Cherry Yum Yum is a no-bake, layered dessert made with sweetened graham cracker crumbs, cream cheese, and cherry pie filling. Topped with fresh whipped cream, it’s a creamy, comforting treat known for its extra thick layers and deliciousness.
My husband adores this beloved dessert, which brings back memories of his childhood with his Nanny. It’s a sweet, creamy dish that’s always a hit in our house.
It’s quickly gobbled up, leaving cherry-streaked plates behind. Whether for dessert-time or breakfast, everyone always wants their fair share!
Cherry Yum Yum Recipe-The Short Answer
Why You love this Recipe
This tasty, easy to make Cherry Yum Yum is a classic Southern dessert that’s loved by all. With its creamy, whipped cream-based layers and cherry pie filling, every bite is packed with deliciousness.
The no-bake nature and extra-thick, creamy texture make it the perfect comfort food. It’s a family-favorite and a quintessential Southern treat that everyone will surely adore.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers (1½ cups): These create the delicious base for your dessert, providing a crispy texture.
- Salted butter or unsalted butter (6 Tablespoons, melted): The butter adds richness and helps bind the crumbs together.
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened (to avoid lumpy filling): Cream cheese gives the dessert its smooth, creamy texture, but it’s important to soften it first to avoid lumps.
- ½ cup sugar: Sweetens the filling, balancing out the tang of the cream cheese.
For the creamy filling:
- 2 cups (1 pint) heavy whipping cream: This makes the filling rich and light when whipped.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting flavor to the filling.
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract: This enhances the overall flavor, pairing beautifully with the cherry topping.
- 3 Tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the cream to complement the other ingredients.
- Cool Whip (optional, as an alternative to homemade whipped cream): If you prefer a lighter texture or a quicker option, you can substitute the homemade whipped cream with an 8 ounce tub of thawed Cool Whip.
Top with:
- 21 ounce can cherry pie filling, or sugar-free cherry pie filling: The cherry topping gives the dessert its signature look and flavor. You can choose the sugar-free option for a lighter version.
Let it chill for a bit, and enjoy this easy-to-make, rich, and decadent dessert!
Cherry Yum Yum Recipe: Instructions
Crust Preparation:
- Crush 10 sheets of graham crackers in a ziploc bag using a rolling pin or flat meat tenderizer to make 1 1/2 cups of crumbs.
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a medium bowl and press into a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Set aside 2 tablespoons of crumbs for the topping.
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- Blend 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1/2 cup of sugar using a stand mixer or electric mixer.
- Whip 2 cups (1 pint) of whipping cream, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract until stiff peaks form.
- Combine the whipped cream and cream cheese mixture by hand.
Assembly:
- Spread half of the cream mixture over the crust.
- Top with 21 ounce cherry pie filling.
- Finish with the remaining cream mixture and sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs on top.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.
- Slice and serve.
Tips for a Perfect Cherry Yum Yum
You can replace the homemade whipped cream with Cool Whip (8 ounce tub, thawed) to save time. Switch up the pie filling flavors by using apple, strawberry, peach, or blueberry for a personalized touch.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in a freezer safe container or refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to cover it to preserve the creamy layers.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has around 420 kcal, 48g of carbohydrates, 5g of protein, and 23g of fat, with approximately 260mg of sodium and 35g of sugar, based on 12 servings. Nutritional values may vary based on brands and whether regular or sugar-free cherry pie filling is used, so use a nutritional calculator for a more accurate estimate.
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If you’re looking for more delicious dessert ideas, you might want to check out these recipes: try making Coffee Creamer Cookies: The Sweet Twist You Need to Try, or perhaps the Best Thumbprint Cookies With Icing That Look Bakery-Made will satisfy your sweet cravings. For those interested in baking with unique ingredients, don’t miss Blackstrap Molasses vs Molasses: Key Differences Explained. If you’re a fan of creamy fillings, our Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Cream Candy Filling is a must-read. And for those wondering how to create stunning cakes, How Do You Make a Naked Cake Like a Pro? will guide you through the process!
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