This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a fun, fruity treat that combines sweet strawberries with creamy goodness. It’s easy to whip up and perfect for a sunny day!
I love how the cool creaminess perfectly balances the juicy strawberries. It’s a refreshing dessert that makes you smile. Who can resist a bowl of yum? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star of this dessert, bringing bright color and flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, feel free to use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them and drain excess liquid before using.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the strawberries and helps with the syrup. For a healthier option, you can use honey or a sugar substitute like Stevia. Just make sure to adjust the quantity since they can be sweeter than sugar.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives the dessert a rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt. It won’t be as creamy but will be lower in calories and still delicious.
Whipped Topping: The whipped topping adds volume and lightness. You can replace it with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste. Just whip heavy cream with a little sugar until soft peaks form.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: The graham cracker crust is classic but feel free to swap in crushed cookies like digestive biscuits or even gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free version!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Strawberry Syrup?
The syrup is essential for adding depth to your dessert. Start by mixing the sliced strawberries with sugar and let them sit. This step pulls moisture from the strawberries, creating a sweet syrup. Be patient, about 15-20 minutes is all you need!
- Combine sliced strawberries with 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl.
- Let it rest to extract juices, enhancing the sweetness.
What’s the Best Way to Fold Ingredients Together?
When mixing in the whipped topping with the cream cheese, folding is key. This technique keeps the mixture light and airy. Use a spatula and gently lift from the bottom, turning over the mixture until just combined. Avoid stirring vigorously to maintain fluffiness!
- Use a spatula for gentle folding.
- Start from the bottom, lifting and turning.
How Can I Make Sure My Dessert Sets Properly?
Chilling is vital for this dessert to stabilize. Cover it well and pop it into the fridge for at least four hours, though overnight works best. This waiting time helps all the flavors mingle together beautifully!
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap before chilling.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight for best results.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Strawberry Mixture:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup sugar, divided
For the Strawberry Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 30 minutes of prep time, plus at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. It’s best if you can let it sit overnight, allowing all the flavors to come together nicely!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberry Mixture:
Start by taking a medium bowl and adding the sliced strawberries along with 1/2 cup of sugar. Give them a gentle stir and let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes. This will help create a lovely syrup that enhances the strawberries’ sweetness.
2. Make the Strawberry Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and the cornstarch. Gradually stir in the cold water while mixing. Turn the heat to medium and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Once it’s thick, remove it from heat and whisk in the strawberry gelatin until it’s completely dissolved. Finally, add your prepared strawberry mixture and set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a mixing bowl, take the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer to beat them together until smooth and creamy. Once mixed well, gently fold in the whipped topping until combined. Be careful not to deflate the fluffy topping!
4. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
In another bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until all the crumbs are nicely coated. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch dish to create the crust.
5. Assemble the Layers:
Now it’s time to build your delicious layers! Start by spreading half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Then, pour half of the strawberry sauce over that layer. Repeat this step with the remaining cream cheese mixture and finish with the leftover strawberry sauce on top.
6. Finish with Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining graham cracker crumbs over the top to add a nice crunch and beautify your dessert.
7. Chill:
Cover your dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours; overnight is even better for the best flavor and texture.
8. Serve:
Once it’s nice and set, cut the dessert into squares and serve them chilled. You can add some fresh strawberry slices on top for an extra touch. Enjoy your Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them. It’s best to chop them into similar-sized pieces as fresh strawberries to maintain consistent texture in your dessert.
How Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly. For a dairy-free version, use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the crust crisp, you might store the layers separately and assemble them just before serving.
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day before serving, allowing the flavors to develop even more. Just cover it well and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
