Cozy up to the holidays with a spoonful of pure comfort and joy. These Gingerbread Cheesecake Parfaits are a festive, indulgent treat that’s sure to delight your senses and bring a smile to your face. Featuring a luscious cheesecake filling layered with warm, zesty gingerbread crumbs and a dollop of freshly whipped cream, this easy-to-make dessert is the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and bright flavors.

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Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cheesecake Parfaits

Gingerbread and cheesecake are a match made in dessert heaven, and this parfait is the ultimate expression of that delicious pairing. The velvety, lush cheesecake filling provides a rich, creamy contrast to the hearty, spiced gingerbread crumbs, creating a heavenly texture in every bite. Plus, these parfaits are a breeze to assemble, making them the perfect festive dessert for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. With their bright, zesty flavors and comforting, indulgent feel, these Gingerbread Cheesecake Parfaits are sure to become a new holiday favorite.

Ingredients

For the cheesecake filling, you’ll need classic ingredients like cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. The gingerbread crumbs are made with a blend of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, plus a touch of molasses for that signature gingerbread flavor. And to top it all off, a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed gingerbread cookies add the perfect finishing touches.

Ingredient Substitutions

Spices: A pinch of nutmeg or allspice would be a lovely addition to the gingerbread crumbs (adds warmth and complexity).
Whipped Cream: You could try swapping the whipped cream for a luscious bourbon-spiked whipped topping (for an adult twist).

How to Make Gingerbread Cheesecake Parfaits

Begin by preheating your oven and preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, gather all your ingredients and equipment, including a food processor or blender for the gingerbread crumbs.

Step 1: Prep Work

In the food processor, pulse the gingerbread cookies until they reach a coarse, crumb-like texture. Transfer the crumbs to a mixing bowl and stir in the warm spices, molasses, and a pinch of salt. Set this aside while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat the cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add in the sugar, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract, then set this aside.

Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly

To assemble the parfaits, start by adding a layer of the gingerbread crumbs to the bottom of your serving glasses or jars. Spoon the cheesecake filling over the crumbs, smoothing the top with a spatula. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of crumbs.

Step 4: Finishing Touches (if needed)

Just before serving, top each parfait with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed gingerbread cookies for a festive, homemade touch.

How to make Gingerbread Cheesecake Parfaits — key cooking step

Recipe Variations & Tips

Cookie Swap: Feel free to swap the gingerbread crumbs for crushed graham crackers or gingersnap cookies (for different flavors).
Extra Indulgence: Add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans (for a decadent twist).
Make-Ahead: Assemble the parfaits up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve (saves time).
Topping Freshness: Wait to add the whipped cream and crushed gingerbread topping until just before serving to keep the parfaits extra crisp (maintains texture).

Serving & Storage

Serve with: a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate, for a cozy holiday treat.

Storage: These Gingerbread Cheesecake Parfaits will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, though the gingerbread crumbs may soften slightly over time.

Reheat: No need to reheat these parfaits – they’re best served chilled.

Make-Ahead: You can assemble the parfaits up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Find more festive dessert ideas on our DailyCake Pinterest page.

Nutrition Information

These Gingerbread Cheesecake Parfaits are a rich, indulgent treat, but they’re also made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Each serving provides a creamy, comforting dose of protein from the cream cheese, as well as a touch of sweetness from the molasses and sugar. While they’re not exactly a low-calorie dessert, they’re a festive, homemade option that’s sure to satisfy your holiday cravings.

Serving Size: 1 parfait
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 6 g
Carbs: 34 g
Fat: 22 g
Sodium: 310 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these parfaits in advance?

Absolutely! These Gingerbread Cheesecake Parfaits can be assembled up to 1 day in advance. Simply layer the gingerbread crumbs and cheesecake filling in your serving glasses or jars, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Just wait to add the whipped cream and crushed gingerbread topping until right before serving for the best texture.

Yes, feel free to get creative! While the gingerbread cookies provide a classic holiday flavor, you could also try using crushed graham crackers, gingersnaps, or even crushed Biscoff cookies for a different spin.

How can I make these parfaits even richer?

For an extra indulgent twist, try adding a drizzle of salted caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans over the cheesecake filling before adding the final layer of gingerbread crumbs.

Can I freeze these parfaits?

While the parfaits themselves don’t freeze particularly well, you can definitely prepare the gingerbread crumbs and cheesecake filling in advance and assemble them when ready to serve. The crumbs will keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, and the cheesecake filling can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Do I have to use a food processor to make the crumbs?

Nope! If you don’t have a food processor, you can simply place the gingerbread cookies in a resealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into a coarse crumb. Just be sure to give them a good whack to get that perfect texture.

Heavenly Gingerbread Cheesecake Parfaits