Cherry Pie Parfaits

Cherry pie is one of those classic desserts that always feels right for summer, but sometimes it's nice to skip the rolling pin and make something a little easier. That's exactly why I love these cherry pie parfaits. They have all the flavors of a traditional cherry pie, plus a creamy filling and a buttery cookie layer, but they're assembled in individual jars for a fun, portable presentation.

The creamy layers are made with pudding, cream cheese, and freshly whipped cream, giving them a rich, fluffy texture. Add a layer of cherry pie filling brightened with a little lemon juice and plenty of crushed shortbread cookies, and every spoonful tastes like a bite of cherry pie and cheesecake rolled into one.

These parfaits are especially handy for summer entertaining because they can be made ahead and chilled until serving time. They're a perfect Fourth of July dessert, and if you have jars with lids, they're easy to pack up and take along to a picnic, too.

Can you make cherry pie parfaits ahead of time?

Yes! These parfaits are a great make-ahead dessert. They can be assembled up to 1 day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The cookies will soften slightly as they sit, creating a texture similar to pie crust.

Can you use homemade cherry pie filling?

Absolutely. Homemade cherry pie filling works great in this recipe. Just make sure it's fully cooled before layering it into the parfaits.

Can you freeze cherry pie parfaits?

Freezing isn't recommended, as the whipped cream and pudding layers can become grainy once thawed. These parfaits are best enjoyed chilled from the refrigerator.

Can you use a different pie filling?

Yes! Blueberry, strawberry, peach, or apple pie filling all work well in this recipe and create a fun variation on the classic parfait.