If you’re looking for a no-bake holiday dessert that dazzles in both taste and appearance, these Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits are pure magic. Layers of creamy peppermint cheesecake, crushed candy canes, and chocolate cookie crumbles are stacked into elegant glasses, creating a festive treat that looks like it came straight from a winter wonderland.

These parfaits are rich but refreshing, thanks to the minty coolness of peppermint extract and the airy texture of whipped cream folded into the cheesecake layer. The crushed candy canes don’t just add crunch—they melt slightly into the layers, leaving behind little bursts of holiday cheer. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to slow down, take a bite, and let it melt on your tongue.

Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfait

You won’t need to turn on the oven, which makes this recipe ideal for busy holiday gatherings. It comes together quickly, chills beautifully, and can be made in advance. The combination of textures is perfect: creamy, crunchy, silky, and crisp. Plus, the red-and-white layers make it a stunning addition to your dessert table.

What Kind of Peppermint Should I Use?

Peppermint extract is the best choice for flavoring the cheesecake layer. Be careful not to overdo it—a little goes a long way. You can use crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for the topping and layers. If you love extra texture, larger crushed pieces work beautifully, while finely crushed ones will dissolve more into the cream.

Ingredients for the Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits

The magic of these parfaits is that each ingredient plays a starring role in creating both flavor and texture. From the creamy base to the crunchy garnish, nothing is just filler.

Cream cheese
Whipped cream
Powdered sugar
Peppermint extract
Crushed candy canes
Chocolate sandwich cookies
Butter

Cream cheese gives the parfaits that signature cheesecake flavor. Whipped cream lightens the mixture into a mousse-like texture. Powdered sugar adds sweetness without grittiness, while peppermint extract infuses the cream with cool holiday flavor. Crushed candy canes add color, crunch, and a minty sparkle. Chocolate sandwich cookies, when crushed and combined with butter, create a rich and crumbly base that mimics cookie crust.

How To Make the Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits

Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies and mix them with melted butter. Press a small amount into the bottom of each parfait glass to form the base layer.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and peppermint extract, blending until fully incorporated. Gently fold in whipped cream to create a light and fluffy mixture.

Step 3: Layer the Parfaits

Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the cookie layer, followed by a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. Repeat the layers if your glasses are tall enough.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the parfaits for at least an hour to let the flavors meld and the layers set. Just before serving, garnish with extra whipped cream and a final dusting of crushed candy cane.

How to Serve and Store Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits

These parfaits are best served chilled and can be made up to 24 hours in advance, making them perfect for holiday prep. Cover each glass tightly with plastic wrap if you’re storing them in the fridge. They feed about 6 people, depending on the size of your dessert glasses.

The parfaits hold up well in the fridge but aren’t ideal for freezing, as the whipped cream layer may separate when thawed. Serve them in clear glasses or mini jars for the most festive presentation.

What to Serve With Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits?

Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows

The richness of cocoa and the peppermint from the parfaits are a match made for December nights.

Classic Sugar Cookies

Pairing them with soft, buttery cookies makes for a sweet and mellow contrast.

Gingerbread Biscotti

A crunchy companion for dipping in cocoa or coffee while enjoying the cool mint layers.

Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

The salty-sweet crunch balances out the creamy sweetness of the parfait.

Spiced Nuts

A bowl of cinnamon-roasted almonds or pecans adds warmth and contrast.

Fresh Berries

Add a tart edge with raspberries or pomegranate arils alongside your parfait.

Mulled Wine

If you’re serving adults, a warm spiced wine complements the peppermint beautifully.

Eggnog Latte

Creamy, spiced, and indulgent—a perfect beverage pairing.

Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If these Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits get you into the holiday spirit, here are more recipes you’ll want to try next:

Decadent Pistachio Cream Cake for a nutty green centerpiece.
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies if you love creative fusion desserts.
Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies to keep the indulgence going.
Baby Lemon Impossible Pies for a bright citrusy counterpoint.
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for buttery decadence in every bite.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a chocolate peppermint combo? Did you add crushed Oreos between the layers?

I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Feel free to share your twists and ask questions—let’s inspire each other to make dessert even more magical.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and creative sweets on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for holiday joy!

Conclusion

Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits are a fun, festive, and fabulously easy dessert to whip up during the holiday season. With no baking required and a presentation that turns heads, they’re a must-try for your next party or cozy night in. The flavors are nostalgic, the textures are dreamy, and each spoonful delivers a peppermint-kissed celebration of the season.