This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a bright and fruity dessert made with creamy layers and fresh strawberries. It’s sweet, refreshing, and perfect for summer!
Every time I make this treat, I can’t help but sneak a few strawberries before they make it into the dish. Who can blame me?! 🍓
I love how easy it is to whip up—just layer everything and chill. It’s a quick way to impress friends at a gathering without much stress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Crackers: These form the base of our dessert. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for a different flavor.
Cream Cheese: This adds richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Neufchâtel cheese instead. It’s similar but has less fat!
Whipped Topping: This creates a light texture. You can make your own by whipping heavy cream if you prefer a homemade option, or use a dairy-free alternative if you’re vegan.
Strawberry Gelatin Mix: If you’re in a pinch or want a fresher taste, use strawberry pie filling as an alternative. You can also experiment with other flavors like raspberry or peach for a twist.
What’s the Best Way to Make a Creamy Layer Without Clumps?
To ensure your cream cheese mixture is smooth, it’s essential to soften the cream cheese properly. Leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Beat the cream cheese alone first until creamy, then add the powdered sugar slowly.
- When folding in the whipped topping, do so gently! This keeps the mixture light and fluffy.
- Use a spatula to fold instead of a whisk to avoid deflating the mixture.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers (about 8 full sheets)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
For The Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 (6 oz) package strawberry gelatin mix (or 2 cups strawberry pie filling)
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours in the fridge to set. So, grab a few strawberries and let’s get cooking—your patience will be rewarded!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter. Stir it all together until it looks like wet sand. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form a nice crust. Set this aside while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together using a hand mixer or whisk until it’s super smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping. You want it to be nice and fluffy, so mix carefully!
3. Layer It Up:
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over your graham cracker crust in the baking dish. Smooth it out with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
4. Make the Strawberry Gelatin Layer:
In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin mix in the boiling water, stirring until it’s completely dissolved. Then, add the cold water and mix it well. Let this gelatin mixture cool slightly.
5. Assemble the Dessert:
Once the gelatin mixture has cooled down a bit, pour it gently over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish. Next, distribute the sliced strawberries evenly on top, pressing them lightly into the gelatin.
6. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate your dessert for at least 4 hours or until the gelatin is set and firm. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle some extra crushed graham crackers on top for a little crunch and garnish with whole strawberries for a pretty finish. Cut it into squares, and enjoy your Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum!
Can I Use Different Fruit for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberries are delicious, you can substitute with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Just make sure they are fresh and properly prepared (hulled or sliced) before layering them on top of the gelatin.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, cover the top with plastic wrap to keep the gelatin from drying out. Enjoy it chilled for the best flavor!
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can make this dessert a day in advance, just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. In fact, allowing it to sit overnight enhances the flavors and helps the gelatin set perfectly.
What If I Don’t Have Graham Crackers? Can I Use Something Else?
Sure! If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed Oreos for a chocolate twist. Just mix with the same amount of melted butter and press into the dish as you would with graham crackers!
