Name: Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum Dessert
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp sugar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream; 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin; 1/2 cup water

There’s something about Southern desserts that just feels like a warm, familiar hug. And when it comes to easy, nostalgic no-bake treats, Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is an all-time classic. This layered dessert is one of those recipes that has been passed down through generations, often appearing at family reunions, church potlucks, or backyard barbecues. If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting it, get ready to fall in love with every cool, creamy, fruity bite.

At its core, Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is the definition of comfort dessert: a graham cracker crumb crust that gives just the right amount of crunch, a fluffy cheesecake-style cream filling that melts on your tongue, and a sweet strawberry topping that tastes like summer sunshine. What sets this version apart is that it uses fresh strawberries, not canned pie filling. That little detail makes a world of difference—the freshness adds a bright, natural flavor that elevates the whole dish.

I first made this version of Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum after picking way too many strawberries at a local farm. I was looking for something different from the usual shortcake or jam. When I stumbled on an old family recipe for Cherry Yum Yum, I knew exactly what to do. A few tweaks later—like using homemade whipped cream and real strawberries—and now it’s a must-have for every spring and summer gathering. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be dreaming of strawberries all year long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this dessert, whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who rarely ventures into the kitchen. Here’s why this Strawberry Yum Yum is bound to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Easy and no-bake: You don’t need an oven, a fancy mixer, or any complicated steps. Just a few bowls, a hand mixer, and some time to chill.

Family-friendly: Kids love the bright, sweet strawberry layer, and adults appreciate the creaminess of the filling. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly at any potluck or dinner table.

Fresh and fruity: Using real strawberries adds vibrant color and flavor. The natural sweetness of the fruit shines through, balancing perfectly with the tangy cream cheese and the buttery graham crust.

Creamy and light: Thanks to the homemade whipped cream folded into the cream cheese layer, the texture is airy and smooth without being too heavy. It’s the kind of dessert you can enjoy a generous helping of without feeling weighed down.

Make-ahead friendly: This dessert needs time to chill anyway, so it’s perfect for prepping the day before a party or special dinner. Letting it sit overnight actually improves the texture and flavor.

Health Benefits

While no one’s going to confuse Yum Yum with a superfood smoothie, there are some upsides to this dessert—especially since we’re using fresh, whole strawberries.

Rich in antioxidants: Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, manganese, and plant compounds that act as powerful antioxidants. These can help reduce inflammation and support immune health.

No artificial colors or flavors: Unlike versions that rely on canned pie filling, this recipe uses real strawberries and natural ingredients, reducing your exposure to unnecessary additives.

Lower in sugar than store-bought alternatives: By making this from scratch, you control the sweetness. This version is sweet but not overly so, and you can adjust the sugar to suit your taste.

Contains dairy-based protein: The cream cheese and whipped cream layers offer some protein and calcium, making each slice more satisfying.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 30 minutes active + 4 hours chill time
Servings: 12
Calories per Serving: 320
Key Nutritional Info: Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 2g | Sugars: 19g

Ingredients List

The crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar

The cream filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks

The strawberry layer:

3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup sugar
1 box (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin (such as Jell-O)
1/2 cup water

Each ingredient plays an important role:
Graham cracker crumbs form the sweet, crunchy base.
Cream cheese gives the filling its rich, tangy backbone.
Powdered sugar sweetens the cream without grittiness.
Heavy cream, when whipped, creates that luscious cloud-like texture.
Fresh strawberries are the star of the show, and the gelatin helps bind the strawberry topping into a spreadable layer.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the crust:
In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until evenly moistened.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a glass to smooth it into an even layer. Chill in the fridge while you make the filling.
Make the strawberry filling:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, water, and strawberry gelatin.
Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture just begins to thicken, about 5–7 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. This step is crucial—if the mixture is too hot, it will melt the creamy layer.
Whip the cream:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Make the cream cheese filling:
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fully incorporated.
Gently fold in the whipped cream with a spatula. Take your time with this step to maintain that light, airy texture.
Assemble the layers:
Spread half of the cream mixture over the chilled graham crust.
Spoon the cooled strawberry filling over the cream layer and gently spread it into an even layer.
Top with the remaining cream mixture, smoothing it with a spatula.
Chill and set:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This helps the layers firm up and the flavors meld.
Serve:
Slice into squares using a sharp knife. Wipe the blade between cuts for clean layers.

How to Serve

You can serve this chilled Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum dessert in several delightful ways:

Classic squares: Cut into neat squares and plate with a few fresh strawberry slices on the side.
Layered jars: For parties or picnics, layer it into mason jars for individual servings.
Garnish ideas: Top each serving with extra whipped cream, mint leaves, or a light dusting of graham crumbs for extra flair.

Pairing Suggestions

While this Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum dessert stands strong on its own, pairing it with the right sides or drinks can make it feel like a complete experience:

Beverage pairings: Try with a glass of lemonade, iced green tea, or even a strawberry smoothie for a fruity punch.
Side ideas: Serve after a light summer meal like grilled chicken skewers, a fresh pasta salad, or a veggie-packed rice bowl.
For kids: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or strawberry milk for an extra treat.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator storage: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. The texture stays best within the first 2 days.

Freezing: This dessert freezes well. Freeze the whole pan or individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating: Since this is a cold dessert, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if frozen, let it thaw slowly to retain texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not letting the strawberry layer cool: Adding hot fruit topping can melt the cream layer and cause a runny mess.
Overwhipping cream: Whip just until stiff peaks form. Overwhipping leads to butter-like texture.
Rushing the chill time: The dessert needs time to set properly. Don’t skip the full chilling process.
Using watery cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is full-fat and well-drained if it’s been frozen.
Uneven spreading: For neat layers, take your time when assembling and use an offset spatula if you have one.

Pro Tips

Use ripe strawberries: The riper they are, the more flavorful and naturally sweet your filling will be.
Chill your mixing bowl: Cold equipment helps whipped cream come together faster and hold better.
Make ahead: This dessert actually tastes better the next day, so plan to make it ahead of time.
Add lemon zest: For a bright twist, fold in a bit of lemon zest to the cream mixture.
Stabilize whipped cream: For longer-lasting layers, add a teaspoon of cornstarch or powdered milk while whipping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well. Too much liquid can make the topping runny.

Can I use store-bought whipped topping?
You can, but homemade whipped cream gives better flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have strawberry gelatin?
You can use unflavored gelatin with extra sugar and a splash of lemon juice, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I substitute the graham crust?
Absolutely. Try crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies for a different twist.

Is this dessert gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free graham crackers to make it suitable.

How do I prevent soggy crust?
Make sure the crust is well-pressed and chilled before adding the cream layer.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, especially in the strawberry layer. Taste as you go and adjust to your preference.

Can I make it in smaller portions?
Yes, divide ingredients in half and make it in an 8×8-inch dish.

Does it hold up at room temperature?
For a short time, yes. But it’s best served cold, especially in warmer weather.

Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Use two 9×13 pans or a large sheet pan.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is one of those desserts that combines ease, beauty, and unforgettable flavor. It’s cool, creamy, perfectly sweet, and full of the bright, juicy flavor of real strawberries. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat your family on a sunny weekend, it never fails to impress.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Share your photos, leave a comment with your thoughts or tips, or tag me on social media with your version. There’s a reason this Southern classic has stood the test of time—and now it’s your turn to make it part of your own family traditions.