When making a delightful and patriotic dessert, the Red, White & Blue Mixed Berry Yum Yum is an absolute crowd-pleaser. I tried this recipe from TheKitchenIsMyPlayground.com and found it a fantastic combination of flavors and textures. The graham cracker crust adds a lovely crunch, while the creamy layers and mixed berry fillings perfectly balance sweetness and tartness. It's an ideal dessert for celebrations, especially on patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July.
One of the things I appreciate about this recipe is its simplicity. Despite having multiple layers, each step is straightforward and easy to follow. This makes it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers. The use of pre-made pie fillings also cuts down on prep time, allowing you to focus on assembling the dessert. Plus, the result is visually stunning with its red, white, and blue layers, making it a showstopper on any dessert table.
I've made a few tweaks to the original recipe to simplify it further while ensuring that the flavors and presentation remain top-notch. The changes are minimal but make the process even more user-friendly. Here's the modified recipe that guarantees the same delicious outcome:
Ingredients:
Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 2 (8 oz.) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 4 cups whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
Mixed Fruit Filling:
- 1 (21 oz.) can strawberry pie filling
- 1 (21 oz.) can blueberry pie filling
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust:
1. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Blend with a fork until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
2. Set aside 3 tablespoons of crumbs to sprinkle on the top later.
3. Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
4. Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, whip the whipping cream with the granulated sugar and the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
6. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
Assemble the Yum Yum Layers:
7. Spread 1/3 of the cream cheese/whipped cream mixture (about 3 cups) evenly over the crust.
8. Drop spoonfuls of strawberry pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer and gently spread to cover.
9. Add another 1/3 of the cream cheese/whipped cream mixture on top of the strawberry layer, spreading it evenly.
10. Drop spoonfuls of blueberry pie filling on top of the second cream cheese layer and gently spread to cover.
11. Top with the remaining cream cheese/whipped cream mixture, spreading it evenly over the blueberry layer.
12. Sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs on top.
13. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the layers to set and meld together.
Notes:
- Using premium pie fillings with more berries enhances the fruit layers.
- For convenience, you can substitute 2 (8 oz.) containers of Cool Whip for the homemade whipped cream, but homemade whipped cream is recommended for the best taste.
- Chilling overnight is essential for the dessert to set properly and ensure the layers stay intact when cut.
This recipe is not only delicious but also a fun and festive way to celebrate with family and friends. Enjoy your Red, White & Blue Mixed Berry Yum Yum!
Original recipe source: TheKitchenIsMyPlayground.com