There’s something truly special about a dessert that brings back memories of carefree summer days. That first bite of Cherry Yum Yum is like a sweet invitation to indulge — the creamy, tangy filling paired with the crunch of buttery graham crackers and the bright burst of cherry pie filling creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. If you’re looking to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen, this no-bake treat is the perfect answer. It’s incredibly easy to whip together, making it an ideal choice for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Plus, it solves the perennial problem of dessert dilemmas — everyone loves a cherry dessert! Whether you serve it up at a potluck or simply as a weeknight reward, this Cherry Yum Yum is sure to become a favorite in your home. Here’s exactly how to make it.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

For the Topping:

• 21 ounces cherry pie filling
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Note: You can use store-bought whipped topping in place of heavy whipping cream if you're short on time.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• No-Bake Convenience — Skip the oven for this chilled delight, freeing up your time for other summer fun.
• Creamy & Crunchy — Enjoy a delightful contrast of velvety cream cheese filling atop a crunchy graham cracker crust, making each bite a textural pleasure.
• Quick Assembly — With just 25 minutes of prep, you can whip this up in no time, perfect for impromptu gatherings or busy weeknights.
• Kid-Approved Flavor — The sweet and tangy cherry topping makes this dessert an instant hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make Ahead Marvel — Prepare ahead of time and let the flavors develop overnight for a dessert that’s ready when you are.

Recipe At a Glance

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 38 minutes (including refrigeration time)
• Servings: 12 squares

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place 2 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar to the graham cracker crumbs.
4. Pour 3/4 cup melted unsalted butter over the crumb mixture.
5. Stir until the graham cracker crumbs are evenly moistened.
6. Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping.
7. Transfer the remaining crumb mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
9. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
10. Bake the crust for 8 minutes.
11. Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
12. Place 8 ounces of softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.
13. Add 1 cup powdered sugar to the cream cheese.
14. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
15. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
16. Pour 2 cups of cold heavy whipping cream into a separate mixing bowl.
17. Add 3 tablespoons powdered sugar to the heavy cream.
18. Beat until stiff peaks form.
19. Fold half of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
20. Continue folding until the filling is smooth and fluffy.
21. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust.
22. Spoon 21 ounces of cherry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer.
23. Spread the remaining whipped cream evenly over the cherry filling.
24. Combine the reserved crumb mixture with an additional 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs.
25. Add 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter to the crumb mixture.
26. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated.
27. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the whipped cream layer.
28. Cover the baking dish.
29. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the firmest layers.
30. Remove the dessert from the refrigerator before serving.
31. Cut into 12 even squares and serve chilled.
32. Keep any remaining Cherry Yum Yum covered in the refrigerator.

Recipe Tips

• Properly Softened Cream Cheese — Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a completely smooth filling without lumps; if it's too cold, you might end up with an uneven texture.

• Stiff Peaks for Whipped Cream — Beat your heavy whipping cream just until you achieve stiff peaks. This gives the dessert its heavenly light texture. Over-beating can make the whipped cream grainy and less pleasant in texture.

• Chill Your Mixing Bowl — For an easier whipped cream experience, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge before whipping the cream. The cold helps the cream to whip faster and hold its shape better.

• Perfect Portioning — To easily cut the dessert into even squares, run a sharp knife under hot water before each cut, and wipe it dry. This will help you cut through without dragging the layers apart.

• Make Ahead for Best Flavor — This dessert actually improves in flavor after sitting overnight, so consider making it a day in advance. The chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers of Easy Cherry Yum Yum in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The dessert is best enjoyed cold, so keep it chilled until serving.

• Freezer: This dessert does not freeze well due to the whipped cream component, which can change texture upon thawing. It’s recommended to keep it refrigerated for optimal taste and consistency.

• Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this dessert; serve it cold straight from the refrigerator for the best experience. If stored properly, the texture and flavors will remain delightful for several days.

Substitutions & Variations

• Gluten-Free Crust — Swap out graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or ground almonds. This works well for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining a similar texture.

• Reduced Fat Filling — Use light cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese and substitute heavy whipping cream with a mixture of Greek yogurt and a bit of milk for a lighter version of the filling. This will provide a creaminess with fewer calories.

• Different Fruit Topping — Instead of cherry pie filling, use blueberry or strawberry pie filling for a refreshing variation. These fruits offer a different flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese filling.

• Non-Dairy Option — Replace cream cheese with a non-dairy cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream. This variation caters to those following a dairy-free diet without sacrificing richness.

What to Serve With This

• Fresh Berry Salad — The lightness and acidity of the fresh berries will cut through the richness of the cherry yum yum, offering a refreshing contrast.
• Sweet Lemonade — A citrusy lemonade will enhance the dessert's sweetness while providing a zesty balance that complements the cherry flavor.
• Chocolate Mousse — The creamy chocolate mousse adds a layer of indulgence that contrasts beautifully with the fruity cherry topping, making for a delightful combination.
• Coffee or Espresso — A robust coffee provides a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the dessert, enhancing its flavors and creating a sophisticated finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the cherry pie filling with fresh cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries instead, but you'll need to create a sauce by cooking them down with sugar and cornstarch to mimic the texture and consistency of pie filling.

What if I don't have graham cracker crumbs?
You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies for a similar texture and sweet flavor, although it may slightly alter the taste of the crust.

How long can I store the dessert in the refrigerator?
You can store the Easy Cherry Yum Yum in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days in an airtight container, but for the best flavor, it's recommended to enjoy it within the first couple of days.

I've heard my whipped cream can turn grainy; how can I avoid this?
To avoid grainy whipped cream, make sure to beat the cream just until stiff peaks form; over-beating will cause the whipped cream to become grainy, so stop as soon as it's light and fluffy.