This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a light and creamy dessert that will make your taste buds sing! Made with juicy strawberries and fluffy whipped cream, it’s a sweet treat everyone will love.
I always find myself going back for seconds because it’s just that good! Serve it chilled for a refreshing delight, ideal for any warm day or special occasion. 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: These are the star of the recipe, bringing freshness and sweetness. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a similar flavor.
Cream Cheese: I love using full-fat cream cheese for its rich taste. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat cream cheese works too. Greek yogurt can also be a fun swap for a tangy twist.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar balances the tartness of the strawberries. If you’re reducing sugar, consider using honey or stevia. Just remember, these alternatives might change the flavor slightly.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Graham crackers give a sweet crunch. If you can’t find them, digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers can serve well in their place.
Heavy Whipping Cream: For a fluffy texture, heavy cream is essential. If you need a non-dairy option, try coconut cream or a plant-based whipping cream found at grocery stores.
How Do I Ensure My Strawberry Mixture is Perfectly Thickened?
Thickening the strawberry mixture is a key part of this recipe. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by combining sliced strawberries with sugar and let them sit. This draws out their juices, making for a gooey topping!
- Once you stir in cornstarch and water, make sure to bring this mix to a boil. This activates the cornstarch, helping it to thicken.
- Stir continuously while it’s boiling to avoid clumps and ensure even thickness. After a few minutes, you’ll notice it should coat the back of a spoon.
- Let the mixture cool completely before layering it to keep your dessert from getting soggy.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup water
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Crust:
- 1 package (10.5 oz) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take around 15 minutes to prepare, plus a chilling time of at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set. It’s easy to put together and makes for a refreshing treat once it has chilled!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberry Mixture:
Start by placing the sliced strawberries in a medium saucepan and mixing them with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Let this sit for about 10 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their delicious juices. Once the juices are flowing, stir in the cornstarch and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously until it thickens. After it’s thickened, remove it from heat and let it cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to beat this mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Whip the Cream:
In another bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream and whip it until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift your whisk out of the bowl, the cream should hold its shape. Once whipped, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is well combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream!
4. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
In a separate bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter and the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until everything is mixed well and crumbly.
5. Layer the Yum Yum:
In a 9×13-inch dish, start layering your ingredients. First, spread half of the graham cracker mixture evenly over the bottom. Next, add half of the cream cheese mixture on top of the crumbs, followed by half of the cooled strawberry mixture. Repeat the layers with the rest of the graham cracker mixture, the remaining cream cheese mixture, and finish with the remaining strawberry mixture.
6. Final Touch and Refrigeration:
If you have any leftover graham cracker crumbs, sprinkle them over the top for some extra crunch. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to let all the layers set properly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s chilled and set, slice into squares and serve your Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum! It’s perfect on its own, but you can also garnish with extra sliced strawberries if you like. Enjoy this delicious summer treat!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just be sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. This will help prevent your dish from becoming too watery. After thawing, follow the same steps in the recipe.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to give it a gentle stir before serving, as the layers may settle a bit.
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if needed. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture, but it will still be delicious!
What If I Don’t Have Graham Crackers?
No problem! You can use digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed up cookies as a substitute for graham cracker crumbs. Just make sure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the alternative you choose!
