This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a sweet delight, made with fresh strawberries and creamy layers that are hard to resist. It’s a treat that feels like summer on a plate!
Whenever I make this, I can’t help but steal bites of those juicy strawberries. They’re just so irresistible! 🍓 Plus, it’s super easy to whip up for any occasion!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These create a nice crunch in the base. If you don’t have graham crackers, try using digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies. They both work well!
Cream Cheese: A classic choice for richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version.
Whipped Topping: Cool Whip is convenient, but you can make your own by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract for a fresher taste.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries shine in this recipe. If they’re out of season, frozen strawberries can work, but make sure they’re thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture.
Strawberry Gelatin Mix: If you prefer a healthier option, look for a natural fruit gel or use fresh fruit puree. You might need to adjust setting methods based on the product.
How Do I Ensure My Gelatin Sets Perfectly?
Getting the gelatin to set can sometimes be tricky. Here are some straightforward steps to follow:
- Make sure your boiling water is truly boiling when you dissolve the gelatin mix. This helps it dissolve completely.
- Add the cold water after the gelatin is dissolved completely to help it set better.
- Let the gelatin cool slightly before pouring it over the strawberries so it doesn’t cook them. You want it to be warm but not hot.
Refrigerate the dish for at least 30 minutes or until it sets firmly. If you find it still wobbly after that, give it a little more time in the fridge!
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (12 oz) container whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 (3.4 oz) package strawberry gelatin mix
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 10 minutes to bake the crust. Then, you’ll need to chill it for at least 3 hours to let everything set perfectly. If you can, refrigerate it overnight for the best flavor. It’s a bit of a patience game, but totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until everything is well combined. Press this mixture tightly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
While the crust is cooling, grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar. You want it to be smooth and creamy. Next, gently fold in half of the whipped topping with a spatula until it’s all combined. Spread this delicious mixture evenly over your cooled crust.
3. Add the Strawberry Layer:
Now it’s time to layer those yummy strawberries! Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese layer, making sure they are evenly spread out.
4. Prepare the Gelatin:
In a separate bowl, mix the strawberry gelatin with 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Once it’s all mixed, add in 1 cup of cold water. Let this mixture cool for a few minutes.
5. Assemble and Chill:
Carefully pour the cooled gelatin over the strawberries in the dish, making sure to cover them well. Now, it’s time to refrigerate! Let it chill for about 30 minutes, or until the gelatin has set nicely.
6. Final Touches:
Once the gelatin is firm, spread the remaining whipped topping over the top of your strawberry layer. If you’re feeling fancy, you can sprinkle additional graham cracker crumbs on top and add some fresh strawberry slices as a garnish.
7. Enjoy!
For the best taste, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or even better, overnight. When you’re ready to serve, cut into squares and enjoy a cool, refreshing slice of your Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum!
Can I Substitute Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat or even reduced-fat cream cheese if you’re looking for a healthier option! Just keep in mind that it might alter the texture slightly, making it less creamy. Make sure it’s softened at room temperature for easier mixing!
How Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead?
You can definitely use frozen strawberries! Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before slicing. This helps prevent extra moisture from affecting the gelatin layer. You may want to reduce the amount of cold water you add to the gelatin if the strawberries are particularly juicy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the dessert covered to maintain freshness. If you’re worried about the crust becoming too soft, consider adding a layer of plastic wrap between the dessert and the container lid.
Is There a Gluten-Free Option for the Crust?
Absolutely! You can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies. Just ensure that the other ingredients you use are also certified gluten-free if necessary!
