Decadent Make-Ahead Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits: Your Ultimate Dairy-Free Holiday Dessert

The festive season is synonymous with delicious food, joyous gatherings, and, of course, show-stopping desserts. This year, simplify your holiday entertaining without compromising on indulgence with these incredible make-ahead Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits. They offer all the rich, creamy decadence you expect from a classic cheesecake, yet are completely dairy-free and grain-free, making them a perfect, inclusive treat for all your guests.

This post is proudly sponsored by E.D. Smith. As always, all opinions expressed here are my own, reflecting my genuine love for quality ingredients. Your support for the brands that help Crumb Top Baking thrive is deeply appreciated.

Simplify Your Holiday Dessert Planning with Make-Ahead Magic

Christmas is rapidly approaching, and with it comes the exciting challenge of planning the perfect holiday menu. While an array of festive cookies, tempting bars, and classic cakes are wonderful to have on hand throughout the season, Christmas Day calls for something truly special. I always aim for a dessert that not only looks beautifully festive and inviting but also delivers an unforgettable taste that leaves dinner guests eagerly anticipating seconds. It’s a high bar, I know, but these Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits rise to the occasion beautifully!

The beauty of a make-ahead dessert, especially during the busy holiday season, cannot be overstated. Imagine the luxury of having your show-stopping creation chilling in the refrigerator, ready to be adorned with its final touches just before serving. This eliminates last-minute stress, allowing you to fully enjoy your guests and the festive atmosphere. These dairy-free cheesecake parfaits are designed with convenience in mind, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly overnight, resulting in an even more delicious experience.

Introducing Your New Favorite Dairy-Free & Grain-Free Holiday Indulgence

This year, to help achieve those high dessert expectations, I’ve collaborated with my wonderful friends at E.D. Smith to craft a recipe that is guaranteed to impress your holiday guests. These Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits are a masterful blend of textures and flavors. They feature a rich, subtly spiced almond cocoa crumb base, which provides a delightful crunch. This is layered with a sumptuously creamy cheesecake filling, innovatively made from ripe avocados, rich cocoa, natural maple syrup, and velvety coconut milk. This ingenious combination ensures the parfaits are both dairy-free and grain-free, making them suitable for various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or richness.

But the true show-stopper is the vibrant, jewel-toned layer of E.D. Smith ready-made raspberry pie filling. Its bright, fruity notes cut through the decadent chocolate, creating a balanced and utterly irresistible dessert. The vibrant red of the raspberry against the deep brown of the chocolate and the creamy white of the coconut whip creates a visually stunning parfait that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays. These individual desserts are not only elegant but also incredibly easy to serve, making them ideal for any festive gathering.

The E.D. Smith Difference: Quality You Can Trust

If you’ve been a follower of Crumb Top Baking for some time, you’re likely aware of my long-standing admiration for E.D. Smith products. Their pure pumpkin, for example, has been a consistent staple in my kitchen for years. From creating delicious pumpkin donuts to baking wholesome avocado pumpkin cookies, I simply can’t imagine fall baking without the rich, earthy goodness of E.D. Smith’s pure pumpkin. Their commitment to quality and natural ingredients truly shines through in every product.

While I’ve been a loyal customer for what feels like ages, it was only recently that I delved deeper into the impressive history and achievements of E.D. Smith. I was fascinated to learn that they hold the title of the largest Canadian manufacturer of jams, jellies, and marmalades, a legacy they’ve maintained for over 135 years! Furthermore, their real fruit pie filling stands as the number one brand in Canada. These statistics speak volumes about their dedication to quality, tradition, and customer satisfaction. Knowing this only solidified my trust and enthusiasm for incorporating their products into my recipes, especially for important occasions like holiday entertaining.

Why Raspberry is the Perfect Holiday Pairing

Given E.D. Smith’s incredible reputation and the exceptional quality of their products, I was eager to create a festive dessert that truly showcased their renowned pie fillings. And when it comes to Christmas, what could be more perfect than raspberry? The vibrant, jewel-toned hue of raspberry is inherently festive, adding a brilliant splash of color that instantly elevates any holiday spread. Its bright, tart-sweet flavor profile is incredibly versatile, making it an ideal companion for the rich, deep notes of chocolate present in these parfaits. The natural acidity of the raspberries cuts through the sweetness of the cheesecake layer, creating a beautifully balanced and harmonious taste experience that is both refreshing and indulgent.

