Cherry Yum Yum is one of those desserts that feels like home from the very first bite. With its buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake-like filling, and a glossy layer of cherry pie topping, it’s the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and smooth. This no-bake classic has been a Southern favorite for decades, showing up at church potlucks, family reunions, and weeknight dinners when comfort is on the menu.
Whether you’re looking to wow guests or treat yourself, Cherry Yum Yum delivers crowd-pleasing flavor with minimal effort. And the best part? You can make it ahead, chill, and serve when the moment’s just right.
Table of Contents
Cherry Yum Yum (No-Bake)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish. Chill for 15 minutes to set the crust.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the whipped topping until fully combined and fluffy.
- Spread the cream mixture evenly over the chilled crust, reaching all edges.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream layer and spread gently to cover.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use high-quality cream cheese and cherry pie filling with whole cherries for the best flavor.
- Can be customized with blueberry, strawberry, or peach topping.
- For a richer crust, try chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers.
- Best served chilled and can be made a day in advance.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!What Makes Cherry Yum Yum Special
I first tasted Cherry Yum Yum at a summer family reunion in San Antonio. My aunt arrived with a glass dish layered in buttery crust, creamy filling, and glossy cherries—it was gone before dinner ended.
This no-bake classic blends a crunchy crust, silky cream cheese layer, and sweet-tart cherries into a dessert that’s as easy as it is indulgent.
While I love creamy treats like vegan cheesecake or a matcha smoothie bowl, Cherry Yum Yum stands out for its simplicity, make-ahead ease, and pure comfort.
You can even explore variations like Cherry Yum Yum with Dream Whip for a nostalgic take or try a different prep method using Cool Whip and cream cheese for an extra smooth filling.
Understanding the Core Ingredients
Breaking Down “What is in Cherry Yum Yum?”
Cherry Yum Yum is built on a short list of simple ingredients that work together to create its signature layers:
- Graham cracker crust – buttery and lightly sweet, forming the base that holds everything together.
- Cream cheese – gives the filling its rich, tangy body.
- Whipped topping – lightens the cream cheese layer and adds a soft, fluffy texture.
- Cherry pie filling – a glossy, sweet-tart topping that makes each bite pop with flavor.
I’ve found that quality makes a difference—using a fresh box of crackers, good cream cheese, and a cherry pie filling with plenty of whole cherries gives the dessert a more homemade feel.
You can even try a lighter variation like the Cherry Yum Yum with Dream Whip, which swaps in a whipped dessert mix for that classic, fluffy Southern texture.
If you love playing with flavors, this base can be a canvas for seasonal twists, much like how my cottage cheese bagels or strawberry cheesecake smoothie adapt to what’s in the pantry.
Exploring the “Yum Yum” Name and Origins
The “Yum Yum” name first popped up in Southern kitchens, often attached to layered, no-bake desserts with a crust, creamy filling, and fruit topping. It’s a name meant to be said with a smile—easy to remember and impossible not to crave. Interestingly, in Chinese cuisine, “yum yum” often refers to savory sauces like the sweet, creamy condiment served with hibachi meals.
While the flavors couldn’t be more different, both versions share one thing: they’re made to make you say “yum” after the first taste. I love that food can span such a wide spectrum, from my Dubai chocolate recipe to something playful like pickle pizza, all united under the idea of pure enjoyment.
How To Make Cherry Yum Yum – Step By Step
Gathering the Ingredients for “Cherry Delight”
Before you start, make sure you have everything ready. For an 8×8-inch dish, you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs – crush them fine for a sturdy crust.
- ½ cup melted butter – unsalted for better flavor balance.
- 8 oz cream cheese – softened for easier mixing.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – sweetens the cream cheese layer without graininess.
- 8 oz whipped topping – thawed in the fridge.
- 1 can cherry pie filling – choose one with plenty of whole cherries.
