This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a fun and fruity dessert that bursts with the taste of sweet strawberries. It’s creamy and dreamy, making it the perfect treat on a sunny day!
Honestly, this dish is like a hug in a bowl. I love making it for picnics or potlucks; it always brings smiles. Who can resist that bright strawberry goodness? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: They give a juicy burst of flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, swap for frozen berries, but let them thaw and drain excess juice first for balance.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the strawberries and helps balance flavors. If you prefer less sugar, try using honey or a sugar substitute suitable for baking.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This ingredient adds richness and helps achieve a fluffy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use half-and-half, but it won’t whip up as thick.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for creaminess. You could use mascarpone or Greek yogurt as alternatives for a lighter taste.
Vanilla Extract: A must-have for flavor! Homemade extract or vanilla bean paste can bring richer taste, but any good quality extract will work great.
Graham Crackers: These form the base. If gluten-free, look for gluten-free graham crackers or use crushed cookies like almond flour ones for a different flavor.
How Do You Get Fluffy Whipped Cream?
Whipping cream to the right texture is essential for this dessert. Here’s how to achieve those perfect soft peaks:
- Start with cold cream, which helps it whip better. Chill your mixing bowl too for extra fluffiness.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat until creamy and then gradually increase to high speed.
- Watch carefully! Stop once you see soft peaks forming—this will hold its shape without becoming butter.
Take your time and don’t overbeat, as it can quickly go from whipped cream to butter.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Strawberry Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided (1/2 cup for strawberries and 1/2 cup for cream cheese)
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 package (8 ounces) of cream cheese (note: this is a duplicate of the previous item, use just one)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
For the Crust and Garnish:
- 1 package (10-12 oz.) graham crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 30 minutes to prepare and you’ll need to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. It’s a perfect make-ahead treat for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
In a medium bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 30 minutes. This will help the strawberries macerate, drawing out their natural juices and making them sweeter.
2. Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until you achieve soft peaks. This means the cream should hold its shape but still be smooth and spreadable. Set it aside for later!
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and the vanilla extract. Using the electric mixer again, beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Everything:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Be careful to maintain the fluffiness of the whipped cream for a light texture.
5. Assemble the Layers:
Grab a 9×13-inch dish and start by spreading half of the crushed graham crackers across the bottom. Next, spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the crackers, followed by half of the macerated strawberries along with their juices. Repeat this layering process with the remaining graham crackers, cream cheese mixture, and strawberries.
6. Finish and Chill:
Top the final layer of strawberries with any leftover crushed graham crackers for a pretty garnish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or even overnight. This helps everything set together beautifully.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, feel free to add extra fresh strawberries on top for a lovely touch. Cut into squares, and enjoy your delicious Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before slicing. This will help avoid making your dish too watery. You might want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly if the thawed berries are very sweet.
Can I Make This Yum Yum Dessert Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This dessert actually benefits from being made a day in advance. Just prepare it as directed, then cover it tightly and refrigerate. It will be even more delicious as the flavors meld together, making it perfect for parties or gatherings.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you’re worried about the graham crackers getting soggy, you can separate the layers and keep the toppings and cream cheese mixture in separate containers. Just reassemble when ready to enjoy!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or silken tofu blended until smooth. This will give you a similar texture without the dairy. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness to your taste, as cream cheese has a bit of tanginess!
