This Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum Dessert is a fruity treat that everyone will love! With layers of creamy goodness and fresh strawberries, it’s just too tempting to resist.
You can whip it up in no time, and let’s be honest, it looks lovely on the table! I like to enjoy it after dinner, but it’s great anytime you need a sweet smile! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These provide the base for the dessert. If you can’t find graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies make great substitutes.
Cream Cheese: This adds a rich, creamy texture. For a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese. Vegan cream cheese is also a fantastic alternative if desired.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This helps give the dessert volume and texture. If you’re looking to reduce fat, you might swap it with whipped topping, but the flavor will slightly differ.
Frozen Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are great, but using frozen ones can save time. If you can’t find strawberries, other berries like raspberries or blueberries work too.
How Can I Ensure the Perfect Creamy Texture?
The key to achieving the perfect creamy texture in this dessert lies in the whipping and folding techniques. It’s essential to whip your cream until stiff peaks form, indicating it’s fully aerated without being grainy.
- Use a chilled bowl to whip the cream for better results.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mix. This is crucial! You want to combine without losing that airy texture.
- Be patient! Take your time when mixing, so everything blends nicely but still feels light and fluffy.
Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full crackers)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
For the Whipped Cream:
- 4 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen strawberries (thawed and drained)
- 1 (6 oz) package strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries, halved
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dessert takes about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 4 hours of chilling time (or overnight is even better!) to let the layers set perfectly. So, plan accordingly, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by combining the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a medium bowl. Mix them well until the crumbs are fully moistened. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will be your crust. Pop it in the fridge while you make the filling.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until everything is well combined and creamy. This mixture will be rich and delicious.
3. Whip the Cream:
In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. This means that when you lift the mixer, the cream holds its shape nicely. It’ll look fluffy and airy, perfect for folding into the cream cheese mixture.
4. Combine the Layers:
Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Do this with a spatula, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much. You want it to stay light and fluffy!
5. Layer It Up:
Spread half of the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. This will be your first layer. Then, in another bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until it’s completely dissolved. Mix in the thawed and drained strawberries.
6. Assemble the Strawberry Layer:
Layer the strawberry gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer. Once that’s spread out, take the remaining cream mixture and gently spread it over the top of the strawberry layer.
7. Add Some Crunch:
To finish it off, sprinkle some extra graham cracker crumbs on the very top. This will add a nice crunch and texture to your dessert!
8. Chill and Serve:
Cover your dessert and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This allows all the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set up nicely. Before serving, garnish with fresh half strawberries for a bright touch and serve chilled.
Enjoy this creamy, fruity, and crunchy layered Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum Dessert with friends and family!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute Fresh Strawberries for Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can be used instead of frozen ones. Just make sure to slice them and use a little extra sugar if you want to enhance their sweetness, as frozen strawberries are often sweeter once thawed.
How Long Does This Dessert Last in the Refrigerator?
The Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum Dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep it covered to maintain freshness!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese or Whipped Cream?
Yes! You can use low-fat cream cheese and whipped cream as substitutes. However, keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, and the dessert may not be as rich.
What If I Don’t Have Graham Crackers?
If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute them with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even Oreo cookies for a different flavor twist. Just adjust the quantity according to your preference!
