Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a sweet treat that features juicy strawberries mixed with creamy goodness. It’s light, fruity, and perfect for any dessert lover!
I love how easy it is to whip up this delightful dish. Just gather your strawberries, mix in some cream, and you’re ready to enjoy a burst of berry flavor. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: These are the star of the dish! If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen strawberries, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid. Raspberries or blueberries also make great substitutes!
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener works well for macerating strawberries. If you prefer healthier options, you could try coconut sugar or honey. Just adjust to taste since they can be sweeter.
Heavy Whipping Cream: It gives the dessert a rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use whipped topping instead. Just remember that it won’t have quite the same creaminess.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a nice tangy flavor. Neufchâtel cheese can be a lighter alternative if you’re looking to reduce calories without sacrificing too much flavor.
Pudding Mix: Instant vanilla pudding thickens your dessert and adds flavor. If you can’t find vanilla, you could use butterscotch or even chocolate for a twist.
How Do I Get Perfectly Whipped Cream?
Whipping cream can be tricky, but with the right technique, you can achieve fluffy peaks! Start with cold cream and a chilled bowl; this helps it whip up better. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Here’s how:
- Pour the heavy cream into your bowl.
- Beat on medium-high speed until you see soft peaks (the cream should hold a peak that bends over).
- Continue until stiff peaks form (the cream should stand up straight when you pull the beaters out).
Be careful not to overbeat, or you’ll make butter! If you want extra flavor, you can add a tablespoon of sugar or vanilla extract while whipping.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided (½ cup for strawberries, ½ cup for cream cheese)
For the Cream Layer:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For Garnishing (optional):
- Extra strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for prep time, and you’ll need to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. So, you can make it in the morning and serve it later in the day. It’s easy and so worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
Start by placing your sliced strawberries in a mixing bowl. Add ½ cup of granulated sugar to the strawberries and gently mix. Let them sit for about 30 minutes. This will make them sweet and juicy, perfect for your dessert!
2. Whip the Cream:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with a mixer until you get stiff peaks. This means the cream should hold its shape well. Once done, set it aside.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar and the vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious base for your dessert!
4. Combine the Whipped Cream and Cream Cheese:
Now, take that fluffy whipped cream you set aside and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much. You want it to stay light and airy!
5. Prepare the Pudding Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cold milk and the instant vanilla pudding mix. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens, which should take about 2 minutes. This will add a delicious layer to your dessert.
6. Mix Everything Together:
Gently fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture until it’s all even and delicious. This creates a creamy filling for your dessert.
7. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until you have a crumbly mixture. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of a baking dish, creating a nice crust.
8. Layer the Ingredients:
Spread half of the cream mixture over the graham cracker crust. Then, layer half of the macerated strawberries (along with their yummy juices) on top. You’re building some delicious layers!
9. Repeat the Layers:
Add another layer of the cream mixture, followed by the remaining macerated strawberries. This gives you a lovely and colorful dessert!
10. Finish with Graham Cracker Crumbs:
Top everything with the remaining graham cracker crumb mixture to finish off your dessert.
11. Chill the Dessert:
Cover your dish and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This helps all the flavors blend beautifully and allows the dessert to set up nicely.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, feel free to garnish with extra fresh strawberries on top. Cut into squares and dig in! Your Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is ready to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them before using. Allow them to thaw in the fridge or at room temperature, then drain any excess liquid. Keep in mind that frozen strawberries might be a bit softer, so the texture will differ slightly from fresh ones.
What If I Don’t Have Graham Crackers?
No problem! You can substitute with crushed Digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even Oreo cookies for a chocolatey twist. Just follow the same measurements for the crust to maintain the base’s texture.
Can I Make This Dessert Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream, or a non-dairy whipped topping for the cream mixture. For the milk, any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk works great, but be sure to check the pudding mix is dairy-free as well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the dessert chilled and enjoy it cold. If you notice the layers starting to separate, give it a gentle stir before serving to bring it back together!
