This Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum Dessert is a light and fruity treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of creamy goodness and fresh strawberries, it’s a total crowd-pleaser!
It’s super simple to make—just layer the ingredients and chill! I love serving it on warm days, and I can’t resist sneaking bites before it’s even ready! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Crackers: They provide a crunchy base. If you don’t have graham crackers, digestive biscuits or crushed vanilla wafers work as great substitutes.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dessert a rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Frozen Whipped Topping: I prefer using it for convenience, but you can whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar instead. Homemade whipped cream always adds a delightful freshness!
Strawberry Gelatin: You can use any brand, but if you want a more natural option, look for gelatin made from real fruit juice—just follow package instructions to prepare it.
How Do I Ensure the Gelatin Sets Perfectly?
Making sure your gelatin sets can be tricky! Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Make sure your boiling water is at a rolling boil when dissolving the gelatin for even mixing.
- Let the gelatin cool to room temperature before adding the strawberries to prevent them from breaking down.
- Keep checking the consistency of the gelatin as it cools. It should be thick but not completely set when you pour it over the cream cheese layer.
Following these tips will help you create that perfect layer of fruity goodness in your dessert! Enjoy making your Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum Dessert!
Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12-15 full sheets)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 (8 oz) tub frozen whipped topping (thawed), or 2 cups homemade whipped cream
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert will take you about 20 minutes to prepare, plus about 4 hours for chilling (or overnight for best results). It’s a simple layered dessert that requires minimal active time in the kitchen, so you can sit back and relax while it sets in the fridge!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar. Use a fork to combine until the crumbs are all moistened. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create an even crust layer. Set this crust aside while you work on the next layers.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add cold water and mix until well combined. Now, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping (or your homemade whipped cream) until the mixture is light and fluffy. Spread about half of this creamy mixture evenly over the crust you prepared earlier.
3. Make the Strawberry Gelatin Layer:
Dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder by stirring it into 2 cups of boiling water until it is completely dissolved. Let the mixture cool to room temperature (don’t let it set yet!). Once cooled, fold in the sliced strawberries gently. Carefully spread this strawberry and gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish. Place the dish in the refrigerator and let it sit for about 1 hour until the gelatin is set.
4. Add the Remaining Cream Cheese Mixture and Topping:
After the gelatin layer has firmed up nicely, spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the top. Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of graham cracker crumbs over the top for that extra crunch and deliciousness.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the dish and refrigerate the dessert for at least 3-4 hours, or better yet, overnight to allow all the flavors to meld together and for the layers to set properly. When you’re ready to serve, slice into squares and garnish each slice with fresh strawberry halves to make it extra special. Enjoy the creaminess, crunchiness, and fruity flavor of your Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum Dessert!
Enjoy your fresh Strawberry Yum Yum Dessert—creamy, crunchy, and perfectly fruity!
FAQ for Easy Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum Dessert
Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Just make sure to adjust the gelatin flavor accordingly to complement the new fruit!
How do I store any leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for 3-4 days. Just keep in mind that the graham cracker crust may become softer the longer it sits!
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or another gluten-free cookie option, like crushed almond or coconut cookies, to create the base.
Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?
Yes, to make this dessert vegan, swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, use coconut whipped cream instead of whipped topping, and ensure your gelatin is from a plant-based source or use agar-agar as a substitute.