Beyond its taste and visual appeal, raspberry evokes a sense of holiday cheer and tradition. It’s a classic flavor that resonates with many, making these parfaits a comforting yet sophisticated choice for your festive table. The convenience of using E.D. Smith’s ready-made raspberry pie filling also means you save precious time during the busy holiday season, allowing you to focus on other preparations or simply enjoying the company of your loved ones. It’s a shortcut to gourmet taste, ensuring every layer of your Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Parfait is bursting with authentic fruit flavor.

The Magic of Avocado in Dairy-Free Cheesecake

And speaking of those delectable chocolate layers, let’s take a moment to truly appreciate the incredible, velvety texture achieved by combining avocado, rich cocoa powder, sweet maple syrup, and creamy coconut milk. When these ingredients are expertly whipped together, they transform into a dairy-free cheesecake filling that is so lusciously thick and creamy, it’s genuinely hard to believe it’s not traditional cheesecake. The avocado acts as a fantastic binder and provides an unparalleled creaminess, while its subtle flavor is completely masked by the robust cocoa and maple syrup.

This innovative approach to cheesecake not only makes these parfaits suitable for those avoiding dairy but also adds a dose of healthy fats and nutrients from the avocado. It’s a win-win: a truly indulgent dessert that also offers a touch of wellness. The result is a filling that boasts an intense chocolate flavor, a silky-smooth mouthfeel, and a delightful richness that will satisfy even the most discerning dessert connoisseurs. Honestly, I could happily eat this dairy-free cheesecake filling straight out of the bowl!

Essential Tips for Crafting Perfect Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits

To ensure your Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits turn out perfectly, here are some invaluable tips and tricks:

• Advance Preparation is Key: These parfaits truly benefit from being made ahead. Prepare them a few hours in advance, or even up to a full day, and allow them to chill in the refrigerator. This crucial step gives the dairy-free cheesecake layer ample time to firm up and allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully. Just before you’re ready to serve, add the delicate coconut whip and any other desired toppings to maintain their fresh appearance and texture.
• Mastering the Coconut Whip: The secret to a fluffy, dairy-free whipped topping lies in full-fat coconut milk. For the best results, ensure your cans of full-fat coconut milk have been refrigerated for at least 24 hours. This refrigeration period allows the solid cream to separate from the liquid. When you open the can, you should find a thick, firm layer of coconut cream at the top. Scoop out only this solidified cream, discarding any remaining clear liquid (or save it for smoothies!). If you’re unsure if it’s sufficiently solidified, a quick 20-minute stint in the freezer will usually do the trick. Once scooped, whip it vigorously in a high-speed mixer until it reaches a light, airy whipped cream consistency.
• Creative Topping Ideas: For an exquisite finish, I love to reserve a portion of the almond cocoa crumbs and a little extra E.D. Smith raspberry pie filling to sprinkle on top of each parfait. This not only reinforces the flavors within but also adds visual appeal. For an extra festive touch and a lovely textural contrast, crushed pistachios are an excellent choice. Their vibrant green color and nutty flavor complement the chocolate and raspberry beautifully. Other ideas include fresh raspberries, a dusting of extra cocoa powder, or a few chocolate shavings.
• Elegant Serving Suggestions: To present these parfaits with sophisticated flair, consider serving them in stemless wine glasses or elegant martini glasses. Their clear glass allows the beautiful layers to be showcased, enhancing the overall presentation. While they are setting in the fridge, simply cover each glass with plastic wrap. For a more relaxed and casual gathering, charming glass jars with lids work wonderfully. They are also convenient for transporting if you’re bringing your dessert to a potluck or party.
• Flexible Yield: This recipe is designed to be versatile. It yields approximately six generously sized parfaits, perfect for a dinner party where guests might want a more substantial serving. Alternatively, if you’re catering to a larger crowd or prefer smaller, bite-sized indulgences, you can easily create 10-12 smaller parfaits using smaller glasses or shot glasses. This flexibility makes it adaptable for any holiday occasion.

Share Your Delightful Creations!

I genuinely hope you and your loved ones enjoy these exquisite Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits as much as I do. They truly embody the spirit of festive indulgence while offering a thoughtful dairy-free and grain-free option. If you decide to whip up a batch of these beautiful parfaits, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please share your thoughts and any creative twists you added in the comments section below. Your feedback and stories are always a highlight.

And don’t forget to capture your delicious creations! Take a picture and share it on Instagram, tagging @crumbtopbaking. Be sure to also use the hashtags #LavishlyEDS and #EverydayEDS to explore other incredible recipes featuring E.D. Smith products and to connect with a community of fellow food enthusiasts. Happy baking and happy holidays!

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