This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a fun dessert bursting with sweet strawberry goodness! It’s made with layers of creamy goodness, fluffy whipped cream, and crunchy bits—so delicious!
Honestly, it’s hard to resist sneaking a spoonful while preparing it. I love serving it chilled on warm days; it feels like a treat from a sunny picnic! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: They are essential for flavor and texture. If they are out of season, you could use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them and drain excess water.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the Jell-O and the cream cheese mixture. Alternatively, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit if you’re looking for a lower-calorie option.
Strawberry Jell-O: This gives the dessert its fruity flavor and helps it set. You could swap it for any other flavored gelatin like raspberry or cherry for a twist.
Cream Cheese: This adds richness. If you want a lighter version, you can use whipped cream cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute.
Whipped Topping: I love using whipped topping for its light texture. A homemade whipped cream works well too! Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until fluffy.
How Do I Layer the Dessert Without Making a Mess?
Layering your Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum can be tricky if you’re not careful. Start by ensuring that each layer is spread evenly to avoid mixed layers. Here are some helpful steps:
- Use a spatula for the cream cheese mixture for even spreading.
- When adding strawberries, lay them flat for a structured look.
- Pour the Jell-O mixture gently over the strawberries to avoid disturbing the layers.
- Crumb topping goes on last, so it’s nice and crunchy when served.
Remember, patience is key! Allowing it to set in the fridge helps the layers hold together nicely when you cut into it.
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 cup water
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry Jell-O
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing dessert will take about 20 minutes of preparation time and at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. So, plan ahead to let it set before you dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Strawberry Mixture:
Start by placing 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir it gently until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once it’s dissolved, take the pan off the heat and mix in the strawberry Jell-O until it’s fully dissolved. Set it aside to cool slightly.
2. Making the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or a whisk. Mix until it becomes nice and smooth. Then, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until everything is well combined.
3. Mixing the Crust:
In another bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Use a fork to mix them together until the crumbs are fully coated with the butter, giving you a lovely crumbly mixture.
4. Assembling Your Yum Yum:
Grab a 9×9 inch dish (or something similar). Start by layering half of the graham cracker mixture at the bottom of the dish. Next, spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the crumbs. After that, add half of the sliced strawberries on top, followed by pouring half of the Jell-O mixture over the strawberries.
5. Repeat the Layers:
Now, repeat the layering process! Start with the remaining graham cracker mixture, then the rest of the cream cheese mixture, followed by the remaining strawberries, and finish with the last bit of Jell-O mixture. Top it all off with the rest of the graham cracker crumbs and arrange a few whole strawberries for a lovely garnish.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until it’s set nicely. Once it’s ready, slice it up and enjoy your delicious Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture before slicing and using them in the recipe. This helps prevent a soggy texture in your Yum Yum.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use a dairy-free whipped topping. Check the labels to ensure they match your dietary needs, and proceed with the recipe as normal!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Graham Crackers?
If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even a blend of crushed oats and brown sugar as an alternative. Just mix with melted butter the same way as you would graham cracker crumbs!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re well-covered to maintain freshness. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the whipped topping may change when thawed.
