This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a bright and fruity dessert that’s super easy to make! It features fresh strawberries layered with a creamy filling and a crunchy crust.
I love how it looks like a fancy treat, but it’s a breeze to whip up! Perfect for warm days or when strawberries are in season. You might just want to bring extra spoons! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These provide a crispy base. If you don’t have graham crackers, try using crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed shortbread for a different flavor.
Unsalted Butter: It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of your dessert. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegan butter can work well without changing the texture too much.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives a rich and creamy texture. For a lighter option, you can substitute whipped cream cheese or even Greek yogurt, though the flavor will change slightly.
Whipped Topping: Cool Whip is easy to find but if you prefer a homemade version, you can whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form. You might also consider coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key for flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess water in your dessert.
How Do I Ensure My Gelatin Sets Perfectly?
Getting your gelatin to set just right can be tricky. Follow these tips for success:
- Always dissolve the gelatin in boiling water first. This helps it dissolve completely.
- After mixing in the cold water, you can let the mixture cool before pouring it over the strawberries. This prevents the strawberries from cooking or breaking down.
- Make sure to refrigerate until fully set, which usually takes about 4 hours. For a quicker set, you can place it in a colder part of your fridge.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For The Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups cold water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. You’ll spend some time mixing layers, arranging strawberries, and letting the gelatin set. Perfect for making ahead of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix them together until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to create a nice crust. Set it aside for now.
2. Making the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until everything is well mixed. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust in your dish.
3. Adding the Strawberry Layer:
Layer the sliced fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese mixture, arranging them nicely so every bite has some berry goodness.
4. Preparing the Gelatin:
In another bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Make sure to stir it well so it’s fully dissolved. Then, add 2 cups of cold water and mix until everything is combined. Pour this gelatin mixture over the strawberries, making sure to cover them evenly.
5. Chilling and Finishing Touches:
Refrigerate the dessert for about 4 hours or until the gelatin is fully set. Once it’s set, take it out of the fridge and spread the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping over the top of the dessert for a creamy finish. If you’d like, garnish with extra sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs on top.
6. Serving:
Carefully slice and serve chilled. Enjoy your delicious Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum with family or friends—it’s sure to be a hit!
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. Just make sure whatever you use is soft and can blend smoothly with the powdered sugar for the best texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the integrity of the dessert, it’s best to keep the whipped topping separate until just before serving.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before layering them on the cream cheese mixture. This will prevent the gelatin layer from becoming watery.
What if My Gelatin Doesn’t Set Properly?
If your gelatin doesn’t set properly, it might be due to not enough time in the refrigerator or the ratio of gelatin to liquid being off. If you find it too runny, you can reheat the mixture, dissolve more gelatin (following package instructions), and pour it over the strawberries again. Let it chill until set!
