This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a sweet treat with layers of creamy goodness and fresh strawberries. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for warm days!
You can easily whip it up with just a few ingredients. I love how it brings a smile to everyone’s face, especially when it’s chilled and ready to enjoy. 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These give a sweet, crunchy base. If you can’t find them, try using crushed cookies like digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for a different flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the sweetness. If you’re dairy-free, consider using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess. Neufchâtel cheese is a lighter substitute, or for a dairy-free option, try nut or soy-based cream cheese.
Whipped Topping: Cool Whip is convenient, but you can whip fresh heavy cream for a homemade touch. For a dairy-free choice, use a coconut whipped topping.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add vibrant flavor and texture. If they aren’t in season, frozen strawberries can work if thawed and drained well, but they won’t be as firm.
How Do I Ensure My Graham Cracker Crust is Just Right?
Making the perfect graham cracker crust is all about the mixing and pressing. Combine the crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until it looks like wet sand. Press it evenly into your baking dish so it’s compact. This keeps it from crumbling later!
- Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to press down firmly.
- Don’t skip the baking step; it helps set the crust.
- Let it cool completely — this will ensure it holds up when you add the filling.
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
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 small container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip)
For The Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup strawberry pie filling
- Additional fresh strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take you about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 4 hours of chilling time in the refrigerator. So, a total of about 4 hours and 20 minutes from start to finish! Just a bit of patience for that delicious strawberry flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping The Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until it looks like wet sand. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create your crust. It should be nice and compact!
2. Baking The Crust:
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake the crust for about 10 minutes. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool completely. This will give a nice base for your layers!
3. Mixing The Cream Cheese Layer:
While your crust is cooling, grab a mixing bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is key for that yummy texture! Next, gently fold in the whipped topping until everything is well mixed together.
4. Layering It Up:
Once the crust is cool, spread half of your cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Now it’s time for the strawberries! Layer the sliced strawberries on this cream cheese layer, making sure they cover the surface well. After that, spread the strawberry pie filling over the strawberries. It’s looking delicious already!
5. Finishing Touches:
Add the remaining cream cheese mixture on top of the pie filling, spreading it out evenly. If you have any remaining graham cracker crumbs, crumble them and sprinkle them over the top for a nice crunch. Finally, garnish with extra fresh strawberry slices for a lovely presentation.
6. Chilling Out:
Now cover your dessert and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until it’s fully chilled and set. This step is super important because it helps all the flavors meld together!
7. Serving Time!
When it’s time to serve, slice your dessert into squares and enjoy each chilled bite bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Perfect for hot days and gathering with friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Fruit?
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights fresh strawberries, you can swap in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Just ensure they are ripe and sliced evenly for the best texture and flavor.
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dessert gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust. Most brands offer a gluten-free alternative that will work perfectly in this recipe!
Can I Prepare This Dessert the Night Before?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead! Just follow all the steps and refrigerate it overnight. It will be nicely chilled and ready to serve the next day. Just don’t add the garnish strawberries until you’re ready to serve for the freshest look!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the layers start to separate, don’t worry! Just give it a gentle stir before serving to revive its beautiful appearance.
