or raspberries, or even some diced peaches for variation. Keep in mind that frozen fruit works but may introduce extra moisture, which can affect the overall texture of the parfait.

Perfecting Your Layers

Layering is key to achieving the right balance of flavors in your parfait. Each layer should be evenly distributed for the best presentation and flavor with every bite. When adding the strawberry layer, consider macerating the sliced strawberries with a minute sprinkle of sugar to enhance their sweetness and draw out some juices. This not only intensifies the flavor but also helps integrate the fruit with the other layers beautifully.

Graham cracker crumbs bring a delightful crunch, mimicking the crust of a traditional cheesecake. For a different texture, you could toast the crumbs lightly in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes until they're golden brown, which adds a nutty flavor. Alternatively, for a gluten-free version, crushed almond flour cookies or gluten-free graham crackers can be used as a substitute, keeping that crunch without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious parfaits:

Ingredients

2 cups Greek yogurt
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Instructions

Follow these steps to assemble your parfaits:

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Layer the Ingredients

In serving glasses or bowls, start by adding a layer of the cream cheese mixture, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries, and then a layer of graham cracker crumbs. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled.

Chill and Serve

Cover the parfaits and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, try adding a layer of your favorite jam or some nuts for added crunch and flavor!

Make-Ahead Tips

Strawberry Cheesecake Yogurt Parfaits can be made in advance, making them fantastic for meal prep. Assemble the parfaits a day ahead, but wait to add the graham cracker layer until just before serving if you want to maintain that crunch. When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the cream cheese mixture and strawberries can hold up nicely for up to 2 days, giving you a refreshing treat any time you want.

If you plan to serve the parfaits at a gathering, consider using mason jars to create individual servings. These not only look great but are also easy to transport. Just remember to keep them chilled until serving time, and it’s a good idea to layer them a bit more generously so each guest will enjoy the delightful flavors in every bite.

Variations to Try

You can easily switch up this recipe to cater to different tastes. For a tropical twist, substitute the strawberries with diced mango and add a hint of coconut extract to the cream cheese mixture for an enticing coconut flavor. Similarly, a mix of berries can create a vibrant layered effect, allowing for a burst of different flavors with each spoonful.

For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon or lime zest to the cream cheese mixture. This brightens the overall taste and complements the sweetness of the strawberries nicely. If you’re looking for more texture, fold in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the cream cheese layer for an added crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth yogurt.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these parfaits ahead of time?

Yes! These parfaits can be made a few hours in advance, but it's best to add the graham cracker crumbs right before serving to keep them crunchy.

→ What other fruits can I use?

Feel free to swap strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches for different flavor profiles.

→ Can I use low-fat yogurt or cream cheese?

Absolutely! Using low-fat options will reduce the calorie count while still maintaining great flavor. Just ensure the texture is still creamy.

→ Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes! It's a fun, healthy treat that kids will love. You can even have them help layer the parfaits!