This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a delightful treat that layers whipped cream, strawberries, and a fluffy cake base. It’s sweet, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion!
It’s like a party for your taste buds! I love making it when strawberries are in season—the colors are vibrant and it tastes amazing. Try adding a sprinkle of mint on top for fun! 🍓
Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: This is the base for our crust! If you can’t find graham crackers, you can use crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies for a slightly different flavor.
Unsalted butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness of the dessert. If you’re out of butter, coconut oil or margarine can be used as substitutes, just remember they may change the flavor a bit.
Cream cheese: Softening your cream cheese before mixing is crucial for a smooth layer. If you want a lighter option, try Greek yogurt, but keep in mind it will change the flavor and texture.
Heavy whipping cream: For a lighter alternative, you can substitute with cool whip or use half-and-half, though it might not be as fluffy. I really like the richness of heavy cream!
Strawberry puree: Fresh is best for flavor, but if strawberries are out of season, store-bought puree or even other fruit purees like raspberry can work well.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure a Smooth Cream Cheese Layer?
To get that smooth, fluffy cream cheese layer, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Cold cream cheese will clump up and won’t mix well!
- Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy and there are no lumps.
- Whip your heavy cream until it holds stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the cream cheese. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream; this keeps your mixture light!
- Spread the mixture over the crust smoothly, ensuring even coverage for the best results.
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 heavy whipping cream
For the Jell-O Layer:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or store-bought)
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
For Garnish:
- Additional fresh strawberries
- Graham cracker crumbs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy dessert takes about 15 minutes of prep time and needs at least 4 hours of chilling time in the refrigerator. Plan to have a total of about 4 hours and 15 minutes for a refreshing treat that will impress everyone!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until everything is well combined. Press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to create a sturdy crust. Once it’s nicely packed down, set it aside.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
Grab a mixing bowl and beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until it’s super smooth. In a different bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Mix it until you don’t see any lumps, and then spread this creamy goodness evenly over the graham cracker crust.
3. Prepare the Jell-O:
In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in the boiling water, stirring until it’s completely dissolved. Then add the strawberry puree and mix it all together until smooth. Let this blend cool down slightly before moving on to the next step.
4. Assemble the Layers:
Pour the cooled strawberry Jell-O mixture evenly over the creamy layer in the dish. Now, take your sliced fresh strawberries and scatter them over the Jell-O layer. This will add a delightful touch!
5. Chill:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the Jell-O layer is completely set. This step is super important, so don’t skip it!
6. Serve:
Once it’s nicely chilled, it’s time to serve! Before serving, garnish the top with extra fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. Slice it into squares and enjoy your delightful Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum!
Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Absolutely! If you want to switch things up, you can use crushed vanilla wafers, Oreos, or even a shortbread crust. Just make sure to adjust the melted butter quantity accordingly to bind the crumbs together.
How Can I Substitute for Heavy Whipping Cream?
If you don’t have heavy whipping cream, you can use chilled coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Simply refrigerate a can of coconut milk overnight, scoop out the solidified cream, and whip it until fluffy. You can also use a non-dairy whipped topping from the store as an alternative!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the Jell-O starts to lose its shape, you can gently remix it before serving. Just be careful not to disturb the layers too much!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in your recipe. This will help maintain the texture and prevent the dessert from becoming too watery.
