Description
Creamy, festive, and effortlessly elegant, these Gluten-Free Spiced Cranberry Cheesecake Parfaits layer a buttery graham cracker crust with a velvety cinnamon-kissed cheesecake filling and a bright homemade cranberry compote. They come together without baking, chill beautifully, and make the perfect holiday dessert for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
CRANBERRY COMPOTE
3 c (300g) fresh cranberries
1/2 c (100g) light brown sugar, lightly packed
1/4 c (50g) granulated sugar
1/2 c (120g) orange juice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves
CRUST
8 oz (225g) gluten-free graham
crackers
pinch of salt
4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, melted
CHEESECAKE
1 c (240g) heavy whipping cream, cold
16 oz (450g) cream cheese, full fat/brick style, softened
2/3 c (135 g) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (15g) powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (scant)
pinch of ground ginger
1/4 tsp fine salt
GARNISH
sugared cranberries
rosemary sprigs
Instructions
PREPARE THE CRANBERRY COMPOTE
- Combine the cranberries, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and orange juice in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for ~10 minutes until the cranberries have popped but are still intact and the liquid has thickened.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the spices.
- Allow the compote to cool to room temperature before assembling the cheesecake cups.
PREPARE THE CRUST
- Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until a fine crumb forms.
- Add the graham cracker crumbs and salt to a small mixing bowl.
- Pour the melted butter over the graham cracker crumbs and stir together. Set aside.
PREPARE THE CHEESECAKE FILLING
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to whip the heavy cream until medium-stiff peaks form.
- In a separate mixing bowl, use the electric hand mixer to beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and salt together until smooth and fluffy.
- Use a spatula to gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in 2 additions until fully combined.
ASSEMBLE THE CUPS
- Spoon the graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of 8 dessert cups or jars (6-8 oz cups).
- Pipe or spoon the cheesecake filling on top of the crust and smooth the top gently with a spoon or spatula.
- Spoon the cranberry compote on top of the cheesecake filling.
- Chill the cups in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to allow the filling to set.
- For serving, garnish with sugared cranberries and fresh rosemary sprigs. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Category: No-Bake Dessert