This Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a sweet and creamy treat bursting with juicy strawberries. It’s a dessert that’s simple to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser!
Honestly, who can resist those bright strawberries? I love serving this at family get-togethers. It has that perfect mix of sweet and fruity goodness that everyone enjoys! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: These are the star of your dessert, providing that juicy sweetness. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can opt for frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them to reduce extra moisture.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dessert its rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use softened Greek yogurt instead. It’ll still be creamy but with a tangy kick.
Whipped Topping: The frozen whipped topping adds fluffiness. For a homemade version, you can whip heavy cream with a little sugar until soft peaks form. This makes it extra fresh!
Graham Crackers: These create a crunchy base. You could use vanilla wafer cookies or even crushed digestive biscuits if you want a different flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Layers Stay Perfectly Set?
Building the layers of your Yum Yum dessert is crucial for a beautiful presentation. Follow these tips:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened. This helps it blend smoothly and prevents lumps.
- Don’t rush the maceration of strawberries. Letting them soak in sugar releases their juices, enhancing their flavor.
- Press the graham cracker crust firmly into the dish. This creates a sturdy base that won’t crumble when you serve it.
- Do not skip the refrigeration time! Giving the dessert time to chill helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
These steps will help ensure your Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum looks fabulous and tastes fantastic!
Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping & Layers:
- 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 package graham crackers, crushed (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat will take about 30 minutes to prepare, followed by at least 4 hours of chilling time (or overnight, if you prefer). This is a great make-ahead dessert, allowing you to enjoy quality time with your guests while it sets in the fridge!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Macerating the Strawberries:
Start by placing your sliced strawberries in a medium bowl. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of sugar over them and toss gently. Set the bowl aside for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the strawberries to soak up that sugar and release their delicious juices!
2. Preparing the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. Keep mixing until everything is smooth and creamy—make sure there are no lumps for a silky texture.
3. Mixing in Condensed Milk:
Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture. Whip it all together until everything is blended perfectly.
4. Adding the Whipped Topping:
Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping into the creamy mixture. This helps to keep the filling light and fluffy. Just mix until you see no streaks of whipped topping left.
5. Making the Crust:
Now, let’s make the crust! In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press half of this mixture thoroughly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to form a solid crust.
6. Adding the First Layers:
Spread half of the cream cheese filling over the graham crust, smoothing it out evenly.
7. Layering the Strawberries:
Next, spoon half of the macerated strawberries (and their juice) over the cream layer. You want it to look fruity and refreshing!
8. Completing the Layers:
Repeat the layering process with the remaining graham cracker crumbs, the rest of the cream cheese filling, and top it with the remaining strawberries. Keep building those layers!
9. Finishing Touches:
Finally, sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs on top for that perfect crunchy finish. It will look gorgeous!
10. Refrigerating:
Cover the dish and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you have time). This step is key to allowing the layers to set nicely.
11. Serving:
Before serving, garnish with fresh strawberry halves placed beautifully on top. Now you’re ready to impress your friends and family with this stunning Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum!
This dessert is a celebration of flavors: creamy, fruity, and crunchy all in one bite. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum Recipe
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Strawberries?
Absolutely! While strawberries are the star here, you can substitute them with other berries such as blueberries or raspberries, or even diced peaches. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dessert gluten-free, simply replace the graham crackers with a gluten-free alternative, such as gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed almonds for a nutty flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Cream Cheese?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter version or a dairy-free option, you can use silken tofu blended until smooth or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative. Just make sure to adjust flavors to your preference!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the layers intact, try to slice out portions without disturbing the rest of the dessert too much.
These tips will help you make the most of your Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum experience!
