30-Minute Cherry Chocolate Mousse Parfaits
A quick, no-bake dessert with layers of chocolate cheesecake, cookie crumbs, and cherry pie filling. Perfect for summer parties, meal prep, or satisfying your sweet tooth with a creamy, fruity treat.
Equipment
- Food processor (1)
- Mixing bowls (3)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk (1)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 8 jelly jars or parfait glasses (8)
- Spatula (1)
Ingredients
- 24 chocolate cream-filled cookies
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup hazelnut spread
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ cups Cool Whip thawed
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling
- 8 mini chocolate cream-filled cookies for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Crumbs: Begin by gathering all 24 chocolate cream-filled cookies. Place them in a food processor, including the creamy filling inside, and pulse until they break down into fine, even crumbs. You should aim for a sandy, uniform texture. Once processed, divide the crumbs evenly into three separate bowls. These will be used for layering the parfaits later.
- Cream the Base Cheese Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, place 8 ounces of softened cream cheese. Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until it is completely smooth and creamy, without any lumps. This creates a silky base for the chocolate cheesecake layer.
- Add Chocolate Flavor: To the creamed cheese, add ½ cup of hazelnut spread and 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are fully incorporated, forming a glossy, chocolate-hazelnut cream. Taste the mixture briefly to ensure the flavor is rich but balanced.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Take 1½ cups of thawed Cool Whip and gently fold it into the chocolate cheesecake mixture using a spatula. Use slow, sweeping motions to combine, preserving the light, airy texture of the whipped cream. Avoid overmixing to keep the mousse fluffy.
- Assemble the First Layer: Take your 8 jelly jars or parfait glasses and start assembling. Spoon or pipe a layer of cookie crumbs from the first bowl evenly into the bottom of each jar. This will form a crunchy base for the mousse, providing texture and contrast.
- Add the Chocolate Cheesecake Layer: Next, carefully spoon or pipe the chocolate cheesecake mixture over the cookie crumb base in each jar. Smooth the tops slightly with a spatula or the back of a spoon, ensuring an even, luscious layer. This rich layer will contrast perfectly with the crisp cookie crumbs.
- Layer More Cookie Crumbs: Take the second bowl of cookie crumbs and sprinkle it evenly over the chocolate cheesecake layer. Gently press down just slightly to secure the crumbs without flattening the mousse beneath. This adds an extra layer of crunch and visual appeal.
- Add the Cherry Filling: Open the 21-ounce can of cherry pie filling and evenly spoon the cherries over the cookie crumb layer. Ensure each jar gets a generous portion of cherries, allowing some of the syrup to drizzle slightly over the crumbs for added flavor and moisture.
- Top with Final Cookie Layer: Sprinkle the last bowl of cookie crumbs evenly on top of the cherry layer. This final crumb layer adds a visually appealing texture and seals the parfait, ready for the finishing touches.
- Garnish with Whipped Cream and Mini Cookies: Spoon or pipe a swirl of Cool Whip on top of each jar. If you are planning to transport the parfaits, skip this step to leave room for the lids. Finally, add a mini chocolate cream-filled cookie as a charming garnish for each parfait. This adds a professional, finished look.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled parfaits for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld. When ready to enjoy, remove from the fridge and serve chilled. The combination of creamy chocolate mousse, crisp cookie layers, and juicy cherries creates a perfect bite every time.
Notes
- Use fully softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free mousse.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip instead of mixing vigorously to maintain an airy texture.
- Cookie choice matters: chocolate cream-filled cookies provide sweetness and crunch; feel free to experiment with sandwich cookies or chocolate wafers.
- For even layering, consider using a piping bag for the cheesecake layer.
- If transporting, skip the whipped cream topping to allow room for lids.
