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Gourmet Layered Caramel Pecan and Cherry Cheesecake Parfait

A luxurious, multi-layered parfait in a glass, combining a buttery pecan-graham crumb base, a silky vanilla bean cheesecake filling, and a rich salted caramel sauce, all garnished with fresh cherries, toasted nuts, and chocolate truffles.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling time (4+ hours or overnight) 6 hours
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 parfaits
Course: Dessert, Upscale
Cuisine: American, French-Japanese inspired
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

Pecan-Graham Crumb Base
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs From about 12 full sheets
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans Finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar Packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick, melted and cooled
Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Layer
  • 2 x 8-ounce packages packages cream cheese Softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg Plus 1 egg yolk, both room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream Room temperature
  • 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste Or pure vanilla extract
  • A pinch pinch salt
Salted Caramel Sauce
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream Warmed
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter Cut into cubes
  • 1 tsp sea salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Garnishes
  • 12 whole fresh cherries with stems Plus 4-6 more halved to layer
  • 1/2 cup toasted whole and chopped walnuts and pecans
  • 12 small gourmet chocolate truffles Mixed flavors
  • A few leaves fresh mint leaves
  • Decorative shards decorative caramel shards or swirls See notes
  • Small flowers small decorative flowers Optional/decorative

Equipment

  • Electric mixer (stand or hand)
  • 6-8 Square Glass Jars (or similar serving vessels)
  • Piping Bag (optional, with plain tip)
  • Small heavy-bottomed saucepan (for caramel)

Method
 

  1. For the Crumb Base: Combine graham crumbs, toasted pecans, and light brown sugar. Whisk together. Add melted butter and mix until all crumbs are moistened. Press evenly into the bottom of 6-8 square glass jars. Chill while preparing filling.
  2. For the Cheesecake Filling: Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down bowl. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low just until incorporated. Add sour cream, vanilla bean paste, and salt, and mix until just combined. Tap jars on a towel-lined counter to level. Place jars on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 300°F oven for 25-30 minutes until edges are set but centers are slightly jiggling. Let cool to room temperature, then chill for 4+ hours or overnight.
  3. For the Salted Caramel: In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar and water. Stir to dissolve sugar. Boil over medium-high heat *without stirring* until a deep amber color, swirling pan. Remove from heat and *slowly and carefully* whisk in warmed heavy cream (mixture will sputter). Whisk until smooth, then add butter cubes, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Cool and thicken.
  4. To Assemble: For each chilled cheesecake, layer with a few halved cherries. Spoon or pipe cooled, thickened salted caramel over cherries, encouraging beautiful drips down the glass. Sprinkle toasted nuts. Nestle one whole cherry, small truffles, and a mint leaf. Finish with decorative caramel accents and small flowers.

Notes

Decorative caramel accents: Make easier caramel shards by pouring melted caramel into abstract swirls/shapes on parchment paper. True spun sugar is difficult and dangerous. For Gluten-Free: Use GF graham cracker crumbs. Store assembled parfaits for 1-2 days, adding decorative caramel just before serving.