This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a super tasty dessert that combines sweet strawberries with a creamy filling. It’s light, fluffy, and simply delightful!
I love how easy it is to whip up this treat. Just mix, layer, and relax while it chills. Perfect for a sunny day or a special occasion—grab a spoon and enjoy! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These create a crunchy base for the dessert. If you can’t find them, crushed cookies like Digestives or even vanilla wafers work well too!
Unsalted Butter: This helps bind the crumb mixture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil can be a fantastic substitute.
Cream Cheese: It’s key for the creamy filling. If you’re dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese for a similar texture.
Whipped Topping: Instead of Cool Whip, you can use homemade whipped cream. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar until fluffy.
Fresh Strawberries: While fresh berries are best, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available, but make sure to thaw and drain them first.
Strawberry Gelatin: You can replace this with another flavor gelatin if you prefer, like raspberry or blueberry for a twist, but make sure it matches the colors you want!
How Do I Create a Creamy Filling That’s Just Right?
To achieve a smooth and creamy filling, the key is in proper mixing. Use softened cream cheese and beat it well so there are no lumps. Here’s how:
- Soften cream cheese by leaving it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Mix it with powdered sugar until it’s smooth. This can take a couple of minutes.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping with a spatula to keep the mixture fluffy.
Be careful not to overmix at this point, or the whipped topping can lose its lightness! Aim for a well-blended mix that still has some volume.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) tub of whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional 3 hours to chill properly. With a quick assembly and some time in the fridge, you’ll be ready to enjoy this yummy treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Crust:
Start by grabbing a medium bowl and combining the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Mix them together until all the crumbs are nicely coated in butter. Now, press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to form your crust. Set it aside for now while you move on to the next step.
2. Preparing the Cream Cheese Layer:
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is key for a delicious layer! Once it’s nice and blended, gently fold in half of the whipped topping until it’s all combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want to keep it fluffy!
3. Assembling the Layers:
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust you made earlier. Take your time to smooth it into a nice, even layer. Next, layer the sliced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer. This will add a lovely fresh flavor to your dish!
4. Preparing the Strawberry Gelatin:
In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until it’s completely dissolved. Then, stir in the cold water to cool it down a bit. Allow this mixture to cool slightly before pouring it over the strawberries. Make sure to cover them evenly with the gelatin.
5. Chilling the Dessert:
Now, pop your dish into the refrigerator and let it chill for about 1 hour, or until the gelatin is fully set. Once it’s set, spread the remaining whipped topping over the top, and sprinkle some reserved graham cracker crumbs on top for that finishing touch.
6. Final Touches:
If you’d like, you can decorate the top with a few additional sliced strawberries for extra flair. Cover your delicious creation and chill it for at least 2 hours before serving—this helps the layers blend together beautifully!
7. Serving:
When you’re ready to enjoy, slice the dessert into squares and serve chilled. Each bite will be a lovely mix of fresh strawberries, creamy filling, and a crunchy crust. Enjoy your Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum!
Can I Substitute the Fresh Strawberries?
Absolutely! If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can use other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or chopped peaches. Just make sure to adjust the amount if needed, as some fruits may be juicier than others.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The layers will stay firm, but the texture might soften slightly due to moisture from the strawberries.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just make sure to keep it covered in the fridge to maintain freshness.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative. This will change the flavor slightly, but it can still be delicious!
