Easy No-Bake Chocolate Nutella Cheesecake Parfait
One of my favorite things to do is make a dessert that I know everyone’s going to love. This easy, no-bake dessert recipe is one of them! Nutella® is one of my daughter Rebecca's favorite things to eat. And because this Chocolate Nutella Cheesecake Parfaits recipe has Oreo® cookies in it, my father-in-law can’t get enough either!
Whenever Valentine’s Day AND World Nutella Day (February 5th, if you didn’t know) roll around, I like to make chocolate and Nutella-themed desserts. This parfait is just one example. Oh, and did I mention you can prepare it ahead of time? Without further ado, here’s my delicious Chocolate and Nutella Cheesecake Parfait recipe!
Can you make dessert parfaits ahead of time?
Yes! You can definitely make dessert parfaits ahead of time. I like to make this one the night before and leave it in the refrigerator overnight. Having a no-bake dessert recipe in my repertoire is a huge plus because sometimes I just don’t feel like turning my oven on. A recipe like this already saves time—making your parfaits ahead of time saves even more.
How to Make Your Homemade Parfaits Pretty
Parfaits are one of those desserts you “eat” with your eyes first. The key to making a parfait beautiful is to carefully assemble distinct layers. And, of course, they’re best served in a clear dessert glass. You get a sneak peek of all the delicious flavors that way! Get your chocolate fix while also enjoying the creamy taste of Nutella filling and cheesecake. I mean, come on. Who doesn’t love cheesecake?
What kind of glass should you serve a parfait in?
Now you know how to use layers to create a dramatic effect for these individual desserts. Don’t forget to use clear glass serving dishes so you can show off those gorgeous layers! You can use a parfait glass, of course, but you could also use an ice cream dish, a wine glass, or even 8-ounce glass jars. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
How to Get Perfectly Smooth Parfait Fillings
Because cocoa powder can have some lumps in it, I always put the cocoa powder through a fine sieve before mixing it in. This gets rid of any lumps!
How to Get Nice, Neat Layers in a Parfait
To make layering your parfait easier, use 2 pastry bags fitted with round or star tips (one for each kind of filling). I like to use disposable pastry bags for this—makes cleanup a snap!
Easy No-Bake Chocolate Nutella Cheesecake Parfait Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break the Oreos up into pieces and place them in a food processor. Pulse until finely ground, then add the melted butter and pulse for a few more seconds to evenly coat the crumbs. Set this Oreo mixture aside while you prepare the two mousse mixtures.
- In a chilled mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to whip 1 cup of chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form. Slowly add the granulated sugar; continue whipping to combine. Place your whipped cream in the refrigerator.
- In a clean mixing bowl, using clean beaters, whip 5 ounces of cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the Nutella and whip until smooth (about 2 minutes).
- Now use a spatula to gently fold in approximately ⅓ of the whipped cream until no streaks remain. This is your Nutella mousse layer! Divide the mousse evenly into the parfait glasses. Sprinkle the crushed Oreos evenly over the mousse layer in each glass. Place the parfaits in the refrigerator while preparing the chocolate layer.
- Place the chopped chocolate in a heat proof bowl. Using 20-second spurts of heat, microwave the chocolate until melted, stirring in between spurts. Be careful not to burn the chocolate. I find that after a few 20-second spurts, you can easily use a spatula to smooth out any small bits of chocolate that remain. Let the chocolate cool while preparing the cream cheese.
- In a clean bowl, using clean beaters, whip the remaining 5 ounces of cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the melted chocolate. Place a sieve over the bowl and sift the cocoa through it before mixing for a smooth and creamy chocolate layer.
- Using a spatula, fold in the remaining whipped cream until no streaks remain. Place the chocolate mousse on top of the Oreo layer. Refrigerate for 2½ hours or overnight.
- When you’re ready to serve your parfait, garnish with any or all of the optional garnishes. Enjoy!
