This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a sweet treat that celebrates juicy strawberries. With a creamy base and a touch of sweetness, it’s sure to make your taste buds happy!
Honestly, who can resist strawberries? I can’t! This dish is super easy to whip up. I love serving it on warm summer days while soaking up the sun. It’s simply delightful! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: These are the star of the dish! Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can use frozen ones, but thaw and drain them well first.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This gives the dessert its rich and fluffy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping, but it will change the flavor a bit.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese adds creaminess and tang. If you prefer a lighter option, use mascarpone cheese. For dairy-free, try vegan cream cheese available in many stores.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These create a lovely crust. You could swap them for digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers for a different taste.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the cream mixture. You can substitute with regular granulated sugar, but it may affect the texture slightly.
What’s the Best Way to Fold Ingredients for Maximum Fluffiness?
Folding is a crucial technique here, especially when mixing the whipped cream with the cream cheese. It helps maintain the light and airy texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a large mixing bowl for more space while folding.
- Take a rubber spatula and scoop from the bottom of the bowl, bringing the cream up and over the cream cheese mixture.
- Turn the bowl as you fold, incorporating the whipped cream gently until no streaks remain. Avoid vigorous stirring to keep it fluffy.
Following these steps helps ensure your Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum has that delightful, airy texture everyone loves! Enjoy your cooking!
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 Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 ½ cups strawberry pie filling
- Additional strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert will take you about 20 minutes of prep time and then a chilling time of at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results). Perfect for making the night before a gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the Graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until all the crumbs are well coated. Now press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a crust. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
While your crust is cooling, whip the heavy cream in a large mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. Set this aside for later. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese along with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it’s nice and smooth and creamy. Now, gently fold in the whipped cream you made earlier into this cream cheese mixture until everything is combined and fluffy.
3. Assemble the Yum Yum:
Take the cooled crust and spread half of your cream cheese mixture over it. Then add the strawberry pie filling on top, spreading it out evenly. Now, take the remaining cream cheese mixture and spread it over the strawberry filling, smoothing it out nicely with a spatula.
4. Chill and Serve:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or for the best flavor and texture, let it chill overnight. Before you’re ready to serve, top your Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum with sliced fresh strawberries and sprinkle a little extra Graham cracker crumbs on top for a lovely garnish. Slice it up and enjoy this fresh, strawberry delight!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
While fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before slicing and adding to the dish to avoid a soggy texture.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Whipping Cream?
If you need a lighter option, you can substitute heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or whole milk combined with a tablespoon of melted butter for every cup. However, this may result in a less stable whipped topping. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut cream whipped until fluffy!
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Your Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, cover the top with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge or drying out.
Can I Make This Dessert in Advance?
Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and let it chill overnight in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just remember to add the fresh strawberry slices right before serving for optimal freshness!
