No-Bake Delight: Crafting a Southern Blueberry Yum Yum

Introduction

Spring is fast approaching, and I have been busy getting the flower and vegetable garden in order. I just finished enriching the soil for my citrus trees and blueberry bushes and could not help tripping down memory lane to summertime. The sun blazes, the air hums with cicadas, and the wild blueberries practically beg to be picked. Back in the day, fruit “yum yum,” a no-bake delight, was all the rage in the South, though they’ve slipped off the radar a bit lately. But today, we’re dusting off an old favorite; Blueberry Yum Yum, a dessert recipe that is as delightful as its name suggests.

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A Trip Down Memory Lane

Growing up in Florida, blueberries were more than just a fruit; they were a summer candy that became a family ritual. Come June, when the berries ripen to a deep, juicy blue, we’d venture into the woods, buckets in hand, ready to harvest nature’s candy. For us kids, it never felt like work. After filling our pails (and our bellies), we’d head to our favorite crystal-clear swimming hole to cool off, washing away the day’s sticky sweetness. These adventures ensured a steady supply of blueberry muffins for breakfast, cobblers, crisps, and pies for dinner. When I thought there was nothing else you could use blueberries for, along comes the Blueberry Yum Yum.

The Enigmatic Origins of the No-Bake Delight: Blueberry Yum Yum

While the exact origins of Blueberry Yum Yum remain a bit of a mystery, it’s undeniably a staple in Southern dessert lore. It doesn’t take much speculation that the name comes from the layers of “yumminess” stacked within. One bite and it’s an automatic yum yum! Again so many great recipes have been created out of availability and necessity. Who wants to turn on a hot oven for hours in the summer? Hot days/ nights and available blueberries and this no-bake delight was created. Regardless of its origins, this no-bake dessert has graced many a family gathering, church potluck, and summer picnic.

The Anatomy of a No-Bake Delight: the Yum Yum

At its core, Blueberry Yum Yum is a layered dessert that marries textures and flavors in perfect harmony:

1. Crust: Traditionally made from crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter, forming a buttery and slightly crunchy base. Some variations use shortbread or pecan crusts for added richness.
2. Cream Cheese Layer: A luscious blend of softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped topping (like Cool Whip), creating a creamy, tangy foundation that complements the sweetness of the blueberries.
3. Blueberry Filling: While blueberry pie filling is a convenient choice, using fresh, wild Florida blueberries cooked down with a touch of sugar elevates the dessert to new heights.
4. Whipped Topping: To crown the dessert, use a generous layer of whipped topping, adding lightness and a cloud-like finish.

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Crafting Your Own Blueberry Yum Yum

You will soon find that there is a baked component to this dessert, which is the crust. The no-bake delight part is the cream cheesecake-like filling. Then, there is a debate among cooks and bakers as to whether to bake the crust or not, and I say that is up to the individual. I like baking my crust, but in a time crunch, I have used crumbled cookies, graham crackers, and even crushed pretzels. Also, if you do not care to use fresh blueberries to make your own pie filling topping, then use canned blueberry pie filling. Consider using ready-made pie crusts. Keebler makes a graham cracker, shortbread, and chocolate pie crusts. Diamond makes a pecan pie crust. All of these are great choices. I promise Blueberry Yum Yum is just as delicious when served as a dessert pie. I think once you have read my blog post, you will see there are endless variations of this recipe that will create a wonderful summer dessert. So, if you want, this dessert can be an entirely no-bake delight or a semi-no-bake as well. That being said, I am partial to the recipe I was first introduced to, so it will be the recipe I will introduce to you. Feel free to put your own spin on this easy dessert.

Ready to dive into making this classic? Here’s a straightforward recipe to bring a slice of Southern nostalgia to your table.

A Slice of Sunshine

Blueberry Yum Yum isn’t just a dessert; it’s evidence of the simple joys of summer in Florida. It’s the laughter of children with berry-stained fingers, the refreshment of a cool swim after a day of picking, and the comfort of a sweet treat shared with loved ones.

So, the next time you stumble upon a patch of wild blueberries or visit a local farm, remember: there’s a “yum yum” waiting to be made. Just one bite, will have you saying its name twice.

Variations of the No-Bake Delight to Tempt Your Taste Buds

While blueberry is a classic choice, the versatile nature of the Yum Yum dessert allows for a plethora of fruity variations:

• Cherry Yum Yum: Swap out the blueberry pie filling for cherry pie filling, strawberry pie filling, or raspberry pie filling. The tartness of cherries provides a delightful contrast to the creamy layers.
• Strawberry Yum Yum: Fresh strawberries, sliced and lightly sweetened, bring a burst of summer freshness to this dessert.
• Peach Yum Yum: Using ripe, juicy peaches introduces a Southern twist that’s hard to resist.
• Mixed Berry Yum Yum: Combine blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a berry extravaganza.

Tips for the Perfect Yum Yum

• Crust Alternatives: While graham crackers are traditional, experimenting with pecan shortbread cookies or even vanilla wafers can add a unique flavor profile.
• Homemade Whipped Cream: Like a less sweet topping? Whip heavy cream adding a touch of vanilla provides a fresh alternative to store-bought whipped topping.
• Chilling Time: Allowing the dessert to chill overnight not only helps it set better but also enhances the melding of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present Your Blueberry Yum Yum

Unleash your creativity by experimenting with different fruits or swapping the traditional graham cracker crust for a buttery shortbread base. Who says your delightful no-bake Yum Yum dessert must be confined to a 13 x 9-inch pan? Instead, consider serving it in charming mason jars for a fun twist. To do this, bake the crust and let it cool before breaking it into pieces. Then, layer the crust fragments, blueberry pie filling, and creamy cheesecake mixture in mason jars, topping them off with fresh blueberries or a dollop of whipped cream. This approach not only adds visual appeal but also offers convenient, individual servings that are sure to impress.

Conclusion: Bringing It All Together

Blueberry Yum Yum is more than just a dessert; for me, it’s a walk down memory lane, a sweet reminder of when times were simple and the joys of Florida were abundant. Whether you’re revisiting childhood memories or creating new ones, this treat is sure to bring joy to any gathering.

So, gather those blueberries, whip up some cream, and indulge in a slice (or two) of this classic delight. After all, life’s too short to miss out on the “yum yum.”

Happy Yum Yum!

If you are a beginning cook or baker, check out my Kitchen Confidence series here: https://blissfulfoodsplus.com/category/kitchen-confidence/

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.