This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a sweet and tasty dessert that highlights juicy strawberries and creamy layers. It’s light, fruity, and super easy to make—perfect for any gathering!
You won’t believe how fast it disappears at parties! I love serving it cold right from the fridge, and I can’t resist sneaking spoonfuls while no one is looking! 🍓😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: They bring vibrant flavor and color! If they aren’t in season, try substituting with any other fresh berry like raspberries or blueberries. Frozen berries also work, but should be thawed and drained first.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is key for making your filling light and fluffy. If you want a lighter option, you can use whipped coconut cream. Just chill a can of coconut milk and scoop the solid part out for a dairy-free version!
Cream Cheese: I love using full-fat cream cheese for its rich taste. If you’re looking to cut calories, low-fat cream cheese also works, just ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Whipped Topping: Classic Cool Whip is convenient, but you can make homemade whipped cream from heavy cream, adding sugar and vanilla to taste. This adds a fresher flavor.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These create a crispy crust. If you want to skip gluten, use crushed gluten-free cookies, or even ground nuts for a unique, crunchy base.
How Can I Make the Perfect Cream Mixture?
The cream mixture is vital to the recipe’s texture. Here’s how to achieve a light and fluffy result:
- Start with softened cream cheese. This helps it mix smoothly. If it’s cold, you can microwave it for about 10 seconds.
- Beat in sugar and vanilla before adding the heavy cream. This ensures sweetness is mixed evenly.
- When adding heavy cream, beat on low speed to mix it in gently. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until stiff peaks form. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
A tip: don’t overbeat the cream or it can turn into butter! Stop once the mixture holds its shape and is fluffy.
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
For the Cream Layer:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling (or homemade, if preferred)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours to chill in the fridge (overnight is best!). You’ll be creating a yummy layered treat that everyone will enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
Start by hulling and slicing the fresh strawberries. In a medium bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar. Stir it all together and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This will help release their sweet juices.
2. Make the Crust:
In a separate bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Stir until everything is well mixed. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating a nice firm crust.
3. Prepare the Cream Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and the vanilla extract until it’s smooth. Gradually add in the heavy whipping cream and beat it until stiff peaks form. This will give your cream layer a lovely, fluffy texture.
4. Assemble the Layers:
Begin by spreading half of the cream mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust. Then, take the strawberry pie filling and spread it on top of the cream layer, ensuring it’s well covered. Finally, add the remaining cream mixture on top of the pie filling, smoothing it out nicely.
5. Add the Fresh Strawberries:
Now, it’s time to add those sweetened fresh strawberries on top of the final cream layer. Spread them evenly to make it look pretty!
6. Chill:
Cover your dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This will help everything set perfectly.
7. Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some extra graham cracker crumbs on top for a lovely garnish. Then, slice into squares and enjoy your delightful Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but it’s important to thaw them first! Thaw the strawberries in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cool water for a quick thaw. Drain any excess moisture before mixing them with sugar, as too much liquid can affect the texture of the dish.
Can I Substitute the Whipped Topping?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use store-bought whipped topping, you can make your own by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. About 1 cup of heavy cream will be enough for this recipe—just ensure you whip it separately before folding it into the cream cheese mixture.
How Long Can I Store This Dessert?
Your Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s covered to prevent it from absorbing other odors. If you notice the layers separating or becoming watery, it’s still safe to eat, but for the best texture, enjoy it fresh!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this dessert gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or try crushed gluten-free cookies as a substitute for the crust. Just check the packaging to ensure they’re certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients in the recipe are typically gluten-free, but always double-check labels if you have sensitivities.
