Strawberry Yum Yum is a classic Southern no-bake dessert that combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a light and creamy cream cheese filling, sweet strawberry pie filling, and fresh strawberries. I love how every layer comes together to create a refreshing dessert that is rich, fruity, and perfect for warm days, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations. Since it requires no baking, I can prepare it ahead of time and simply let the refrigerator do the rest.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
¾ cup butter, melted
3 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 envelopes Dream Whip
1 cup cold milk
½ cup sugar
1 can strawberry pie filling
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
Pinch of salt
Directions
I mix the melted butter with the graham cracker crumbs until evenly combined.
I firmly press about three-quarters of the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create the crust.
I beat the Dream Whip with the cold milk until stiff peaks form.
I add the softened cream cheese, sugar, and a pinch of salt, then mix until the filling is smooth and creamy.
I spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
I spoon the strawberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer and distribute the sliced fresh strawberries evenly across the top.
I carefully spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer.
I sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumb mixture over the top.
I cover the dish and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Chilling Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
Variations
I swap the strawberry pie filling for blueberry, cherry, raspberry, or peach pie filling for a different fruity flavor.
I use crushed vanilla wafers or Golden Oreos instead of graham crackers to create a unique crust.
I fold chopped strawberries directly into the cream cheese mixture for extra fresh fruit in every bite.
I add a layer of whipped topping between the strawberries and the final cream cheese layer for an even lighter texture.
I garnish the finished dessert with extra fresh strawberries or white chocolate shavings before serving.
Storage/Reheating
I store Strawberry Yum Yum tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavor.
For longer storage, I freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. I thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Since this is a no-bake chilled dessert, I do not reheat it. I serve it straight from the refrigerator for the best taste and consistency.
FAQs
Can I make Strawberry Yum Yum ahead of time?
Yes. I often prepare it the night before serving because the extra chilling time allows the layers to set perfectly and the flavors to blend together.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. I thaw and drain frozen strawberries thoroughly before adding them so they do not release excess moisture into the dessert.
Can I substitute homemade whipped cream for Dream Whip?
Yes. I can use stabilized homemade whipped cream if I prefer, although Dream Whip helps the filling stay firm for longer.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes. I can substitute low-fat cream cheese, although the filling may be slightly less rich and creamy than the original version.
How do I know when the dessert is ready to serve?
I make sure it has chilled for at least 3 hours, or until the filling is firm enough to slice cleanly while remaining light and creamy.
Conclusion
I enjoy making Strawberry Yum Yum whenever I want an easy, refreshing dessert that never fails to impress. The combination of buttery graham cracker crust, fluffy cream cheese filling, sweet strawberries, and fruity pie filling creates a delicious layered treat that is perfect for holidays, potlucks, summer gatherings, or simply sharing with family and friends. Since it is made without baking and can be prepared ahead of time, I find myself returning to this recipe again and again.
📖 Recipe:
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Strawberry Yum Yum
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Yum Yum is a classic Southern no-bake layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a light and creamy cream cheese filling, sweet strawberry pie filling, and fresh strawberries. It's refreshing, easy to prepare ahead, and perfect for gatherings or warm-weather occasions.
Ingredients
¾ cup butter, melted
3 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 envelopes Dream Whip
1 cup cold milk
½ cup sugar
1 can strawberry pie filling
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mix the melted butter with the graham cracker crumbs until evenly combined.
- Press about three-quarters of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
- Beat the Dream Whip with the cold milk until stiff peaks form.
- Add the softened cream cheese, sugar, and a pinch of salt, then beat until smooth and creamy.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
- Spoon the strawberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, then evenly distribute the sliced fresh strawberries.
- Carefully spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer.
- Sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumb mixture over the top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
Substitute blueberry, cherry, raspberry, or peach pie filling for a different flavor.
Use crushed vanilla wafers or Golden Oreos instead of graham crackers for the crust.
Fold chopped fresh strawberries into the cream cheese mixture for extra fruit.
Add a layer of whipped topping for an even lighter texture.
Garnish with fresh strawberries or white chocolate shavings before serving.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Serve chilled; do not reheat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
