Some desserts instantly capture the warmth and charm of the season, and these Gluten-Free Spiced Cranberry Cheesecake Parfaits do just that. Each spoonful blends cool, velvety cheesecake with a swirl of spiced cranberry compote, all resting on a buttery graham cracker base that adds just the right amount of crunch. The flavors are bright yet comforting, festive without feeling fussy, and beautifully balanced from top to bottom.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, elegant dinners, or cozy winter evenings, these parfaits offer the charm of a classic cheesecake with none of the work of baking or slicing. Prepared in individual cups, they assemble seamlessly and chill into a creamy, cloud-light treat that feels as dazzling as it looks—especially when topped with sparkling sugared cranberries and a sprig of fresh rosemary. It’s a dessert designed for savoring the season, one graceful spoonful at a time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beautifully balanced flavors
Sweet, tangy cranberry compote meets a lightly spiced, ultra-creamy cheesecake filling—every layer works together without overpowering the others.

No-bake and effortlessly elegant
These parfaits deliver the sophistication of a classic cheesecake with none of the baking. They assemble quickly and chill into a smooth, luxurious texture.

Perfect for the holidays
Vibrant cranberries, warming spices, and a festive presentation make this dessert ideal for gatherings, dinner parties, and special seasonal moments.

Easy to make ahead
Each component can be prepared in advance, and the parfaits hold their shape beautifully once chilled—making entertaining stress-free.

Naturally gluten-free friendly
Using gluten-free graham crackers keeps this dessert accessible while maintaining the familiar, buttery flavor of a traditional cheesecake crust.

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Ingredient Notes

Fresh Cranberries:
Using fresh cranberries creates a bright, jammy compote with a touch of tartness that balances the richness of the cheesecake. Frozen cranberries may be used, though the compote may thicken slightly faster.

Sugars (Light Brown & Granulated):
A blend of sugars adds depth and warmth to the compote. The light brown sugar brings caramel notes while granulated sugar keeps the flavor clean and balanced. 

Orange Juice:
Adds a citrusy lift that complements the cranberries and enhances the holiday flavor profile. Freshly squeezed works best, but bottled is fine in a pinch.

Warm Spices:
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves infuse the cranberry layer with gentle warmth without making it overly spiced. The cheesecake filling also includes cinnamon and a pinch of ginger for subtle aromatic depth. 

Gluten-Free Graham Crackers:
Choose a graham-style cookie with a flavor you enjoy—this becomes the foundation of the parfait. When mixed with melted butter, it creates a buttery, cohesive crust that mimics traditional cheesecake perfectly. 

Cream Cheese:
Full-fat, brick-style cream cheese is essential for a smooth, stable filling. Its richness pairs beautifully with the whipped cream to create a silky, cloud-like texture. 

Heavy Whipping Cream:
Whipped to medium-stiff peaks, it lightens the cream cheese mixture and gives the parfaits their airy, mousse-like consistency. 

Vanilla & Salt:
A touch of vanilla rounds out the sweetness while a small pinch of salt sharpens the flavors and prevents the filling from tasting flat.

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How to Make Gluten-Free Cranberry Cheesecake Parfaits

See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list, measurements, and instructions.

Step 1: Begin by making the cranberry compote.  Combine the cranberries, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

Step 2: Reduce the heat and simmer until the cranberries have popped and the liquid has thickened.

Step 3: Next prepare the graham cracker crust.  Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until a fine crumb forms and then place the crumbs along with the salt in a mixing bowl.

Step 4: Pour the melted butter over the graham cracker crumbs and stir to combine.

Step 5: To make the cheesecake filling, start by whipping the heavy cream until medium-stiff peaks form.

Step 6: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and salt and beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two additions until fully combined.

Step 8: Assemble the parfaits by spooning the graham crackers into the bottom of 8 dessert cups and topping with the cheesecake filling. Add the cranberry compote and chill for at least 1-2 hours to allow the filling to set.  For serving, garnish with sugared cranberries and fresh rosemary. Enjoy!

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Recipe Tips

Whip the cream to medium-stiff peaks
This gives the parfaits their signature light, mousse-like texture. If the cream is too soft, the filling won’t set as cleanly; too stiff, and it becomes difficult to fold in smoothly.

Soften the cream cheese fully
Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a silky, lump-free filling and helps it incorporate beautifully with the whipped cream.

Cool the cranberry compote completely
Warm compote will melt the cheesecake layer. Let it cool fully before assembling for clean, distinct layers and the best texture.

Pack the crust gently
You want the graham layer to hold together but still feel tender when you dig your spoon in. A light press is all you need.

Chill for at least 1–2 hours
Even though the parfaits look gorgeous immediately, chilling them allows the filling to firm and the flavors to meld into that classic cheesecake creaminess.

Top with garnishes just before serving
Sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs look their freshest when added at the last moment, especially if the parfaits have been chilled for several hours.

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Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions

Refrigeration:
Once assembled, parfaits can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. The layers stay clean and the filling keeps its structure beautifully.

Make-Ahead Option:
Prepare the compote, crust mixture, and cheesecake filling 1–2 days in advance, storing each component separately in airtight containers. Assemble the parfaits the day you plan to serve for the freshest presentation.

Freezing:
These parfaits are not ideal for freezing once assembled, as the whipped cream–based filling can lose its airy texture. However, the cranberry compote freezes well for up to 2 months—simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

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Photography by Creating Kaitlin

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