Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these parfaits blend the rich flavor of chocolate cheesecake with fluffy whipped cream, creating a dessert that feels both luxurious and effortless. They’re no-bake, assemble-then-chill treats that feel elegant but are incredibly easy to prepare
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
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½ cup powdered sugar
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2 Tbsp whole milk
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Optional garnishes: chocolate shavings, fresh berries
directions
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Whip the cream. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Set aside.
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Make the cheesecake mousse. Beat cream cheese, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.
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Fold together. Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to lighten it, then fold in the remainder, stopping when fully blended.
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Layer the parfaits. Spoon a layer of chocolate mousse into glass cups, top with whipped cream, then repeat. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream.
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Garnish and chill. Sprinkle chocolate shavings or berries on top, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Servings and timing
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Servings: Makes about 4–6 parfaits (depending on glass size)
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Prep time: ~15 minutes
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Chill time: ≥1 hour
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Total time: ~1 hour 15 minutes (mostly hands-off)
Variations
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I like swapping in Nutella or melted dark chocolate for extra richness.
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A cookie crumb base (Oreos, graham crackers) adds pleasant crunch.
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Swapping half the cocoa with white chocolate powder gives a sweeter twist, and topping with fresh strawberries is gorgeous.
storage/reheating
I store these parfaits covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed chilled. If the whipped cream softens, a quick re-whip and fresh dollop before serving brings them back to life.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely—I assemble them and chill for 1 hour (or overnight) before serving.
2. Can a sugar substitute be used?
Yes! I’ve swapped powdered sugar with powdered erythritol or monk fruit; just ensure it dissolves smoothly in the cream cheese mix.
3. What if my whipped cream deflates?
No worries—just re-whip some cream to stiff peaks and add a fresh layer on top before serving.
4. Can I skip the milk?
Yes, though adding milk helps achieve a silky mousse texture—without it, the mousse is slightly denser.
5. Can I make mini or large servings?
Definitely! I use small glasses for bite-sized treats, and larger ones for decadent individual servings.
Conclusion
These Whipped Chocolate Cheesecake Parfaits are my go-to no-bake dessert when I want something luxe yet simple. They look beautiful, taste indulgent, and come together in no time—perfect for treating yourself or impressing guests. I can’t wait for you to enjoy them as much as I do!
Print
Whipped Chocolate Cheesecake Parfaits
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 parfaits (depending on glass size)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These whipped chocolate cheesecake parfaits are light, creamy, and no-bake—layered with fluffy mousse and perfect for any quick dessert craving.
Ingredients
1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp whole milk
Optional Garnishes: chocolate shavings, fresh berries, crushed cookies
Instructions
Whip the Cream:
In a chilled mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Make Cheesecake Mousse:
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and fluffy.
Fold Together:
Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to lighten. Fold in the rest until fully incorporated and mousse is light and creamy.
Assemble the Parfaits:
Spoon layers of chocolate mousse and remaining whipped cream into serving glasses. Repeat as desired, ending with whipped cream on top.
Chill & Garnish:
Cover and chill parfaits for at least 1 hour. Before serving, top with chocolate shavings, berries, or other garnish.
Notes
Nutella or melted dark chocolate can replace cocoa for a deeper flavor.
Add a cookie crumb base (e.g., Oreo or graham cracker) for extra texture.
Use small glasses for mini parfaits or taller ones for a showstopping dessert.
Whipped cream may deflate slightly in the fridge—add a fresh dollop before serving if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, No-Bake
- Method: No-Bake, Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American