Description
No-bake Cranberry Yum Yum is a delightful layered dessert that blends a cinnamon-spiced graham cracker crust with a creamy vanilla-infused cream cheese filling, topped with tangy whole berry cranberry sauce and crunchy pecans. This easy-to-make, no-bake treat is perfect for holidays and special occasions, delivering a harmonious mix of textures and flavors without the need for an oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 cups whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (divided)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Topping
- 1 can (14 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 3 tablespoons chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and ground cinnamon. Stir in melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish to form the crust layer. Place it in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar together until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer. Set aside.
- Whip the cream: In a separate cold bowl, whip the whipping cream with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Combine cream and cream cheese mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and smooth. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream to maintain the light texture.
- Assemble the dessert: Spread half of the cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled crust. Add half of the cranberry sauce on top, gently spreading it to cover the cream layer. Repeat with the remaining cream cheese mixture and cranberry sauce, creating a layered effect.
- Add pecan topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top layer of cranberry sauce to add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This no-bake dessert requires chilling time for the layers to set properly, so plan ahead.
- For added texture and flavor, try substituting pecans with walnuts or almonds.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Use cold whipping cream and chill your mixing bowl for best whipping results.
- Leftovers should be stored covered in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
