No-Bake Cranberry Yum Yum
No-Bake Cranberry Yum Yum is a delightfully sweet and tangy treat that comes together without turning on the oven. It features creamy layers of whipped cream, softened cream cheese, and…
Tip: save now, cook later.No-Bake Cranberry Yum Yum is a delightfully sweet and tangy treat that comes together without turning on the oven. It features creamy layers of whipped cream, softened cream cheese, and the bright burst of fresh cranberries, all held together by crunchy cereal pieces. The mix of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures makes this dessert a real crowd-pleaser.
I love how easy this recipe is to pull together, especially when you’re short on time but still want something special. The tartness of the cranberries balances beautifully with the sweetness of the fluffy cream mixture, and I find the cereal adds just the right bit of crunch to keep every bite interesting. It feels like a comforting dessert you can enjoy any time of year.
One of my favorite ways to serve this is right out of the fridge in a pretty glass dish, so the layers show off their colors. It’s perfect for family gatherings or potlucks because you can make it ahead of time and relax while others rave about it. If you like a little extra texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before serving—that’s always a hit in my house!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh or thawed frozen cranberries work well. Fresh tastes brighter, but frozen is easier to keep on hand. If you want less tartness, try adding a splash of orange juice while cooking them.
Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for a smooth, creamy base. If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt can work but the dessert will be less rich.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Chilling the cream helps it whip nicely. You can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free twist, but it will change the flavor a bit.
Crisp Rice Cereal: This adds crunch and keeps the dessert light. If you don’t have rice cereal, corn flakes or crushed graham crackers can be good substitutes, just expect a different texture.
How Do You Keep the Cereal Crunchy in a No-Bake Dessert?
Maintaining the cereal’s crispness is key. The trick is to gently fold the cereal into the creamy mixture without overmixing. Here’s how I do it:
- Use a spatula and fold, don’t stir vigorously.
- Mix just until the cereal is coated—no more.
- Assemble the dessert right away and chill immediately to keep it from getting soggy.
- Sprinkle extra crushed cereal on top before serving for added crunch.
Doing this keeps the mix crunchy, giving every bite a nice texture contrast with the creamy and fruity layers.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan – perfect for cooking down the cranberries into a thick sauce without burning.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll want at least two, one for whipping cream and one for beating cream cheese.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – makes whipping cream and mixing cream cheese smooth and easy.
- Rubber spatula – great for folding the cereal gently into the cream mixture without crushing it.
- Serving dish or trifle bowl – big enough to layer your dessert and show off the pretty colors.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cranberries for chopped strawberries or raspberries for a sweeter, milder fruit flavor.
- Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and a nutty twist.
- Include a few teaspoons of orange zest in the cream cheese mix for bright citrus notes.
- Try mixing in mini chocolate chips for a fun, sweet surprise that pairs well with tart cranberries.
No-Bake Cranberry Yum Yum
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
For the Creamy Layers:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crunch:
- 6 cups crisp rice cereal
- Optional: extra crushed cereal for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare your cranberry sauce and mix the cream layers. Then, you’ll need to chill the dessert in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, so the flavors come together and the dessert firms up nicely.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cranberry Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, put the cranberries, ½ cup sugar, and water. Cook on medium heat, stirring now and then, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Take it off the heat and let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar, and keep mixing until everything is creamy and lump-free.
3. Whip the Heavy Cream:
In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form — this means the cream holds its shape when you lift the whisk.
4. Combine Cream Cheese and Whipped Cream:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula and mix with care so the cream stays fluffy.
5. Add the Cereal:
Slowly fold the crisp rice cereal into the creamy mixture. Mix gently so the cereal keeps its crunch.
6. Layer Your Dessert:
In a serving dish or trifle bowl, spread half of the creamy cereal mixture evenly. Spoon half of the cooled cranberry sauce over this layer. Then spread the remaining creamy mixture on top and smooth it out.
7. Top with Cranberry Sauce:
Add the rest of the cranberry sauce on the very top of your dessert for a beautiful finish.
8. Chill Until Ready to Serve:
Cover your dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Overnight chilling is best to let the flavors meld and the dessert set perfectly.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Before serving, sprinkle extra crushed cereal on top for added crunch, if you like. Scoop slices onto plates and enjoy this creamy, tangy, and crunchy treat!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw frozen cranberries completely before cooking to remove excess moisture. This helps the sauce thicken properly and keeps the dessert from becoming watery.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cereal may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed within a day or two for optimal crunch.
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Yes! This no-bake dessert actually tastes better after chilling overnight, as the flavors have more time to meld and it firms up nicely.
What Can I Substitute for Crisp Rice Cereal?
If you don’t have rice cereal, try corn flakes or crushed graham crackers. Keep in mind the texture will change slightly, but you’ll still get a nice crunch!
