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Ghost Cheesecake Parfaits

These adorable Ghost Cheesecake Parfaits are one of the cutest no-bake Halloween desserts you’ll make this spooky season! Layers of fluffy purple berry cheesecake mousse, buttery graham cracker crumbs, and creamy no-bake cheesecake filling are topped with an adorable marshmallow ghost for a dessert that’s as delicious as it is festive.

The combination of creamy cheesecake, crunchy graham crackers, and sweet marshmallow ghosts makes these individual parfaits perfect for Halloween parties, Summerween celebrations, classroom parties, dessert tables, or spooky movie nights. They’re easy to assemble ahead of time and look absolutely adorable served in clear glasses so everyone can admire the colorful layers.

At My Family Dinner Ideas, I love creating Halloween desserts that are simple enough for anyone to make but impressive enough to become the centerpiece of the dessert table. These Ghost Cheesecake Parfaits are exactly that.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking required
• Beautiful Halloween dessert
• Easy make-ahead recipe
• Creamy cheesecake mousse
• Gorgeous purple layer
• Perfect individual desserts
• Fun for Halloween parties
• Kid-friendly decorating

Ingredients

Cheesecake Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed

Purple Layer

• Half of the cheesecake filling
• Purple gel food coloring
• 1 teaspoon berry jam (optional for berry flavor)

Layers

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs

Ghost Toppers

• 6 large marshmallows
• Black gel food coloring or black edible food marker

Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Piping bags or large spoons
• 6 dessert glasses or parfait cups
• Toothpick or food-safe paintbrush

How to Make Ghost Cheesecake Parfaits

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, beat together:

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Fold in the Cool Whip until light and fluffy.

The filling should have a mousse-like texture.

Step 2

Divide the cheesecake filling in half.

Tint one half with purple gel food coloring.

If you’d like a berry flavor, stir in a teaspoon of strawberry or raspberry jam.

Leave the remaining cheesecake filling white.

Step 3

Spoon or pipe the purple cheesecake mousse into the bottom of each dessert glass.

Fill each glass about one-third full.

Step 4

Sprinkle a generous layer of graham cracker crumbs over the purple cheesecake layer.

This creates the perfect cheesecake crust between the creamy layers.

Step 5

Pipe or spoon the white cheesecake mousse over the graham cracker crumbs until the glasses are nearly full.

Smooth the tops if desired.

Step 6

Using black gel food coloring or an edible marker, draw two oval eyes and one oval mouth onto each marshmallow.

Place one marshmallow ghost on top of each parfait.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips for the Best Ghost Cheesecake Parfaits

• Use clear glasses to show off the beautiful layers.
• Chill the cheesecake filling before piping if it’s too soft.
• Pipe the layers for cleaner presentation.
• Add the marshmallow ghosts shortly before serving.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant purple without thinning the filling.

Fun Variations

• Add crushed Golden Oreos instead of graham crackers.
• Mix freeze-dried strawberry powder into the purple layer.
• Top with Halloween sprinkles.
• Add mini white chocolate chips between the layers.
• Garnish with whipped cream around the marshmallow ghost.

Perfect For

• Halloween parties
• Summerween celebrations
• Dessert charcuterie boards
• Classroom parties
• Boo baskets
• October birthdays
• Family movie nights
• Halloween dessert buffets

Storage

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For the freshest look, decorate the marshmallows and place them on top just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the parfaits a day in advance and refrigerate. Add the marshmallow ghosts just before serving.

Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, stabilized homemade whipped cream works well, although Cool Whip creates a slightly sturdier mousse.

Can I make them in one large dish?

Absolutely! Layer everything in a trifle bowl or 8×8-inch dish for a beautiful Halloween cheesecake dessert.

More Halloween Recipes You’ll Love

If you love festive Halloween desserts, try my Boo Berries, Ghost Strawberries, Ghost Krispy Bites, Ghost Oreo Balls, Mummy Strawberries, Frankenstein Strawberries, Standing Ghost Cookies, Floating Ghost Cookies, Mini Mummy Pretzels, Mummy Oreos, Halloween Rice Krispie Treats, and Halloween Cookie Cake.

Jennie’s Thoughts

These Ghost Cheesecake Parfaits are the perfect combination of cute and delicious. The fluffy purple berry cheesecake mousse, buttery graham cracker crumbs, silky cheesecake topping, and sweet marshmallow ghost create a dessert that’s almost too adorable to eat. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or simply making something fun with the family, these spooky parfaits are guaranteed to become a new Halloween tradition.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings: 6 parfaits