Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a sweet and easy dessert that brings smiles to everyone’s faces. It’s filled with juicy strawberries and creamy goodness, making it the perfect treat for warm days!
I love how quick it is to whip up! Just mix the ingredients, layer them up, and chill. Plus, you can never go wrong with strawberries—such a fruity delight! 
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is key for a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but still offers creaminess.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for sweetness and smoothness in the cream cheese layer. You can use granulated sugar, but the texture will be less smooth—just ensure to mix it well.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This gives a light and airy texture. If you need a dairy-free version, coconut cream is a great substitute that adds a slight tropical flavor.
Fresh Strawberries: Of course, using fresh strawberries is important for flavor and texture. If they aren’t available, frozen strawberries can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first.
Strawberry Jell-O: This adds sweetness and sets the dish. For a healthier version, consider using a sugar-free Jell-O. You could also use a homemade fruit puree mixed with a gelatin alternative.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Traditional for the crust, but if you’re gluten-free, try almond meal or gluten-free graham crackers. Crushed cookies also work for a different flavor.
How Do You Get the Cream Cheese Layer Smooth and Creamy?
Getting your cream cheese layer just right can really make or break your dessert. The secret is to bring the cream cheese to room temperature beforehand. Start by beating the cream cheese alone first before adding any sugar. This helps to eliminate lumps.
- Combine cream cheese and powdered sugar in a bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until you get stiff peaks—this adds volume.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful here to keep the airiness of the whipped cream.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries
- Extra graham cracker crumbs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 4 hours for chilling in the refrigerator. So, overall, set aside some time to let it cool and set perfectly before you dive in.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir them together until all the crumbs are well coated. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish to create a tasty crust. Once done, set it aside for later.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
Grab another bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. In a separate large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is well combined. Spread this airy layer over the graham cracker crust in your baking dish.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Layer:
In a mixing bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in the boiling water. Stir until it is fully dissolved, and then allow it to cool slightly. Toss the sliced fresh strawberries into the Jell-O mixture and stir gently to combine them.
4. Assemble:
Now, pour the Jell-O and strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer. Spread it out evenly so every slice will have some delicious strawberry goodness. Cover your baking dish and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until it’s completely set and ready to enjoy.
5. Serve:
Once set, take your Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum out of the refrigerator. For an extra touch, garnish with additional sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of extra graham cracker crumbs on top. Cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese for regular cream cheese if you’re looking to reduce calories. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, and it may not be as rich or creamy as the full-fat version.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s well covered to keep the layers fresh and prevent drying out!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Frozen strawberries can work in this recipe, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture before adding them to the Jell-O. Fresh fruit typically provides a better texture and flavor, but frozen can still be a good substitute in a pinch.
What If My Jell-O Mixture Doesn’t Set?
If your Jell-O mixture doesn’t set after chilling for the recommended time, it might need more time in the fridge. If it still doesn’t set, it could be due to too much liquid from the strawberries. To fix this in future, try cutting the strawberries smaller or adding them after the Jell-O has begun to set slightly.
