This post is sponsored by Philadelphia Cream Cheese.
Easy Raspberry Cheesecake Double-Date Parfaits
Mike and I are always trying to be better about making friends. We’re two devoted introverts: I have an impressive dose of social anxiety and he just doesn’t especially put himself out there. But we both do well in smallish, casual get-togethers. Low-stress environment, simple food, no crazy cleaning frenzies beforehand. My latest idea for one of these is a homemade double-date night: one couple brings drinks and apps, the other provides dinner and dessert, and both play board games while ignoring the pile of laundry in the corner because WE’RE BEING CASUAL, Y’ALL. Or that’s the plan anyway.
So of course I had to be all CUTE or whatever and create a COUPLES dessert: one that you eat with your sweetheart. I don’t know why I never make parfaits, because they’re like PERSONAL TRIFLES, and everyone knows trifles are so flippin’ good. These parfaits are no exception: layers of cubed pound cake; raspberries macerated in sparkling wine and sugar; a quick vanilla cheesecake mixture made with Philadelphia Cream Cheese, which uses fresh milk and real cream, and no preservatives; and freshly whipped vanilla cream. Oh my goshhhh.
They’re also drop-dead easy: macerate your berries, cube a ready-made pound cake from the bakery, whip up the cheesecake and cream, and assemble. These were ready in 30 minutes flat, and that’s only because I needed to give the berries time to soak up the goodness. Actual working time of this recipe? Probably 10 minutes. Also, you can sing, “RAAAAAAASPBERRY PARFAITS” a la Prince over and over again while you prepare these. I think it adds a little je ne sais quoi to the final product.
I used tall glasses and served my dessert as a couples dessert with two spoons, but if you have the typical shorter parfait glasses, feel free to divvy up the ingredients and serve individual parfaits.
One year ago: Brownie Blackout Mousse Cake
Two years ago: Bailey’s Mint Oreo Icebox Cake
Three years ago: Buttery Coconut Almond Pull-Apart Bread (with Heavenly Coconut Cream Glaze)
Four years ago: Tres Leches Coconut Cake Trifle
Five years ago: Soft Pretzel Dogs
Six years ago: Ice Cream Cupcakes
- 4 cups fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup dry sparkling wine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 brick (8-ounces) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 prepared pound cake, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
- Make the sparkling raspberries: Combine the raspberries, sparkling wine, and sugar in a medium bowl. Cover this and set it aside to macerate for 30 minutes.
- Make the whipped cream: Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together to stiff peaks. Transfer whipped cream to a pastry bag fitted with a star tip.
- Make the cheesecake filling: Beat together the Philadelphia Cream Cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer to a pastry bag with the tip cut off.
- Assemble: In either 4 tall (for couples) or 8 regular (for individuals) parfait glasses, layer pound cake cubes, sparkling raspberries with sparkling wine, and a thick layer of cheesecake filling. Repeat another layer of cake cubes and raspberries before topping the parfaits with whipped cream. Serve.
For quick & easy entertaining, turn to Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Always have it on hand to create fun appetizers and desserts that pop. I had a great time developing my Easy Raspberry Cheesecake Double-Date Parfaits for my double-date night. For more creamy, delicious recipe ideas, click here.
Debra
April 7, 2016 at 5:15 pm (9 years ago)I love my husband, but I don’t share dessert. He would seriously be in dire physical harm if he tried! LOL
Julie Ruble
April 8, 2016 at 8:35 am (9 years ago)LOL I definitely sometimes feel that way too, Debra!
Nutmeg Nanny
April 8, 2016 at 8:16 am (9 years ago)These little parfaits are calling my name…for breakfast! I would seriously eat one right now if I could…haha.
Julie Ruble
April 8, 2016 at 8:35 am (9 years ago)Me too!! I wish they weren’t all gone! Thanks Brandy!
Penny Davies
April 8, 2016 at 8:31 am (9 years ago)Julie,these parfaits are amazing! Just looking at them makes me want to try them. Love your blog!
Julie Ruble
April 8, 2016 at 8:35 am (9 years ago)Thanks so much, Penny! I’m glad you’re here!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass
April 8, 2016 at 9:55 pm (9 years ago)You could also eat these on a bicycle built for two, as you sing “Raaaaaaspberry Parfaits”. That might really draw some attention. I love this delicious combination, Julie!
Foodiewife
April 9, 2016 at 4:45 pm (9 years ago)I had to laugh at the introvert story. You are not alone. My husband and I enjoy entertaining, but much prefer to do it with another couple. Small and simple. Big parties make me a bit nervous (including big blogger conventions). I ONLY buy Philadelphia Cream cheese, and always keep at least two in my refrigerator. This is simple, and beautiful. Lovely post.
bc in edmond
April 11, 2016 at 4:13 pm (9 years ago)I also ONLY buy Philadelphia cream cheese – someone in our family once bought the “fake” kind for our family dip and it was AWFUL! Philadelphia is the only one I trust! p.s. – this recipe looks amazing – can’t wait to try it 🙂
sientatealamesa
April 10, 2016 at 1:11 pm (9 years ago)Simple delicious I must try it.
Cathy Trochelman
April 12, 2016 at 1:26 pm (9 years ago)These look like the perfect little “special occasion” desserts! So cute and yummy!