Description
No-bake Cranberry Yum Yum is a delightful and elegant dessert that combines a cinnamon-spiced graham cracker crust with a smooth cream cheese filling, topped with tangy whole berry cranberry sauce and crunchy pecans. This simple-to-make treat requires no baking, making it perfect for quick preparation while delivering a beautiful presentation and a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 package (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, mix the graham cracker crumbs with ground cinnamon. Stir in the melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the crust mixture evenly into the base of a 9-inch pie plate or similar dish to form the crust layer. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the whipping cream with granulated sugar and half of the vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon) until stiff peaks form.
- Combine filling components: Gently fold the whipped cream into the sweetened cream cheese mixture in batches, incorporating fully without deflating the mixture. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix gently to combine.
- Assemble the dessert: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Carefully spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer, distributing it evenly but gently to maintain some texture and visual appeal.
- Garnish and chill: Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly on top of the cranberry sauce. Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to set and for the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled as a refreshing and festive dessert perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- This no-bake dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a quick yet elegant treat.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- You can swap chopped pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- For a lower sugar option, consider using a sugar substitute suitable for baking in place of confectioners’ and granulated sugar.
- Make this dessert a day ahead to allow flavors to deepen and texture to set perfectly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
