This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a sweet treat that features layers of fluffy whipped cream, cream cheese, and fresh strawberries. It’s like a berry dream come true!
I can’t resist this dessert, especially on warm days. It’s so light and bright that I might just eat the whole bowl! 🍓 Who wouldn’t want a bit of berry magic?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Crackers: These are the base of the crust. If you’re out of graham crackers, you can easily substitute with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed pretzels for a salty twist.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the saltiness of the dessert. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use coconut oil or margarine instead.
Cream Cheese: This adds a rich creaminess. If you prefer a lower-fat option, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.
Whipped Topping: If you don’t have Cool Whip, homemade whipped cream works well. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form.
Fresh Strawberries: While fresh strawberries are ideal, you can substitute with frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them beforehand!
How Do You Get Your Crust Just Right?
The crust sets the flavor and texture for your Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum. Here’s how to make it perfectly:
- Ensure your graham cracker crumbs are finely crushed to convert them into a uniform mixture with the butter.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into your baking dish for a sturdy base. You can use the bottom of a measuring cup to help with this.
- Don’t skip baking the crust! It helps solidify the crust and adds extra flavor. Let it cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers (about 10 full sheets)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 (3.4 oz) package strawberry-flavored instant pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- Additional strawberries for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 4 hours for chilling in the refrigerator. You’ll spend a little time mixing and layering the ingredients, making it a fun and easy treat to enjoy later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter until everything is well combined. Now, take this mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish—this will be your yummy crust. Bake for 10 minutes and then allow it to cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
While your crust is cooling, take a medium bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in 1 cup of the thawed whipped topping until everything is nicely mixed. Spread this creamy layer evenly over the cooled crust.
3. Add the Strawberry Layer:
Next, in another bowl, whisk together the strawberry pudding mix and 2 cups of milk. Let this mixture sit for about 2 minutes so it can thicken up nicely. Once thick, layer the sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer, and then pour the thickened pudding mixture over the strawberries, spreading it evenly.
4. Finish and Chill:
Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer, smoothing it out with a spatula. For a little extra crunch, you can sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top. Now, cover your dish and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or until it’s nicely set. Before you serve, feel free to garnish with additional strawberries if you like. Enjoy your wonderful Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum!
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While fresh strawberries are the star of this dish, you can easily substitute them with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches. Just be sure to slice or chop them to match the size of the strawberries for even distribution.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap if you don’t have a container. Just note that the texture may slightly change after a couple of days.
Can I Make this Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this dessert a day in advance! Just follow the recipe up to the refrigeration step. It allows the flavors to meld, making it even more delicious. Just remember to add the additional strawberry garnish right before serving for the best appearance.
What Can I Use Instead of Cool Whip?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can whip up your own whipped cream using heavy whipping cream and sugar. Beat 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until soft peaks form, and then fold this into your cream cheese mixture instead of using Cool Whip.
