Cherry yum yum recipe — just saying it out loud brings a smile to my face. This dessert is one of those nostalgic Southern staples that feels like a hug from grandma in every bite. It’s rich, indulgent, and bursting with sweet cherry flavor, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker base. The best part? No baking required—it’s effortlessly simple and sure to be a hit with any crowd.
At KlikRecipes, I love recipes that bring people together without keeping you stuck in the kitchen for hours. Whether you’re prepping for a family dinner, church potluck, or just need something sweet that everyone will devour, this cherry yum yum will do the trick.
Let me show you exactly how I make it, the tips I’ve picked up over the years, and how you can put your own twist on it too.
Print
Cherry Yum Yum
A nostalgic Southern no-bake dessert layered with a buttery graham cracker crust, fluffy cream cheese filling, and luscious cherry topping. It’s rich, creamy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tub whipped topping or 2 cups freshly whipped cream
- 1 can cherry pie filling or homemade cherry topping
Instructions
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Press into a 9×13 pan. Chill or bake for 8 minutes at 350°F (optional).
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold in whipped topping or whipped cream until fluffy.
- Spread half the cream mixture over the crust.
- Top with half the cherry pie filling.
- Repeat layers with remaining cream mixture and cherry topping.
- Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture. For a fresh twist, swap in homemade cherry topping or try blueberry, strawberry, or peach variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: cherry yum yum, no-bake dessert, cherry cheesecake, southern dessert
Table of Contents
What Is Cherry Yum Yum?
What exactly is cherry yum yum?
Cherry Yum Yum is a classic Southern layered dessert that usually includes a buttery crust, a sweetened cream cheese filling, and a layer of cherry pie topping. It’s often chilled rather than baked, making it perfect for warm weather (or when you’re just not in the mood to heat up the oven).
The texture is light yet creamy, and it’s served cold in squares or scooped like a trifle. Some folks call it a cherry cheesecake layered dessert or even cherry delight — but in my family, it’s always been “yum yum.”
Origin and why it’s a Southern classic
Cherry yum yum, like many Southern comfort classics, has a heartfelt, homemade essence. It’s the kind of dish passed along in scrawled recipe cards, nestled in church cookbooks, or shared in casual conversations. Whether it’s served at a baby shower, a family reunion, or a laid-back neighborhood gathering, it stands out for being humble, hearty, and downright tasty.
Cherry Yum Yum Ingredients Breakdown
Main components: crust, filling, topping
You only need a few pantry staples to make this delicious dessert:
| Layer | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Crust | Graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and optional sugar |
| Filling | Cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped topping (or freshly whipped cream) |
| Topping | Cherry pie filling, either store-bought or homemade |
The blend of tangy cream cheese and luscious cherry topping is an unbeatable match.
Can fresh cherries be used as a substitute for traditional canned cherry pie filling?
Yes, definitely! While canned cherry pie filling is a quick option, you can easily prepare your own using fresh or frozen cherries, along with sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of lemon juice. Just simmer everything on the stovetop for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Homemade cherry topping has a more vibrant, fruity flavor and is great if you want to reduce the sugar or avoid additives. Just be sure to let it cool before layering, or you’ll melt the cream layer.
How to Make Cherry Yum Yum Step-by-Step
Prep the graham cracker crust (or alternatives)
Start with crushed graham crackers — about 2 cups, mixed with ½ cup melted butter and a tablespoon of sugar. Press it into the bottom of a 9×13 pan or deep dish. You can bake it for 8 minutes at 350°F to firm it up, or simply chill it in the fridge while you prep the other layers.
Want a twist? Try a vanilla wafer, shortbread, or even biscoff cookie crust. Each gives a different vibe but works beautifully.
Whip the creamy filling with ease
In a large bowl, beat together:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Next, gently fold in one tub of whipped topping or roughly 2 cups of freshly whipped cream until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. You’re aiming for a soft, airy texture similar to cheesecake.
If you prefer less sweet, reduce powdered sugar slightly — the cherry topping adds enough on its own.
Layering & assembling tips for perfect results
Layering matters for that picture-perfect slice:
- Spread half the cream mixture over your crust
- Add half the cherry topping
- Repeat both layers
- Chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight
Chilling is key — it firms the layers and allows flavors to blend beautifully.
Baking vs. No-Bake Cherry Yum Yum
Does cherry yum yum need to be baked?
Nope! One of the best things about this cherry yum yum recipe is that it’s totally no-bake — unless you want to toast the crust a bit, and even that’s optional.
The graham cracker crust can be pressed right into your pan and chilled. The cream cheese layer and cherry topping don’t require any heat either. Just chill it for several hours, and you’re good to go.
If you’re short on time and want cleaner slices, a quick 8-minute bake at 350°F for the crust helps it firm up. But truly, the original version is meant to be chilled, not baked. It’s ideal for those warm summer days when you’d rather skip using the oven.
If you love spiced crusts as much as I do, don’t miss our fall favorite: Pumpkin Spice Babka Loaf – The Coziest Fall Recipe You’ll Ever Make. It’s sweet, comforting, and pairs beautifully with creamy desserts like this one.
Best Crust Options for Cherry Yum Yum
What kind of crust works best for cherry yum yum?
While graham cracker crust is the classic base for cherry yum yum, don’t be afraid to explore! The crust plays a big role in balancing the sweet and creamy layers above it.
