Black Cherry Cheesecake Tiramisu Parfait
Black Cherry Cheesecake Tiramisu Parfait
Yield
4 large (24 oz) cups
or
8 regular dessert servings
Ingredients
Cheesecake Layer
- 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch salt
Cherry Filling
Option 1 (Easy)
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
OR
Option 2 (Homemade)
- 4 cups frozen dark cherries
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Cook until thick.
Cool completely.
Optional Tiramisu Flavor
Mix together:
- ¼ cup strong espresso
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
Brush onto ladyfingers.
Cookie Layer (Optional)
- 18–20 ladyfingers
OR
- Graham crackers
OR
- Vanilla wafers
Topping
- Ground cinnamon
- Fresh cherries
- White chocolate curls (optional)
Equipment
Stand mixer
Large piping bag
24 oz clear cups
Offset spatula
Instructions
Step 1
Beat cream cheese
3 minutes
until smooth.
No lumps.
Step 2
Add
Powdered sugar
Vanilla
Salt
Lemon juice
Beat another 2 minutes.
Step 3
In another bowl
Whip heavy cream
to stiff peaks.
Do not overwhip.
Step 4
Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.
Do not stir aggressively.
The mousse should stay fluffy.
Cherry Filling
If homemade:
Cook cherries
Sugar
until juicy.
Mix
Cornstarch + water
Add.
Cook 2 minutes.
Cool completely.
Assembly
Layer
Cheesecake mousse
↓
Cherry filling
↓
Cheesecake mousse
↓
Cherry filling
↓
Repeat.
Top with
Cheesecake mousse
Dust cinnamon
Add cherries.
Exactly like the photo.
Optional Tiramisu Version
Between cheesecake layers add
Coffee-soaked ladyfingers.
This gives the dessert a cheesecake-tiramisu flavor.
Chill Time
Minimum
4 hours
Best
Overnight
Flavor
Very creamy
Sweet
Tangy cheesecake
Rich cherry
Light cinnamon
Texture
Silky mousse
Soft cherries
Creamy filling
Light and fluffy
Storage
Refrigerator
3–4 days
Freezer
Up to 2 months
Thaw overnight.
Nutrition (Approximate)
Per large 24 oz cup (recipe makes 4):
Calories: 850–980 kcal
Fat: 58–65 g
Saturated Fat: 35–40 g
Carbohydrates: 75–90 g
Sugars: 60–70 g
Protein: 10–13 g
Fiber: 2–3 g
Sodium: 350–450 mg
Calcium: 180–240 mg
Cholesterol: 170–210 mg
If divided into 8 standard servings, each serving is about:
- 425–490 calories
- 29–33 g fat
- 38–45 g carbs
- 5–7 g protein
Nutrition varies depending on the cherry filling and cookies used.
Pro Tips
✔ Use full-fat cream cheese.
✔ Chill the bowl before whipping cream.
✔ Cherry filling must be cold before layering.
✔ Pipe the cheesecake filling instead of spooning for clean layers.
✔ Refrigerate overnight for the best texture.
Variations
Chocolate Cherry
Add
½ cup melted dark chocolate
to cheesecake filling.
Oreo Cherry
Layer crushed Oreos.
White Chocolate Cherry
Mix
8 oz melted white chocolate
into cheesecake mixture.
Strawberry Version
Replace cherries with strawberry compote.
Blueberry Version
Use blueberry pie filling.
Raspberry Version
Use raspberry preserves mixed with fresh raspberries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?
Yes. Replace the whipped heavy cream with about 3 cups of thawed Cool Whip. The texture will be slightly lighter and sweeter.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes. It can be made 1–2 days in advance and kept refrigerated.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Why is my cheesecake layer runny?
Common causes include under-whipped cream, warm cream cheese, or adding warm cherry filling. Keep all ingredients cool and whip the cream to stiff peaks.
Q: Can I make it less sweet?
Yes. Reduce the powdered sugar to ½ cup and use homemade cherry compote with less sugar.
Q: Do I have to use ladyfingers?
No. The dessert in the photo appears to work well as a layered cheesecake parfait even without cookies. Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or no cookie layer at all are all good options.
Q: Can I make individual cups for parties?
Yes. This recipe works well in 8–10 oz clear cups, mini dessert cups, or larger 24 oz cups like the one shown.
Q: Can I add a crunchy layer?
Yes. Crushed graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or toasted pecans can add texture between layers. If using nuts, add them just before serving to keep them crisp.
