Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a super tasty dessert that layers sweet cream and juicy strawberries. It’s light, fruity, and oh-so-refreshing—perfect for warm days!
I love how simple it is to throw together. Just mix, layer, and chill. Plus, it always impresses guests. Who doesn’t love strawberries and cream? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: These are the stars of this dish! Opt for ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, try using frozen strawberries that have been thawed, or substitute with other berries like blueberries or raspberries.
Whipped Cream: Fresh homemade whipped cream adds a delightful lightness, but you can also use store-bought if you’re short on time. For a dairy-free option, coconut whipped cream works well here.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives a rich texture. You can swap it for Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter choice, or even vegan cream cheese if you’re looking for a plant-based option.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese mixture smoothly. If you prefer a healthier choice, try using coconut sugar or a sugar-free alternative; just adjust the amount based on sweetness preference.
Vanilla Wafers: These cookies add crunch and sweetness. If you can’t find them, try graham crackers or digestive biscuits instead—they work just as well!
How Do I Properly Layer the Ingredients?
Layering is important for both texture and presentation in this dessert. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a thin layer of crushed vanilla wafers to form a solid base. Make sure they are evenly spread to give a good foundation.
- When you spread the cream cheese mixture, take care to cover all the wafer crumbs. This helps keep the layers intact and prevents gaps.
- For the strawberries, scatter them evenly over the cream cheese mixture. This ensures every bite has a taste of that fresh fruit.
- Repeat these layers as instructed. When you get to the last layer, finish with the cream cheese mixture followed by the pie filling for a beautiful top.
Each layer should be smooth and even. This makes your dessert attractive and allows flavors to meld beautifully as it chills in the fridge. Happy layering!
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 package vanilla wafers
For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped cream
For the Topping:
- 1 can strawberry pie filling (approx. 21 oz)
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- Additional fresh strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert requires about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 4 hours of chilling in the fridge (or overnight for the best flavor). It’s a simple process of mixing and layering, allowing the dessert to set up beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by crushing the vanilla wafers into fine crumbs. You can do this using a food processor for quick work, or if you prefer a hands-on approach, place the wafers in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they resemble fine crumbs. Set aside 1/4 cup of these crumbs—you’ll use them for topping later!
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a separate medium bowl, take the softened cream cheese and mix it with the powdered sugar using an electric mixer. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped cream with a spatula until it’s all combined and fluffy. This is your creamy filling!
3. Layer the Ingredients:
Grab a 9×13 inch dish and start creating your layers. First, spread a layer of the crushed vanilla wafers evenly on the bottom of the dish. Then, take half of your cream cheese mixture and spread it on top of the vanilla wafer layer, smoothing it out nicely.
4. Add the Strawberries:
Next, evenly distribute the sliced fresh strawberries over the cream cheese layer. Following that, spoon half of the strawberry pie filling over the strawberries, spreading it gently to cover them well.
5. Repeat Layers:
Now it’s time to repeat! Spread another layer of the remaining cream cheese mixture on top, then finish with the remaining strawberry pie filling. Make sure it’s evenly covered!
6. Finish with Topping:
Sprinkle the reserved crushed vanilla wafers and graham cracker crumbs over the last layer. For an extra special touch, add a few additional fresh strawberries on top for garnish!
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This helps all the delicious flavors meld together and allows the dessert to set. When ready to serve, cut into squares and enjoy your refreshing Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum!
Enjoy making this delightful treat!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them first to remove excess moisture. This prevents the dessert from becoming watery. For best results, place the frozen strawberries in the fridge overnight to thaw, and then slice them before using.
How Can I Make a Dairy-Free Version?
To create a dairy-free version of this dessert, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use coconut whipped cream or another plant-based whipped topping instead of regular whipped cream. Make sure to check that the powdered sugar is also dairy-free!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, note that the texture may change slightly due to the whipped cream softening over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
What Can I Use Instead of Vanilla Wafers?
If you don’t have vanilla wafers, you can use graham crackers or digestive biscuits as an alternative. Simply crush them in the same way you would with the wafers. Each option will give a different flavor and texture, but they’ll work well in this dessert!
