This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a sweet treat with layers of fluffy cream, juicy strawberries, and delicious vanilla. It’s like a strawberry dream on a plate!
You can’t help but smile when you see it! I love making this dessert because it’s super easy; just mix, layer, and chill. Perfect for sunny days or any day that needs a little cheer! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Crackers: These create a tasty crust. If you’re short on graham crackers, try using crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for a different flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. You could substitute with margarine or coconut oil if you’re dairy-free.
Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to blend smoothly. For a lighter version, you could use Greek yogurt instead, though texture and taste may change a bit.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This gives the dessert a luscious texture. If you want a lighter option, use whipped coconut cream or a whipped topping.
Fresh Strawberries: They’re the star of the show! If strawberries aren’t in season, feel free to swap them with raspberries or blueberries for a different berry flavor.
Strawberry Pie Filling: This adds a sweet and fruity layer. You can use any berry filling you like, or homemade compote for a fresher taste!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creamy Filling?
The cream cheese layer is key to this dessert. Here’s how to make it perfectly creamy:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending.
- Beat it with powdered sugar until smooth. Take your time to avoid lumps.
- When adding the whipped cream, fold it gently to maintain the airy texture. This step makes your filling light and fluffy.
Remember, folding means using a spatula to scoop from the bottom of the bowl and lifting it to incorporate without deflating the whipped cream.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Layers:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup strawberry pie filling
- Additional strawberries for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus around 10 minutes for baking and at least 2 hours for chilling in the fridge. It’s a fun and easy treat to whip up, perfect for anytime you’re craving something sweet!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers and melted butter. Stir until everything is mixed well. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish to form a crust. Bake it in the oven for about 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
While the crust cools, in a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. In another bowl, whisk the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract until you achieve stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is well combined and fluffy.
3. Assemble Your Dessert:
Take half of the cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Next, layer the sliced fresh strawberries on top of this cream cheese layer. Pour the strawberry pie filling over the strawberries and spread it so it covers everything nicely. Finally, add the remaining cream cheese mixture on top, smoothing it out evenly. If you have any leftover crushed graham crackers, sprinkle them on top for a nice touch, and feel free to add more sliced strawberries as a garnish if you like!
4. Chill and Serve:
Cover the dessert and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it’s fully set. Once ready, slice it up and enjoy your delicious Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum! It’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Can I Use Different Cracker Types for the Crust?
Absolutely! While graham crackers are traditional, you can also use digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafer cookies for a unique twist. Just crush them to a fine crumb and proceed with the recipe as directed.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since this dessert is chilled, it will keep well, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dessert dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based whipping cream. Make sure your other ingredients, like the powdered sugar, are also dairy-free.
