No-bake Cranberry Yum Yum – Join us on an adventure, with the No Bake Cranberry Delight, a dessert that brings equal joy to both your taste buds and your vocabulary! This recipe combines the essence of cranberries with the sweetness of cream cheese and whipped cream resulting in a symphony of flavors. With its crunchy graham cracker crust, velvety cheese layer, and zesty cranberry topping this dessert is a must-try for all dessert enthusiasts.
I vividly recall my first attempt at creating this No Bake Cranberry Delight. The sheer delight that appeared on my husband’s and child’s faces as they savored each spoonful of this creamy cranberry bliss was truly priceless. It has now become a family favorite continuously requested for every gathering!
What makes this No-Bake Cranberry Yum Yum truly stand out?
The No Bake Cranberry Delight stands out as a dessert for reasons. Its no-bake nature makes it incredibly convenient during weather or when you desire to impress without turning on the oven. The delightful combination of cranberry sauce alongside cream cheese and the lightness of whipped cream creates an exquisite interplay, between contrasting flavors and textures. Moreover, this dessert has flexibility; you can effortlessly vary the fruits or nuts according to your liking, which makes it suitable, for any time of year or event. Whether it’s a gathering with loved ones or a delightful treat, for an occasion rest assured that this dessert will be enjoyed by everyone.
What You Need To Make This No-Bake Cranberry Yum Yum Recipe?
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These little morsels aren’t just crumbs; they form the sturdy foundation of our dessert providing a sweet and crunchy support, for the layers above. They embrace us like a friend’s familiar hug always welcomed with open arms.
Ground Cinnamon: A subtle touch of cinnamon in the crust adds a hint of spice gently complementing the sweetness. It evokes autumn evenings. Brings to mind memories of spiced holiday treats.
Unsalted Butter: The hero that holds our crust together giving it that moist texture. It plays the role of glue, indispensably binding all our elements into a whole.
Cream Cheese: Imagine the silky smoothness as cream cheese effortlessly blends with sugar. It forms the heart of our dessert offering a tangy balance to the layers of sweetness like a melody within a vibrant symphony.
Confectioner’s Sugar: This fine powder dissolves seamlessly into cream cheese adding the amount of sweetness without overpowering other flavors. It harmonizes beautifully with all elements involved.
Whipping Cream: This is where enchantment unfolds – as whipping cream magically transforms into a cloud of delight. Its airy texture brings lightness and dreaminess to our creation.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla is akin, to sprinkling joy over everything. It really brings out the flavors giving it a richness that enhances the taste of everything.
Granulated Sugar: Just enough to sweeten our whipped cream striking a balance, with the cranberry’s tanginess by adding a touch of sweetness.
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: This is the star attraction bursting with tartness and vibrant color. It’s like a gem in this dessert crown introducing a twist that turns every bite into an exciting journey.
Chopped Pecans: These little gems contribute a crunch an element that creates contrast against the creamy layers. They’re like the touch, on a masterpiece. Those small details that make a significant impact.
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Steps To Make No-Bake Cranberry Yum Yum:
Step 1: Combine graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, and melted butter until they become moist. Set aside a tablespoon, for later use. Press the remaining mixture into a greased 9×9-inch pan.
Step 2: Blend cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, and half of the vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth consistency. Whip the cream with granulated sugar and the remaining half of vanilla extract until it becomes stiff. Carefully fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
Step 3: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Next spoon dollops of sauce on top. Spread it gently. Add another layer by spreading the remaining cream cheese mixture over it. Finally, sprinkle some pecans and reserved crumbs on top.
Step 4: Place in the refrigerator, for a few hours or overnight.
Tip:
When you’re putting together your No Bake Cranberry Yum Yum remember to focus on how you layer the ingredients to enhance both the texture and flavor. Once you’ve spread the layer of the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture take a break and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes before adding the cranberry sauce layer. This short waiting time helps the layers set a bit creating a distinction, between the fruity parts. It also ensures that the cranberry sauce doesn’t sink or blend much into the cream cheese layer so that every bite gives you that balance of smoothness and tanginess. This simple trick can really elevate how your dessert feels in your mouth and how it looks on your plate. Not delicious but visually appealing too!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned ones?
Certainly, you can use cranberries instead. However, you’ll need to cook them along with some sugar to replicate the sauce.
What other nuts can I use?
Walnuts and almonds are options, as substitutes.
How long will this keep in the fridge?
You can keep it fresh for, up to three days which makes it a convenient dessert option that can be prepared in advance.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
No-bake Cranberry Yum Yum
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 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
Filling & Topping:
- 1 can 14 ounces whole berry cranberry sauce
- 3 tablespoons chopped pecans
Instructions
Let's start with the crust:
- Combine 1 and 1/4 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and 6 tablespoons of butter.
- Set aside 1 tablespoon of this mixture for use.
- Press the remaining mixture onto the bottom of a 9x9-inch pan that has been coated with stick spray.
Now let's make the cream cheese mixture:
- Blend together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of confectioners sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla until it becomes smooth.
- In a bowl whip together 2 cups of whipping cream, 3 tablespoons of sugar and another half teaspoon of vanilla until it forms peaks.
- Gently combine the whipped cream with the cream cheese mixture.
Next, let's assemble the dessert:
- Spread than half of the cream cheese mixture, over the crust layer.
- Stir up some sauce from its can. Spoon it over the layer of cream cheese. Make sure to spread it evenly.
- Add the remaining cream cheese mixture on top. Spread it evenly well.
Now for some toppings:
- Mix together 3 tablespoons chopped pecans with the reserved graham cracker crumbs we set aside earlier.
- Sprinkle this topping over the layer to add some crunchiness and flavor.
Finally chill time:
- Refrigerate your creation for hours. Preferably overnight, before serving. This will allow all flavors to meld together perfectly.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