Here are some delicious alternatives:
| Crust Option | Flavor Profile | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Graham crackers | Toasty, slightly sweet | Soft but holds shape |
| Vanilla wafers | Milder, kid-friendly | Slightly crumbly |
| Biscoff cookies | Spiced, buttery, unique | Denser & aromatic |
| Shortbread cookies | Buttery and rich | Thick and melt-in-mouth |
🔸 Anna’s Tip: I love using biscoff during the holidays — the cinnamon spice pairs beautifully with cherry and adds a cozy twist.
You can even make a gluten-free crust with GF graham-style cookies or crushed almonds mixed with coconut oil.
And if you’re already in the mood for something spiced and indulgent, don’t miss our Chocolate Spice Cake, a cozy dessert that also plays beautifully with warm, buttery notes.
How to make a no-fail buttery crust
The key to a perfect base is the right ratio of crumbs to fat. Here’s my go-to:
- 2 cups cookie or graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Mix it all together until it feels like damp sand. Press it firmly into your pan using the bottom of a measuring cup for a flat, compact layer. Chill it for at least 30 minutes to set.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
How long does cherry yum yum last in the fridge?
When kept in an airtight container or securely wrapped in plastic, cherry yum yum remains fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days. This makes it an excellent make-ahead dessert for gatherings or a sweet treat to enjoy all week long.
After the second day, the crust may soften a bit — but honestly, that creamy-cherry-soaked layer is just as dreamy. Some people even prefer it that way!
Can you freeze cherry yum yum for later?
Yes, you can — though there are a few things to keep in mind.
If you plan to freeze it:
- Use full-fat cream cheese (low-fat versions may get grainy)
- Freeze before adding the cherry topping, if possible
- Wrap tightly with plastic and foil
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving
- Add the cherry topping fresh for best results
Freezing won’t alter the taste, but you might notice a slight change in texture once it’s thawed. It’s still delicious and definitely worth saving leftovers.
Looking for more freezer-friendly treats? Try our Cloud Cheesecake Recipe, which holds up beautifully when frozen in individual slices.
Fresh Twists and Variations
Fun flavor twists you can try
If you’re anything like me, once you’ve made a recipe a few times, you start thinking, “How can I put my own twist on it?”
Here are a few family-tested, Anna-approved ways to change things up:
- Blueberry Yum Yum – Swap cherry pie filling with blueberry
- Strawberry Yum Yum – Use strawberry compote or jam topping
- Peach Delight – Use canned or fresh peaches in syrup with a touch of cinnamon
- Almond Cherry Yum Yum – Mix a bit of almond extract into the cream cheese layer for a nutty twist
- Lemon Cherry – Add a touch of lemon zest to the filling for a fresh, citrusy lift
✨ Tip: If you want a festive version, try layering red and blue berries on top for a patriotic summer dessert!
And hey — if you’re into cool and creamy layers, don’t miss our Decadent No Bake Mint Chocolate Cheesecake — it’s a chilled dessert dream!
What to Serve with Cherry Yum Yum
When and where to serve it
Cherry yum yum is so easy and adaptable that it fits just about any occasion:
- Family dinners – Perfect for ending a homemade meal on a sweet note
- Potlucks & cookouts – Travels well and everyone loves it
- Holidays – Especially great for Easter, 4th of July, and Christmas
- Brunch – Yup, dessert for brunch is totally okay with me
Best pairings and drink ideas
You can serve cherry yum yum on its own or dress it up. Some ideas:
- A drizzle of dark chocolate or white chocolate
- Serve it in mason jars for individual portions
- Pair with coffee, iced tea, or even Iced Cashew-Butter Espresso Smoothie for a sweet-and-smooth duo
Troubleshooting Cherry Yum Yum
Why is my filling too soft or runny?
If your cream layer turns out too loose, here’s what may have gone wrong:
- Cream cheese not fully softened before mixing = lumpy texture
- Over-mixing whipped topping = loss of structure
- Not chilling long enough = soft layers
Try chilling overnight for best results. And always use full-fat cream cheese for that rich, dense texture that holds up.
How to get clean slices every time
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water, wipe between cuts, and serve straight from the fridge. The colder the dessert, the cleaner the slice!
Want to add a zesty twist? Try replacing the cherry topping with a lemon glaze for a sweet and tangy version. It gives off serious Starbucks Lemon Loaf vibes — and who doesn’t love that?
FAQs
It’s made of a graham cracker crust, a sweet cream cheese filling, and cherry pie topping layered and chilled until firm.
Yes. Cook fresh cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice for a homemade topping. Let it cool fully before using.
No. It’s a no-bake dessert. You only need to chill it until firm. Baking the crust is optional.
Up to 5 days when covered tightly. The crust may soften over time, but the flavor stays great.
Graham crackers are traditional, but vanilla wafers, shortbread, or biscoff cookies are delicious alternatives.
Yes, freeze it before adding the cherry topping for best texture. Thaw in the fridge and top before serving.
A No-Bake Dessert That Feels Like Home
This cherry yum yum recipe is simple, satisfying, and oh-so-sweet. Whether you serve it at a holiday table or just for fun on a Wednesday night, it always brings smiles.
It’s a reminder that desserts don’t have to be complicated to be special. A few ingredients, a little layering, and a lot of love — that’s what KlikRecipes is all about.
Try it your way, add your twist, and don’t forget to chill it before diving in!
For something a bit more bold and colorful, check out our Best Ube Cheesecake Recipe — it’s vibrant, creamy, and perfect if you love unique dessert layers just like cherry yum yum.
Thanks for being in my kitchen today.
With love,
—Anna
