Cherry Yum Yum Recipe
Introduction
Cherry Yum Yum is a delightful no-bake dessert layered with a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy sweet cheese filling, and luscious cherry pie topping. It’s a refreshing and easy treat that’s perfect for gatherings or a simple indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14 full-size crackers)
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup salted sweet cream butter, melted and cooled
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 16 ounces whipped topping, thawed (two 8-ounce containers)
- 1¼ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 42 ounces cherry pie filling (two 21-ounce cans)
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, and granulated sugar. Stir well.
- Step 3: Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are fully coated.
- Step 4: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 8 minutes, then allow the crust to cool completely.
- Step 5: Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened cream cheese for 1 to 1½ minutes until smooth.
- Step 6: Add one 8-ounce container of thawed whipped topping, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat for 1½ to 2 minutes until creamy and well combined.
- Step 7: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- Step 8: Spoon both cans of cherry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Step 9: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the cherry layer. Sprinkle with the 3 tablespoons of chopped pecans for garnish.
- Step 10: Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before slicing into 3 by 5 pieces to serve.
Tips & Variations
- Use crushed nuts like walnuts or almonds if pecans are unavailable, or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture instead of vanilla.
- Chill the pie overnight for firmer slices and enhanced flavors.
Storage
Keep the Cherry Yum Yum covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve again, slice and enjoy cold. No need to reheat, as it is best served chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, Cherry Yum Yum improves in flavor when chilled for several hours or overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Fresh cherries can be used but require sweetening and thickening with a glaze or gelatin to achieve the same consistency as the pie filling layer.
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Cherry Yum Yum Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 23 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
Description
Cherry Yum Yum is a delicious, no-bake layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy sweet cream cheese filling, topped with luscious cherry pie filling and whipped topping, garnished with chopped pecans. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat, this easy-to-make dessert combines crunchy, creamy, and fruity flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (14 full-size crackers)
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup salted sweet cream butter, melted and cooled
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 16 ounces whipped topping, thawed (two 8-ounce containers)
- 1¼ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Topping
- 42 ounces cherry pie filling (two 21-ounce cans)
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Make the Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped pecans, and granulated sugar. Stir well until evenly mixed.
- Add Butter to Crust: Pour in the melted and cooled butter, stirring thoroughly to coat all the crumb mixture evenly.
- Press and Bake Crust: Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Remove and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened cream cheese for 1 to 1½ minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sweeteners and Whipped Topping: To the cream cheese, add one container (8 ounces) of thawed whipped topping, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat for 1½ to 2 minutes until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Spread Filling Over Crust: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust layer in the baking dish.
- Add Cherry Pie Filling: Spread both cans of cherry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer, making sure to cover it fully.
- Top With Remaining Whipped Topping and Garnish: Spread the remaining 8-ounce container of whipped topping evenly over the cherry filling. Sprinkle the finely chopped pecans on top as a garnish.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the dessert and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to set and allow flavors to meld. Before serving, slice into 3 rows by 5 columns (15 slices total) and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smoother filling.
- Chilling the assembled dessert is crucial for the layers to firm up and blend flavors.
- You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or omit nuts entirely if preferred or for nut allergies.
- For best results, use fresh whipped topping rather than frozen, if possible.
- This dessert is best served chilled and within 2 days of preparation for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cherry Yum Yum, cherry dessert, layered dessert, graham cracker crust, cream cheese filling, whipped topping, cherry pie filling, easy dessert
