This Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a delightful treat bursting with sweet strawberry goodness. It has creamy layers that perfectly balance the fruity flavor, making it a quick favorite!
You can whip this up in no time, and I love serving it with a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top. It adds a nice crunch—because who doesn’t want a little texture with their yumminess? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: Essential for the crust, but if you don’t have them, crushed cookies like vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits work nicely. They add a different flavor but are just as delicious!
Unsalted butter: This helps bind the crust. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. It will work well to hold the crust together.
Cream cheese: The heart of the creamy filling! If you want a lighter version, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese or use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Both keep a creamy texture.
Heavy whipping cream: For that fluffy texture, but you can swap it with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. Just be sure to chill the can ahead of time!
Strawberry gelatin: This adds sweetness and helps the strawberries hold together. If you want to go natural, use agar-agar or pectin as a thickening agent mixed with fresh strawberry puree for a healthier option.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creamy Layer?
The creamy layer is key to this dessert’s appeal. Here’s how to make it just right:
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth to avoid lumps, then gradually add in sugar.
- Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form—this gives the creaminess a light texture.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Avoid overmixing, as you want to keep that airy feel!
Remember, softening your cream cheese in advance makes blending much easier. This technique helps you achieve a deliciously creamy layer that contrasts beautifully with the fruity goodness on top!
Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 full sheets)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert requires about 20 minutes of preparation time and needs to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. It’s an easy recipe that will delight your taste buds and is perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until everything is well combined. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create an even layer for the crust. Once done, pop it into the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Gelatin Strawberry Layer:
In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until it’s completely dissolved. Add the sliced strawberries into this gelatin mixture and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place it in the refrigerator to start setting, but keep an eye on it—don’t let it fully solidify just yet!
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with 1/2 cup of sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar until stiff peaks form. Next, gently fold the whipped cream and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture until everything is combined and fluffy.
4. Assemble the Dessert:
Take the crust out of the refrigerator. Spread half of the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture evenly over the crust. Then, carefully spoon the partially set strawberry gelatin and strawberries over this layer. Follow it up by spreading the remaining cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer, smoothing it out to create a nice finish.
5. Add Topping:
For an extra crunchy texture, sprinkle some additional graham cracker crumbs on top of the layered dessert.
6. Chill:
Now, cover the dessert and place it back in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can resist the temptation! This helps it to set properly.
7. Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, slice the dessert into squares and feel free to garnish each piece with fresh strawberry halves for an extra touch. This treat is creamy, fruity, and oh-so-crunchy—perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Enjoy your Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum! It’s sure to bring smiles all around!
FAQ for Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum
Can I Use Different Fruits Instead of Strawberries?
Absolutely! You can substitute strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries. Just remember, if using larger fruits (like peaches or mangoes), you might want to chop them into smaller pieces for easy layering.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dessert gluten-free, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with a gluten-free cookie crust or simply use crushed gluten-free cookies. You can find many varieties at your local grocery store.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled, so simply enjoy it straight from the fridge!
Can I Prepare This Dessert the Night Before?
Definitely! In fact, it’s even better when made ahead of time. Prepare it a day in advance and let it chill overnight to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully together!
