Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried a no bake dessert yet, you’re in for a real treat! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned to my no bake cherry yum yum recipe when I need something sweet but don’t want to deal with the oven. It’s such a lifesaver, especially during hot summer months or when I’m just feeling a bit lazy in the kitchen. The layers of creamy goodness, crunchy graham crackers, and sweet cherry topping come together in a way that’s just irresistible. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this dessert comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Plus, it’s always a hit at gatherings! Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked and craving more!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 2 cups cherry pie filling
How to Prepare the No Bake Cherry Yum Yum Recipe
Making this delicious no bake cherry yum yum recipe is a breeze! Seriously, it’s almost too easy, and I love that it comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s dive right into the fun part!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab a mixing bowl and combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix them until the crumbs are all moistened—this will be your crust, so make sure it’s well combined!
- Now, take your 9×13 inch dish and press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom. You want a nice, even layer here, so really pack it down. It’s almost like creating a mini fortress of deliciousness!
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Oh, the smell of cream cheese is heavenly!
- Next, gently fold in the whipped topping. This step adds a lightness to the mixture that makes it just divine. You’ll want to do this carefully so you don’t deflate that fluffiness!
- Spread this luscious cream cheese mixture evenly over your graham cracker crust, taking care to reach all the corners. It’s going to look so good already!
- Now, it’s time for the cherry pie filling. Spoon it over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out as needed. The bright red cherries will make your dessert look absolutely stunning!
- Finally, cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. You’ll want to let it chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait that long. This step is crucial for all those flavors to meld together and for the dessert to firm up beautifully.
And there you have it—your no bake cherry yum yum is ready to impress! Just slice it up and serve it chilled. Yum!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delightful no bake cherry yum yum recipe. Keep in mind, these values are approximations and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
So, whether you’re counting calories or just in it for the sweet treat, this dessert fits the bill! Enjoy it guilt-free, knowing it’s a delicious way to satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip this up in just 20 minutes! No oven required means less fuss and more fun.
- No Baking Needed: Perfect for hot days or when you just don’t feel like turning on the oven. It’s a cool and refreshing dessert!
- Delicious Layers: The combination of creamy filling, crunchy crust, and sweet cherry topping creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Appealing Presentation: The vibrant red cherries on top make this dessert as beautiful as it is tasty. It’s sure to impress at any gathering!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it a day in advance, which is a lifesaver for busy schedules—just chill and serve when you’re ready!
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to switch up the fruit or mix in your favorite flavors. It’s versatile and always delicious!
Tips for Success
To ensure your no bake cherry yum yum recipe turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve gathered from my own kitchen adventures!
- Don’t Rush the Chilling: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting it chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can wait) is key. This helps the layers set properly and meld together for that perfect bite.
- Press Firmly: When you’re making the crust, really press those graham cracker crumbs down. A firm base helps keep everything together when you slice into it. Think of it as building a solid foundation for your delicious creation!
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This makes it much easier to blend with the powdered sugar and avoids any lumps. Trust me, a smooth filling is what we’re after!
- Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for quality whipped topping and cherry pie filling. If you can, go for fresh cherries or a good quality canned version. It really makes a difference in taste!
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in the whipped topping, do it gently. You want to maintain that light and airy texture, so be kind to your mixture and fold slowly.
- Customize Wisely: If you’re experimenting with different fruits or flavors, keep the balance in mind. For example, if you’re using tart cherries, a touch more sugar in the cream cheese layer can help balance the flavors.
Follow these tips, and I promise your no bake cherry yum yum will be a showstopper! Happy baking—or should I say, no baking!
Variations of the No Bake Cherry Yum Yum Recipe
One of the best things about this no bake cherry yum yum recipe is how easily you can switch things up to suit your taste or the season! I love experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, and I think you will too. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Berry Bliss: Swap out the cherry pie filling for a mix of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. You can even make a berry sauce to drizzle on top for an extra punch of flavor!
- Peach Perfection: Use peach pie filling instead of cherries for a sweet, summery twist. The creamy filling pairs beautifully with the juicy peaches!
- Chocolate Delight: For the chocolate lovers out there, why not add some cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture? You could also use chocolate whipped topping and top it with chocolate shavings for a decadent treat!
- Nutty Crust: Change up the base by using crushed nuts instead of graham crackers. Almonds or pecans add a delightful crunch and a different flavor profile that complements the creamy filling.
- Banana Split Style: Layer in some sliced bananas and crushed pineapple along with the cherries for a fun banana split-inspired version. You could even drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for good measure!
- Seasonal Swaps: As the seasons change, think about what fruits are in season. Apples with cinnamon or pumpkin puree in the fall can give it a cozy vibe. The possibilities are endless!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so versatile, and it’s hard to go wrong when you’re working with delicious flavors. Enjoy getting creative in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made your fabulous no bake cherry yum yum, you might be wondering how to store those sweet leftovers—if there are any, that is! This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so let’s talk about how to keep it fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
First off, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. If you’ve already sliced it, you can place the pieces in an airtight container for easy access. This no bake dessert will last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to keep it chilled, as the creamy filling needs to stay cold!
Now, if you’re lucky enough to have some leftovers after a gathering, you can definitely enjoy this treat later on. Just remember, no reheating is necessary! Simply take it out of the fridge, slice it up, and serve it cold. Trust me, it’s just as delightful straight from the fridge. If you find it gets a bit too soft, don’t worry—just pop it back in the fridge for a little while to firm up.
So, there you have it! Store it right, and you’ll be able to enjoy your no bake cherry yum yum for days to come. Happy snacking!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can add a lovely natural flavor to your no bake cherry yum yum recipe. Just make sure to pit and slice them before layering, and you might want to mix in a bit of sugar to balance the tartness.
How long does this dessert need to chill?
I recommend chilling it for at least 4 hours, but if you can wait overnight, that’s even better! This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free graham crackers or even crushed nuts to create a crust. Just check the labels to make sure they’re certified gluten-free to keep it safe for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
To keep your crust nice and firm, make sure to press the graham cracker mixture down tightly. Also, chilling it properly helps set the crust before adding the creamy filling on top.
Can I freeze the no bake cherry yum yum?
While you can freeze it, I find that the texture might change a bit once thawed. If you do freeze it, make sure to wrap it tightly. Just allow it to thaw in the fridge before serving, and enjoy it chilled!
No Bake Cherry Yum Yum Recipe: 7 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A no bake dessert featuring layers of cherries, cream cheese, and graham crackers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 2 cups cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish.
- In a bowl, blend cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fold in whipped topping.
- Spread cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Top with cherry pie filling.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries for a more natural flavor.
- Can be prepared a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: no bake cherry yum yum recipe
Enjoyed examining this, very good stuff, regards.