Festive, creamy, and bursting with peppermint joy, Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits are the ultimate holiday dessert in a jar. These layered beauties bring together fluffy cheesecake mousse, rich red velvet cake crumbs, and a snowy topping of whipped cream dusted with crushed candy canes. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want to surprise your family with something merry and bright, this no-bake dessert checks all the boxes for presentation and flavor.

The beauty of these parfaits is not just in their stunning layers, but also in how easy they are to assemble. Each jar is a handheld indulgence that balances decadence with refreshing peppermint. They’re ideal for make-ahead entertaining, and kids love helping build them layer by layer. Once chilled, these jars are ready to impress with their creamy texture, festive flair, and nostalgic candy cane crunch.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into assembling these parfaits, make sure your kitchen is set up with the right tools. You’ll need:

Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: This is essential for whipping the cream cheese and heavy cream to a silky smooth mousse texture. A hand mixer gives you more control, while a stand mixer is convenient for multitasking.
Mixing Bowls: Have at least two large bowls ready—one for the cheesecake mixture and one for whipped cream. Stainless steel or glass bowls help keep everything cool while mixing.
Spatula and Piping Bag (Optional): A spatula is perfect for folding ingredients gently, and if you want extra neat layers, a piping bag makes it easier to control the distribution of the cheesecake filling.

Jars or Glasses: Use small mason jars, dessert glasses, or even stemless wine glasses. Their transparency shows off the red and white layers beautifully and adds charm to your dessert table.
Food Processor (Optional): If you’re starting with whole red velvet cake or candy canes, this will help you quickly crumble the cake and crush the peppermint.

With these tools at hand, the process becomes fun and efficient, ensuring every layer is flawless and every spoonful delicious.

Ingredients for the Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits

Cream Cheese: The heart of the cheesecake mousse. It adds tangy richness and body to the creamy layers.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it brings the mousse lightness and smooth texture.
Powdered Sugar: Adds gentle sweetness without the graininess of granulated sugar.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the creaminess with a warm, aromatic touch.
Red Velvet Cake Crumbs: Adds color contrast and a soft, chocolatey base. You can use leftover cake or bake a quick boxed version.
Candy Canes: Crushed and sprinkled on top, they add festive peppermint flavor and a little crunch.

Whipped Cream (for topping): A final flourish that softens the peppermint crunch and completes the parfait.

How To Make the Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits

Step 1: Whip the Cheesecake Mousse

In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare the Layers

If you’re starting with a whole red velvet cake, crumble it finely into small, moist bits. Crush your candy canes using a food processor or by placing them in a bag and tapping with a rolling pin.

Step 3: Layer the Parfaits

Start by spooning or piping a layer of cheesecake mousse into the bottom of each jar. Follow with a layer of red velvet cake crumbs. Repeat until you reach near the top, finishing with mousse.

Step 4: Top and Garnish

Dollop or pipe whipped cream on top of each parfait. Sprinkle generously with crushed candy canes for that iconic holiday sparkle and flavor.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Place the jars in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours. This helps the layers firm up and the flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve and Store Your Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits

These parfaits are best served chilled straight from the fridge. Since they’re pre-portioned, there’s no mess and no slicing required—just grab a spoon and enjoy! They make an elegant dessert for a holiday dinner or a cozy treat for winter movie nights.

To store, keep the jars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to top with whipped cream and candy canes, add them just before serving to maintain the texture and color. These are also a great make-ahead option for parties and potlucks!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make these parfaits?

You can prepare them up to 2–3 days in advance. Just wait to add the whipped cream and candy cane topping until right before serving.

Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of whipping my own cream?

Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver, especially if you’re assembling multiple jars.

What if I don’t have red velvet cake?

You can substitute with chocolate cake or even brownie pieces. The goal is to provide that rich, fudgy contrast to the creamy cheesecake.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Freezing is not ideal as the whipped components can separate upon thawing. Best to stick to refrigeration.

Can I make these in one large trifle dish instead?

Definitely! Just layer everything in a trifle bowl for a beautiful centerpiece dessert.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Holiday Twist?

If you love these Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits, you’ll probably enjoy these other seasonal delights:

Traditional German Lebkuchen for a nostalgic holiday spice.

Coconut Snowballs that melt in your mouth with each bite.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for easy fruity decadence.
Whipped Shortbread Cookies that offer buttery bliss in every bite.

Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge if you need a quick chocolate fix.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: My Pinterest – Life With Olivia

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap the red velvet for brownies? Add an extra layer of ganache?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 20 minutes + chill time

Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These no-bake Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits are layered with fluffy cheesecake mousse, soft red velvet cake crumbs, and whipped cream, topped with crushed candy canes for the ultimate festive treat. Perfect for Christmas parties, make-ahead desserts, or a joyful winter indulgence.