This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a delightful treat packed with sweet strawberries and creamy layers. It’s like a party in your mouth, perfect for summer days!
Making this dish is a breeze! Just layer the strawberries with a fluffy mix and let it chill. Who doesn’t love a dessert that looks fancy but is so easy to whip up? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the base for the dessert. If you don’t have graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers can work well too for a slightly different flavor.
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of my recipe. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter can substitute nicely.
Cream Cheese: A key player for that creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cream cheese alternatives that can work just as well.
Whipped Topping: I prefer using Cool Whip for its convenience. If you want a homemade touch, you can whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar instead!
Strawberry Jelly: This adds sweetness and flavor. If you’d rather, feel free to swap for fresh strawberry puree or a different berry jelly to mix it up.
How Do I Create a Perfect Graham Cracker Crust?
The crust is so important because it holds everything together. Make sure you compress the graham cracker mixture firmly into the baking dish to get a solid base. Here’s how:
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until you have a damp mixture.
- Use the back of a measuring cup or your hands to press it evenly into the bottom of the dish.
- For extra firmness, bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, then let it cool completely before adding the filling.
Keep it chilled after making to maintain its structure! This crust sets the stage for the delicious layers above.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup strawberry jelly or pie filling
- Extra strawberries for garnish
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then needs at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. So, overall, you’ll spend just a little time making it and then let it set for the layers to meld together. Perfect for a sweet treat later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Mix well until everything is well blended. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form a solid crust. This will be the base of your yum yum!
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together using a mixer. Keep mixing until it’s smooth and creamy—trust me, it will taste great! Once it’s ready, gently fold in the whipped topping, mixing until it’s all well combined. Spread this delicious cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust in the baking dish.
3. Add the Strawberry Layer:
Now it’s time for some fresh strawberries! Layer the sliced strawberries nicely over the cream cheese mixture. Make sure to cover it well, as these juicy strawberries will add lots of flavor.
4. Drizzle on the Jelly:
If your strawberry jelly needs a little help to spread, warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds. Once it’s a bit easier to manage, pour it over the strawberries, ensuring that you get an even layer covering all of them. It’s going to be so good!
5. Finish It Off:
Sprinkle the crushed graham crackers on top for a bit of crunch. These make a delicious topping! For an extra touch, garnish with more fresh strawberries if you’d like.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This will allow everything to chill and set beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, cut into squares and enjoy your refreshing Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum! Perfect for any gathering or just as a special treat for yourself!
Can I Use a Different Type of Fruit?
Absolutely! You can use other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a different flavor. Just keep in mind the sweetness level might vary, so taste the fruit and adjust the sugar in the cream cheese mixture if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This treat tastes great chilled, so enjoy it straight from the fridge!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. Check the labels to ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, especially the whipped topping.
What If I Don’t Have Whipped Topping?
No problem! You can make your own by whipping heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. This will give you a fluffy texture just like store-bought whipped topping!