Pro tip: Keep the cream cheese and whipped topping chilled until you’re ready to mix so the layers hold their shape. I use the same prep-ahead approach when making dishes like taco bell chicken quesadilla or cottage cheese protein bagels—it keeps the process smooth and stress-free.
Assembly and Serving Tips
Putting it together is quick and satisfying:
- Make the crust – Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, press firmly into the bottom of your dish, and chill for 15 minutes.
- Mix the cream layer – Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, then fold in the whipped topping.
- Layer – Spread the cream mixture evenly over the crust, making sure it reaches the edges.
- Add the cherries – Spoon the cherry pie filling gently over the cream layer, keeping the surface smooth.
- Chill – Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
Looking for something even smoother and richer? Try the Cool Whip and cream cheese version, which combines creamy tang with sweet fluff for a perfectly balanced bite.
Serve straight from the dish with a large spoon or cut into neat squares for a polished look. I like pairing it with a drink for contrast, like a frothy matcha green tea latte Starbucks or a sweet-spiced sourdough discard cinnamon roll on a dessert table.
Creative Twists on Cherry Yum Yum
“What Can I Do with a Can of Cherry Pie Filling?”
Cherry pie filling is one of those pantry staples that can go far beyond pie. If you’ve got an extra can, try:
- Parfait cups – layer with vanilla pudding and crushed cookies for an easy grab-and-go treat.
- Pancake topper – warm slightly and spoon over gluten-free pancakes for a breakfast upgrade.
- Ice cream swirl – fold into softened vanilla ice cream before refreezing.
- Popcorn glaze – drizzle over hot honey popcorn for a sweet-salty movie night snack.
It’s a quick way to bring color and flavor to recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavor Variations and Seasonal Adaptations
One of the best things about Cherry Yum Yum is how easily it can be customized:
- Swap the fruit – blueberry, peach, or strawberry pie fillings make for delicious seasonal changes.
- Change the crust – use chocolate cookies for a richer base or vanilla wafers for a lighter touch.
- Add a flavor boost – a splash of almond extract in the cream layer pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Go tropical – replace cherries with pineapple and coconut for a sunny twist like my apple smoothie for weight loss inspires in fresh, fruity flavors.
I’ve even paired a strawberry version with a chilled strawberry matcha latte for a pink-themed dessert table, and it was gone in minutes
Looking for more comfort recipe like this? Come hang out with me over on Facebook and Pinterest where I drop new recipes, family favorites, and quick how-to guides almost every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is in cherry yum yum?
It’s made of three main layers: a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy mixture of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped topping, and a sweet-tart layer of cherry pie filling. Some recipes also add extra whipped cream on top for presentation.
2. What is yum yum in Chinese recipes?
In Chinese-inspired cooking, “yum yum” usually refers to a creamy, sweet-savory sauce often served with hibachi-style dishes. It’s completely different from the dessert version—one is a dipping sauce for steak and seafood, the other is a no-bake layered treat.
3. What can I do with a can of cherry pie filling?
Beyond using it for Cherry Yum Yum, try it as a pancake topping, swirled into cheesecake batter, layered in parfaits, mixed into ice cream, or as a quick glaze over pound cake.
4. What are the ingredients for cherry delight?
Cherry delight is very similar to Cherry Yum Yum and includes a graham cracker crust, cream cheese filling, whipped topping, and cherry pie filling. The two desserts share nearly identical components, with minor differences in layer thickness and presentation.
Conclusion : Sweet Layers, Lasting Memories
Cherry Yum Yum isn’t just a recipe—it’s a little slice of nostalgia layered with love, creaminess, and that irresistible burst of cherry sweetness. Whether you stick to the classic version or try a seasonal twist, it’s a dessert that works for holidays, potlucks, or a quiet night at home.
It comes together in minutes, chills while you get on with your day, and brings smiles the second it hits the table. From family reunions in my San Antonio childhood to the kitchen in my Austin home today, this dessert has always had a spot in my heart—and I’m pretty sure it’ll find one in yours too.
