Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a fun and fruity dessert that brings a smile with every bite! It combines sweet strawberries, creamy layers, and a delightful crunch, making it super tasty.
I love how easy it is to whip up this treat! Just mix, layer, and enjoy. It’s perfect for warm days or when you need a little pick-me-up. Plus, who can resist those bright red berries? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich, creamy texture. You can substitute it with mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese if you’re looking for a lighter or vegan option.
Powdered Sugar: This gives sweetness and smoothness. If you’re watching sugar intake, a powdered erythritol or stevia blend also works well as a low-calorie alternative.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is key for that fluffy texture. If you want a lighter option, you can try coconut cream or a combination of milk and whipped topping, but it may affect the richness.
Instant Strawberry Pudding Mix: This gives the dessert its strawberry flavor and thickens the layer. If you can’t find it, try using vanilla pudding mix with fresh strawberry puree for a homemade alternative.
Graham Crackers: They create a delicious crust. You can swap them with crushed digestive biscuits or even gluten-free cookies if you have dietary restrictions!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Whipped Cream?
Whipping cream might seem tricky, but it’s pretty simple with a few tips! To get that perfect whipped cream, start with cold heavy cream. Use a chilled bowl and whisk if possible—this keeps it from getting warm too fast.
- Pour the cold cream into a bowl and add your vanilla extract.
- Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form—this takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Then, turn up the speed until stiff peaks appear. Be careful not to overwhip, or it can turn to butter!
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant strawberry pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- Additional strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours of chilling time in the refrigerator. So, get ready to enjoy a refreshing treat later in the day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
Start by mixing the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter in a bowl. Stir until the graham crackers are fully coated with the butter. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create a solid crust. This will be the yummy base for your dessert!
2. Making the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s super smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and keep mixing until everything is well combined. This mixture will add a nice creamy layer to your dessert!
3. Whipping the Cream:
Take another bowl and whip the heavy cream along with the vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This means that when you lift the beaters out of the cream, it holds its shape! Once that’s done, gently fold this whipped cream into your cream cheese mixture until it’s smooth. You want to keep it airy and light!
4. Layering the Cream Cheese Mixture:
Spread the delicious cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust you made earlier in the baking dish. Make sure you cover it nicely for a great base layer!
5. Preparing the Strawberry Layer:
In another bowl, whisk together the instant strawberry pudding mix and milk. Keep whisking until it thickens up nicely. Now, layer your sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer. Pour the thick pudding mixture over the strawberries and spread it out evenly. This will create a wonderful layer of strawberry goodness!
6. Chilling the Dessert:
Cover the baking dish with a lid or plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, so all the layers can set together and become tasty.
7. Garnish and Serve:
When you’re ready to serve, take the dish out of the fridge. Sprinkle some extra crushed graham crackers on top and add fresh strawberries for a beautiful garnish. Now, slice the dessert into squares and enjoy your Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum! It’s perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese if you’re looking to cut back on calories. Just be aware that the texture and flavor might be slightly different, but they will still work well in this recipe!
What Can I Substitute for Milk in the Pudding Layer?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk. Just make sure to choose unsweetened varieties to keep the sweetness balanced!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftover Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the strawberries might start to release some moisture the longer it’s stored, so try to enjoy it while it’s fresh!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
While fresh strawberries give the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before layering them on the dessert to avoid watery puddles!
