This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a fun and tasty dessert that will make your taste buds dance! With juicy strawberries, creamy layers, and a crunchy topping, it’s a delightful treat.
Honestly, who can resist strawberries? I love making this dessert for gatherings. It’s so easy: just mix, layer, and chill. Everyone always comes back for more—like, where’s the rest?! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star here, adding sweetness and freshness. If you can’t find fresh strawberries, frozen ones will work too, but drain any excess liquid before using.
Cream Cheese: This provides a creamy base for the dessert. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Whipped Topping: I prefer Cool Whip for its convenience, but you can also make your own whipped cream with heavy cream and sugar for a fresher taste.
Granulated Sugar: The recipe calls for granulated sugar, but feel free to use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: For those gluten-free folks, you can use crushed gluten-free cookies or even digestive biscuits as a substitute.
How Do I Get Creamy and Smooth Mixtures?
For the cream cheese mixture, it’s important to start with softened cream cheese. This makes it easier to blend smoothly without lumps. Here’s how:
- Leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
- Beat it alone first until smooth, then gradually mix in the sugars and vanilla extract.
- When folding in the whipped topping, do so gently to keep the mixture light and airy.
Taking these steps will give you that creamy, dreamy texture we’re aiming for in this dessert!
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Strawberry Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
For the Crust:
- 1 package (10.5 oz) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum takes about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus 4 hours to chill in the fridge. You’ll mix the layers and then just let it sit to set. The easy steps make it fun to prepare!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberry Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Give it a good stir, then let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the strawberries release their juices and create a sweet syrup.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and it’s nice and fluffy.
3. Fold in the Whipped Topping:
Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful to keep it light and airy—this will make your dessert extra smooth!
4. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
In a separate bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir the mixture until all the crumbs are well coated with butter and hold together nicely.
5. Assemble the Layers:
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start by layering half of the graham cracker mixture at the bottom. Press it down slightly. Then, spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker layer evenly.
6. Add the Strawberry Layer:
Pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. This adds a delicious fruity layer!
7. Complete the Layers:
Top the strawberry layer with the remaining cream cheese mixture, spreading it out gently. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the graham cracker mixture on top for a crunch.
8. Garnish and Chill:
If you’d like, you can garnish the top with additional sliced strawberries to make it look beautiful. Then, cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or even overnight. This chilling time helps everything set up nicely!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s chilled and ready, scoop out portions to serve. Enjoy your delicious Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. This will help prevent your Yum Yum from becoming too watery. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in a microwave for a few seconds until soft.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The graham cracker crust may get a bit soggy over time, but the flavors will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. This also allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a cream cheese substitute, try using mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly, but it will still be yummy!
