This Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum Dessert is a sweet treat that combines creamy layers with delicious strawberries. It’s perfect for hot days and super easy to make!
I love how it feels like summer in every bite! Plus, you can enjoy it guilt-free because it’s light and fruity. Who can resist that lovely strawberry goodness? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: This is the base of your dessert, creating a delightful crunch. If you’re out of graham crackers, try digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies for a similar texture.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy layer. For a lighter option, use mascarpone cheese or Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but still gives that creamy texture.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is crucial for the fluffy layer in the dessert. If you prefer, you can substitute it with coconut cream for a dairy-free version or whipped topping if you’re short on time.
Frozen Strawberries: While frozen strawberries are convenient, fresh strawberries are a great alternative if you have them on hand! Just slice them and layer them directly.
How Can I Whip Cream Perfectly?
Whipping cream can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get it just right! Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before whipping. This helps the cream whip up faster.
- Start with cold heavy cream for best results.
- Mix on medium speed and see soft peaks, then gradually add your sugar and vanilla.
- Raise the speed to high and watch closely; stop whipping once stiff peaks form to avoid turning it into butter!
Remember, practice makes perfect! Enjoy whipping your cream for this delightful dessert.
How to Make Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 20–24 crackers)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
For the Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Other Ingredients:
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen strawberries (thawed and drained)
- Fresh strawberries, halved, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 30 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to chill and set. If you can wait overnight, that’s even better for the flavors to meld!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
In a mixing bowl, add your graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and looks like wet sand. Now, take this mixture and press it down evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to form a nice, sturdy crust layer. This will be the base of your dessert!
2. Making the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until it’s super smooth and creamy. This is where the rich flavor comes from!
3. Whipping the Heavy Cream:
In a separate chilled bowl, pour in your heavy whipping cream, and add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer, whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks. This means when you lift the beaters out, the cream holds its shape beautifully.
4. Combining Cream Cheese and Whipped Cream:
Now, take that lovely whipped cream and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula and be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much. You want it to stay light and fluffy!
5. Layering the Dessert:
Spread half of the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture evenly over the crust you made earlier. Make sure it’s smooth and covers it all nicely!
6. Adding the Strawberries:
Next, take your thawed and drained strawberries and spread them evenly over the cream layer. They’ll add a pop of fruity flavor that’s simply delightful.
7. Adding Remaining Cream:
Now, take the other half of your whipped cream and cream cheese mixture, and spread that over the strawberries. This will create the final creamy layer on top.
8. Topping with Crumbs:
Sprinkle some extra graham cracker crumbs on top for a delightful crunch! This will add texture and looks lovely too.
9. Chilling:
Cover your dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step allows all the flavors to come together and the layers to set perfectly! Patience will pay off here.
10. Serving:
When you’re ready to enjoy, cut the dessert into squares and garnish each piece with halved fresh strawberries. Serve chilled and prepare to delight your friends and family with this wonderful treat!
Enjoy your Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum Dessert—a creamy, fruity, crunchy delight that’s sure to impress!
FAQ for Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum Dessert
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries will work perfectly in this recipe. Just wash, slice, and layer them directly without thawing! They will add a delicious freshness to your dessert.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly as the dessert sits.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture. For a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese is a great choice, as it has less fat than regular cream cheese.
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Definitely! This dessert is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling overnight, as the flavors meld beautifully. Just be sure to keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!
