Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a sweet treat that’s perfect for any day! With luscious strawberries and a creamy base, it’s like sunshine on your plate.
Honestly, who can resist a dessert that tastes as good as it looks? I love serving it with extra berries on top—it’s a berry good time! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These are essential for the crust’s crunch. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or a cookie like vanilla wafers for a different flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter works well for better control of salt levels. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap for coconut oil or even unsweetened applesauce for a healthier twist!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives that smooth and rich texture. If you’re dairy-free, try using a vegan cream cheese alternative or silken tofu blended until smooth. I’ve found both work well!
Whipped Topping: This adds fluffiness. If you want a homemade option, use heavy cream whipped to soft peaks. You can also use coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free version.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key for a fruity flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen strawberries can be used as long as you’ve thawed and drained them well. For a twist, consider using other berries like raspberries or blueberries.
How Do I Make Sure the Gelatin Sets Perfectly?
Getting the gelatin to set just right is crucial for this dessert’s success. Here are some steps to help you achieve that:
- First, make sure your boiling water is at a rolling boil to properly dissolve the gelatin mix.
- Stir the mix well until there are no granules left. This affects how it sets, so take your time!
- Allow the gelatin to cool for about 10 minutes before adding the fresh strawberries. Adding them while too hot can cause them to soften too much.
- Finally, make sure you’re refrigerating the dessert long enough. For best results, let it chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better!
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped topping
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin mix
- 2 cups boiling water
For the Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed (optional)
- Additional fresh strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and needs to chill for at least 4 hours. So, set aside about 4 hours and 15 minutes to enjoy this refreshing dessert! Perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Use a fork to mix until all the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create a crust. Bake it in the oven for 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool completely.
2. Making the Cream Cheese Layer:
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until everything is smooth and creamy. After that, gently fold in the whipped topping until it is nicely combined. Spread this dreamy cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust.
3. Preparing the Strawberry Layer:
Now, it’s time to make the strawberry layer! In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin mix in the boiling water, stirring until it’s fully dissolved. Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes. Once it has cooled slightly, add the sliced fresh strawberries into the gelatin. Carefully pour this strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer in your baking dish.
4. Chilling and Serving:
Cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set. Once it’s set, you can top it with the pureed fresh strawberries if you’d like (this step is optional). For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle some crushed graham crackers and more sliced strawberries over the top for garnish. Finally, cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy your delightful Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw them and drain off any excess moisture before adding them to the gelatin. This helps maintain the texture and prevents the dessert from becoming too watery.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or a mixture of crushed gluten-free cookies. Also, check that your other ingredients, like powdered sugar and gelatin, are labeled gluten-free.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance; just store it in the refrigerator, covered. It will taste just as delicious the next day!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the graham cracker crust becomes soggy, consider layering the filling again to refresh it as you serve individual portions.
