This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum combines juicy strawberries with creamy layers for a sweet treat everyone will love! It’s like a berry dream come true in a dish.
Making it is a breeze! I often whip this up when I want to impress friends or just enjoy something delightful. The bright flavors make my heart sing! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These add a sweet and crunchy base. You can swap them with crushed digestive biscuits for a different taste. If gluten-free, look for gluten-free graham crackers or use almond flour mixed with a little sugar.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is key for a fluffy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use whipped topping or coconut cream. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.
Cream Cheese: It gives a rich creaminess to the filling. If you’re avoiding dairy, you might try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, which works well here.
Strawberry Pie Filling: While this is easy and convenient, you could use fresh strawberries cooked with a bit of sugar, or even other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or cherry if you want to mix things up!
How Do I Make Sure My Whipped Cream Isn’t Runny?
Great question! Whipping cream can sometimes be tricky. The key is to ensure you start with very cold heavy cream and your bowl and beaters are also chilled. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
- Pour the heavy cream into the cold bowl, add sugar and vanilla.
- Whip on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, which means the cream holds its shape.
- Don’t over-whip! Once it starts to seem almost buttery, stop the mixer.
These steps will help achieve the perfect light and fluffy texture you’ll want for your Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum!
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
For the Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Toppings:
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, and then you’ll need to chill it for at least 4 hours. Altogether, you won’t spend much time on hands-on work, and the refrigerator does the rest!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you want to bake your crust for a little extra crunch. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until everything is well mixed. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. If you baked it, pop it in the oven for 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious filling for your dessert!
3. Whip Up the Cream:
Now, grab another large bowl. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Using a mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. This means the whipped cream will hold its shape when you lift the whisk out of the bowl!
4. Combine the Layers:
Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is fully combined. This makes your filling light and fluffy! Next, spread half of this mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust.
5. Add the Strawberry Layer:
Now it’s time to pour the strawberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer you just spread. Make sure to spread it evenly so every bite is delicious!
6. Top it Off:
Next, add the remaining cream cheese mixture on top of the strawberry layer. Smooth it out evenly so it looks nice and neat.
7. Chill and Garnish:
Cover the baking dish and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or until everything is nicely set. Before you serve your yummy creation, garnish it with fresh strawberry slices and a sprinkle of those leftover graham cracker crumbs for a little extra crunch.
Enjoy your delightful Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum chilled!
Can I Use Store-Bought Graham Cracker Crust Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought graham cracker crust works perfectly. Just skip the first two steps of making your own crust, and proceed with the rest of the recipe using the pre-made crust as your base.
How Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. Use the same amount, but be aware that this may change the texture slightly, making it less creamy. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using a soft vegan cream cheese.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Whipping Cream?
No problem! If you don’t have heavy whipping cream, you can use heavy cream or even half and half. Just keep in mind that your filling may not be as thick; whip the half and half until frothy, but stiff peaks might be hard to achieve.
Can I Freeze Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum?
Yes, you can! Once set, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours before serving. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious!
