Desserts

Cherry Yum Yum

By publisher October 4, 2026

When I first stumbled upon the curious combination of cherries and turkey bacon, I was skeptical. Yet the moment I tasted the finished Cherry Yum Yum, the creamy sweetness of the cherry‑infused custard paired with the subtle smoky crunch of crisp turkey bacon won me over completely. This dessert is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a conversation starter that brings a playful twist to any family gathering or dinner party. In the next few minutes, I’ll walk you through an easy, homemade version of this indulgent layered dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes, and you’ll see why it quickly became a favorite in my kitchen.

Imagine a glossy, ruby‑red cherry compote swirled through a velvety vanilla‑cinnamon custard, all perched atop a buttery shortbread crumb base. The crowning glory? A generous sprinkle of crumbled turkey bacon that adds a salty, smoky crunch that perfectly balances the sweet layers beneath. The dish is served in a clear glass parfait bowl, allowing the beautiful layers to shine under natural kitchen light. It’s a dessert that feels luxurious yet approachable, and the best part is that you can assemble it in less than an hour using pantry staples and a few fresh cherries. Whether you’re feeding a family of six or preparing a make‑ahead treat for a weekend brunch, Cherry Yum Yum delivers on flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

In this article you’ll get a step‑by‑step guide, pro tips for perfect texture, variations for different dietary needs, and storage advice so you can enjoy leftovers without losing any of that magical crunch. Let’s dive into the world of Cherry Yum Yum – a dessert that proves sweet and savory can live happily together.

Why I Love This Recipe

What makes Cherry Yum Yum truly special is the harmony of contrasting flavors and textures. The silky custard delivers a melt‑in‑your‑mouth sweetness, while the bright, slightly tart cherry compote cuts through the richness, keeping each bite refreshing. The final surprise is the turkey bacon, which adds a smoky, salty crunch that lifts the dessert from ordinary to extraordinary. I love that each spoonful feels like a mini adventure – the first taste of sweet custard, followed by a burst of cherry, then the satisfying snap of bacon that makes you pause and smile.

Beyond the taste, Cherry Yum Yum holds a sentimental place in my family gatherings. It’s become our go‑to dessert for holiday meals because it looks elegant on the table yet is simple enough to prepare with kids helping out. The bright red cherries bring a pop of color that brightens any spread, and the aroma of vanilla and cinnamon mingles with the faint scent of cooked bacon, creating a warm, inviting kitchen atmosphere. It’s a dessert that invites conversation, curiosity, and, most importantly, shared enjoyment.

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Flavor

For an extra depth of flavor, simmer the cherry compote with a splash of vanilla‑bean paste or a pinch of ground cloves. The warm spices will echo the cinnamon in the custard and make the overall profile more complex without overwhelming the fruit.

Cooking Tips

When baking the shortbread crust, keep an eye on the edges; they can brown faster than the center. If they start to darken too quickly, loosely cover the pan with foil to prevent over‑browning while the middle finishes cooking.

Presentation Tips

Serve Cherry Yum Yum in clear glass parfait cups or small mason jars to showcase the beautiful red layers. A light dusting of powdered sugar and a few whole fresh cherries on top add a finishing touch that looks picture‑perfect.

Pro Tips

Variations

Alternative Ingredients

Swap turkey bacon for candied pecans for a vegetarian crunch, or use dark chocolate shavings instead of bacon for a sweet‑only version.

Flavor Adjustments

Add a splash of almond extract to the custard for a nutty undertone, or mix in a tablespoon of orange zest with the cherries for a citrusy twist.

Serving Suggestions

Pair Cherry Yum Yum with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

Cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the bacon topping separate and add just before serving to maintain crunch.

Reheating Instructions

If you prefer a warm dessert, gently microwave individual portions for 20‑30 seconds; the custard will soften without losing its silky texture.

Freezing Tips

Freeze the crust and custard layers separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add fresh bacon before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Absolutely – fresh cherries work beautifully. Just be sure to pit them and add a little extra lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Is the dessert gluten‑free?

Replace the all‑purpose flour in the crust with a gluten‑free blend; the texture will remain buttery and crisp.

What if I don’t have turkey bacon?

Regular bacon can be used, but turkey bacon offers a lighter flavor that pairs better with the sweet custard.

Can I make this dessert dairy‑free?

Swap the whole milk and heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy‑free butter alternative for the crust.

How do I make it lower‑sugar?

Reduce the sugar in the cherry compote by a third and use a sugar substitute like erythritol in the custard; the flavors will still shine.

Is Cherry Yum Yum high in protein?

The turkey bacon adds a modest protein boost, but the dessert is primarily a treat; enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What is the calorie count per serving?

Each serving is roughly 320 calories, depending on the exact amount of bacon and sugar used.

Is this suitable for kids?

Yes – the sweet layers are kid‑friendly, and the bacon adds a fun, savory surprise that many children love.

Common Questions

Substitutes and Modifications

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Cherry Yum Yum

When I first stumbled upon the curious combination of cherries and turkey bacon, I was skeptical. Yet the moment I tasted the finished Cherry…

Prep—

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Ingredients

Base Crumb Layer

1 cup all‑purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 teaspoon salt

Cherry Custard Filling

2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 large egg yolks
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Savory Crunch Topping

4 slices turkey bacon
1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulse the flour, sugar, and salt until combined, then add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs; press the crumbs into the bottom of a 9‑inch springform pan and bake for 12‑15 minutes until lightly golden, then set aside to cool.
While the crust bakes, toss the turkey bacon slices with a drizzle of maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt; arrange on a parchment‑lined baking sheet and bake for 8‑10 minutes until crisp, then crumble once cooled.

Cherry Custard Assembly

In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries break down and the mixture thickens, about 5‑7 minutes. Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth, then set aside to cool.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, egg yolks, cornstarch, vanilla, and cinnamon. Slowly pour the chilled cherry puree into the custard mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon, roughly 8‑10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Layering and Finishing

Spread the cooled cherry‑cinnamon custard evenly over the baked shortbread crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 20 minutes to set the custard.
Just before serving, scatter the crumbled turkey bacon over the top, creating an even layer of savory crunch. Slice with a warm knife, serve in clear glass bowls or plates, and enjoy each decadent bite.

Notes

Use a kitchen torch to lightly caramelize the cherry layer for a subtle smoky flavor.
If you prefer a firmer custard, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch during whisking.
Chill the shortbread crust before adding the custard to prevent the base from becoming soggy.