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
Scale
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
