Cherry Yum-Yum

Cherry Yum-Yum

If its name is any indication, this retro Southern no-bake dessert maximizes flavor — and it does so while minimizing time, effort and ingredients. Layers of graham cracker crust, tangy cream cheese and canned cherry pie filling create a dessert that straddles a no-bake cheesecake and a classic trifle. The graham cracker crust sets as it chills, lending both texture and a toasty flavor that balances the rich dairy and the sweet pie filling. Almond extract, though optional, complements the cherries perfectly. Yum-yum is the perfect blank canvas party dessert — you can amend it with different cookie bases (Oreos or gingersnaps); flavorings in the cream (Kirsch or almond liqueur); and pie fillings (apple or berry) to suit all seasons and tastes.

Ingredients

  • 408 grams graham cracker crumbs

    from one 14-ounce box of graham crackers; see tip

    3 ½ c
  • 170 grams unsalted butter

    melted and cooled slightly, 1 1/2 sticks

    ¾ c
  • kosher salt

    such as diamond crystal

    2 ½ tsp
  • 225 grams cream cheese

    at room temperature

    8 oz
  • 150 grams granulated sugar
    ¾ c
  • 480 milliliters heavy whipping cream

    chilled

    2 c
  • vanilla extract
    1 ½ tsp
  • almond extract

    optional

    ¼ tsp
  • cans cherry pie filling
    2

Directions

  1. 1

    In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, butter and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Stir thoroughly to combine, then set aside.

  2. 2

    Add the cream cheese, sugar and remaining salt to a large bowl, if using a hand mixer, or to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until the cream cheese has become fluffy and the sugar has started to dissolve, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the heavy cream, vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). Beat on low speed to combine, then raise the speed to medium-high and beat until medium peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes.

  3. 3

    In a glass or metal 9-by-13-inch pan, add half of the graham cracker mixture and press firmly into an even layer. Add half of the cream mixture on top and smooth into an even layer, making sure it fully covers the graham cracker crust. Add both cans of cherry pie filling and gently smooth into an even layer over the cream mixture. Top with a layer of the remaining cream then the remaining graham cracker mixture. Cover and chill overnight (or at least 4 hours).

  4. 4

    Scoop to serve, straight from the refrigerator, into bowls or plates. Cherry yum-yum will keep in the refrigerator for at least 5 days (if it lasts that long) — and tastes even better the day after it’s made.

Cherry Yum-Yum

Cherry Yum-Yum

550 cal

Similar Recipes

Cherry Cola Cake

Cherry Cola Cake

A can of Cherry Coke is the secret to this rich and chocolaty cherry cola cake.

120 minutes12 servings
Yum Yum Sauce

Yum Yum Sauce

The famous Japanese steakhouse sauce that's phenomenal for dipping, drizzling and enjoying with your grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, rice, noodles and more!  Super easy to make and at least a hundred times better than store-bought!

2.1 hours20 servings
Yum Yum Sauce

Yum Yum Sauce

This mayonnaise-based Japanese steakhouse sauce tastes glorious with grilled shrimp, chicken and vegetables, or drizzled over a plate of <a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023154-shrimp-fried-rice">fried rice</a>. Slather it on a <a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022400-thin-but-juicy-chargrilled-burgers">burger</a>, use it as a dipping sauce for <a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022410-crispy-tofu-with-sweet-and-sour-sauce">fried tofu</a>, French fries and pizza crusts, or even as a salad dressing for crunchy iceberg, romaine or Little Gem lettuce. An all-purpose sauce for everyday pleasure, yum yum sauce should taste balanced with savoriness, sweetness and a touch of acid and gosoham, the Korean word often used to describe the nuttiness of sesame oil. Remember to salt generously so all the flavors can shine.

5 minutes0 3/4 cup
Cherries in the Snow

Cherries in the Snow

This recipe for cherries in the snow is heavenly! The combo of angel food cake, cream cheese, and cherries never fails to deliver.

20 minutes12 servings330 kcal
Chocolate Cherry Cake

Chocolate Cherry Cake

Using boxed cake mix and a can of cherry pie filling, you can whip this easy cake up anytime!

40 minutes12 servings223 kcal
Fresh Cherry Berry Crisp

Fresh Cherry Berry Crisp

This fresh cherry berry crisp is packed with real cherries and tart raspberries, all baked under a buttery brown sugar oat topping. No pie crust, no hassle—just a golden fruit dessert that’s easy to pull off and even easier to serve.

57 minutes330 kcal
Southern Fried Apples

Southern Fried Apples

These fried apples made with just 3 ingredients are cooked in butter and sweetened with sugar and cinnamon for an easy dessert or ice cream topping.

20 minutes4 servings369 kcal
Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet Chili Sauce

This homemade sweet chili sauce is guaranteed to become a favorite staple in your home!  It's versatile, quick to make, and tastes better than store-bought.

10 minutes8 servings38 kcal

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Craving a dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss? This retro Southern no-bake Cherry Yum-Yum is your answer, making dessert effortless and utterly delicious.

The beauty of Cherry Yum-Yum lies in its simplicity and ingenious layering. A substantial graham cracker crust forms the base, providing a toasted, crunchy counterpoint to the tangy cream cheese and vibrant cherry pie filling. This smart structure ensures a delightful interplay of textures and tastes in every bite.

Prepare for a dessert experience that perfectly straddles the line between a rich no-bake cheesecake and a classic trifle. You'll savor the satisfying crunch of the chilled graham cracker crust, which gives way to a dreamy, tangy cream cheese layer. The luscious, sweet-tart cherry pie filling crowns it all, offering a burst of fruity brightness. The optional almond extract weaves through the cherries, adding a sophisticated, complementary note that elevates the entire dish.

Cherry Yum-Yum is a versatile party dessert, easily adaptable to your preferences. Instead of graham crackers, try an Oreo or gingersnap cookie base for different flavor profiles. For the creamy layer, consider adding a splash of Kirsch or almond liqueur for an adult twist. And don't stop at cherries; apple or berry pie fillings can transform this dessert to suit any season or taste.

This effortless dessert is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need a stunning, stress-free sweet. It's truly a blank canvas for celebratory meals.

Frequently Asked Questions