This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a sweet and creamy delight made with juicy strawberries and a smooth, fluffy filling. It’s perfect for any day when you need a little treat!
You can’t go wrong with strawberries that taste like sunshine! I love making this for a quick dessert or snack—it’s super easy and you might even want to share (but no promises)! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These create a tasty and crunchy base. If you’re out of graham crackers, try using crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits for a similar texture.
Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter for the crust to hold it together. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut oil works wonderfully, giving a slight coconut flavor.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness to the dessert. For a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but a similar taste.
Whipped Topping: I always use Cool Whip for convenience, but you can make your own by whipping heavy cream with sugar and vanilla. It tastes fresher and you can control the sweetness!
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries sprinkle sweetness throughout. If they’re out of season, you can substitute with other berries like blueberries or raspberries – just ensure they’re ripe!
How Do I Get the Gelatin Right?
Getting the gelatin layer perfect can seem tricky, but it’s all about timing. Dissolving the gelatin properly and allowing it to cool before pouring is essential.
- Use boiling water to fully dissolve the gelatin. Stir it well until you see no lumps.
- After adding cold water, let it sit for a few minutes until it cools slightly; this will prevent the strawberries from cooking or wilting.
- When pouring the gelatin, do it very gently onto the cream cheese layer to avoid mixing the layers.
With these techniques, your dessert will set beautifully and look impressive when served!
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
For The Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 (6 oz) package strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups cold water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus 4 hours of chilling time in the refrigerator. That way, all the flavors will meld together wonderfully, and you’ll have a perfect treat to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until everything is well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create the crust. Bake it in the oven for 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool.
2. Making the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping into your cream cheese mixture until it’s fully combined.
3. Assembling the Layers:
Now, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. After that, layer the sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese layer, making sure they are spread out nicely.
4. Preparing the Gelatin:
In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until it’s fully mixed. Once that’s done, add 2 cups of cold water to the gelatin mixture and mix it thoroughly. Let the gelatin cool slightly before you pour it over the strawberries and cream cheese layer in the baking dish.
5. Finishing Touches:
Once the gelatin has set (this usually takes about 1-2 hours in the fridge), spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the top. For a lovely garnish, sprinkle some additional graham cracker crumbs on top and add a few sliced strawberries for decoration.
6. Chill Before Serving:
Finally, refrigerate your Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum for at least 4 hours before serving to ensure everything is set properly. Enjoy your delightful dessert!
Can I Use Light Cream Cheese or a Different Type of Topping?
Yes, you can use light cream cheese if you’re looking for a lower-fat option! For the whipped topping, consider using a dairy-free alternative like coconut whipped cream if you need a vegan option. Just ensure they are both softened to blend easily with the other ingredients.
How to Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
This dessert can be made a day in advance! Prepare everything up until you added the whipped topping, then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just apply the whipped topping the day of for the best texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If the topping starts to weep or separate, just give it a gentle stir before serving again!
Can I Substitute the Fresh Strawberries with Frozen Ones?
Yes, you can! If you’re using frozen strawberries, just ensure they are thawed and drained of excess moisture before layering them. This will help keep the dessert from becoming too watery. Enjoy the convenience of frozen strawberries while still achieving a delicious treat!
