Funfetti Cheesecake Parfaits

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You will love this recipe for Funfetti Cheesecake Parfaits if you want something that looks cute for parties but takes almost no effort. This is an easy cake mix dessert that feels fancy enough for guests, yet simple enough for a Tuesday night sweet tooth. You get soft, colorful funfetti cake, fluffy no bake cheesecake filling, and sprinkles in every bite; all layered in cute glasses for easy party desserts that require zero decorating skills.

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Ingredients for Funfetti Cheesecake Parfaits

For the cake layer

1 box funfetti cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box; usually eggs, oil, and water)
Extra rainbow sprinkles

For the cheesecake layer

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the whipped cream

(Or you can use Cool Whip)

1 cup heavy whipping cream, very cold
2 tablespoons graulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla

How to Make Funfetti Cheesecake Parfaits

Bake the Cake

1. Preheat your oven according to your funfetti cake mix box.
2. Prepare the batter as directed on the box.

3. If you want extra color, stir in some additional rainbow sprinkles.
4. Bake in a 9×13 inch pan or similar until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
5. Once cool, cut the cake into small cubes. You want smaller chunks, but not crumbs.

Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth, thick, and slightly fluffy.

2. In a chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Do not overwhip.

cream cheese beat with powdered sugar and vanilla

3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain.

4. For easier layering, transfer the filling to a piping bag with the tip snipped off or use a plain round tip.

*This filling makes enough filling for 6–8 generous parfaits or up to 10 smaller portions. You could end up with some extra cake in the end, which you can reserve for crumbling on top of some whipped cream before serving, or making some yummy funfetti cake pops.

Layer the Parfaits

1. Place a layer of funfetti cake cubes in the bottom of each glass.
2. Spoon or pipe a layer of cheesecake filling over the cake.
3. Continue layering cake and filling until the glass is full, ending with a layer of cake.
You can assemble these in stemless wine glasses, mason jars, or clear dessert cups for a pretty layered look.

cubes of funfetti cake layered in clear glasses

cream cheese filling piped on top of cake layer

parfait cups filled with cake and cream cheese filling layers

Finish and chill

1. Cover the parfaits loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
2. When ready to serve, top with some whipped cream and add any final toppings like extra cake crumbs or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint

Pro Tips

Follow your box mix instructions. Each brand varies in required ingredients. Follow the package for the best texture and flavor.
Don’t overbake the cake. A soft, moist cake blends beautifully with the creamy mousse, so pull it from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
Pipe the filling for a clean, polished look. This keeps the sides of your glasses neat and gives your parfaits a nice photo worthy finish.
Make ahead friendly. You can bake the funfetti cake a day ahead of time. Assemble the parfaits up to 4 hours before serving so the cake stays soft but not soggy.
Portion size options. Use mini dessert cups or shot glasses for a party dessert table. This is a great way to stretch one batch into more easy party desserts for a crowd.
Homemade whipped cream goes a long way. Beat 1 cup heavy cream with 1 tsp vanilla and ¼ cup powdered sugar. I like to pipe it with a Wilton 1M tip for pretty swirls. If you use the whipped cream from a can, put it on right before serving. However, if you use homemade whipped cream, it holds up very well in the fridge for hours and you can pull it out right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use any boxed cake mix for this recipe?
Yes. I usually use a funfetti style boxed mix, but you can use vanilla, or even strawberry and just add rainbow sprinkles to keep the funfetti look. This is one of my favorite flexible cake mix desserts.

Do I have to chill the parfaits before serving?
Chilling 1 to 2 hours lets the cheesecake layer firm up slightly and the flavors meld together. If you serve immediately, they will still taste great but the layers will be softer and a bit looser.

Can I make these the night before?
You can assemble them up to 24 hours ahead, but for the best texture I prefer 4 to 8 hours. If making the night before, keep them tightly covered in the fridge and add the final dollop or whipped cream and sprinkles right before serving.

Can I use store bought Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream?
Yes. If you want an even faster version, fold about 2 cups of thawed whipped topping into the sweetened cream cheese mixture.

How long do leftovers last?
Leftover parfaits can keep in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days. The cake will get stale over time, so I like to eat them within 48 hours for the best texture. You can always keep them covered in the fridge to maximize freshness and then add whipped cream and extra sprinkles on top right before eating.

These Funfetti Cheesecake Parfaits are perfect for when you want something cute, colorful, and totally stress free. Using a boxed funfetti cake mix keeps everything fast and budget friendly, while the no bake cheesecake layer makes it feel fancy when, really, it couldn’t be easier. If you are planning a birthday, girls’ night, or need easy party desserts for the weekend, these fun cake mix desserts are a guaranteed crowd pleaser that save you time.