Frozen Yum Yum Casserole
When I was a kid, my mom had a collection of beloved recipes, each with a name that told you exactly what to expect. From chicken noodle soup to hot ham and cheese sandwiches, each dish had its charm. But when dessert rolled around, the day felt particularly special if “Frozen Yum Yum” made the menu. After two decades away at college without this nostalgic treat, it recently came to mind while exploring a roundup of ice cream delights. I decided to connect with my mom to rediscover this flavorful dessert and share the recipe that’s held a special place in our family’s heart.
What is Frozen Yum Yum?
Frozen Yum Yum is a delightful dessert casserole that feels like an ice cream cake. It showcases a graham cracker crust, a light chocolate mousse-like layer, and a topping of softened vanilla ice cream sprinkled with more graham cracker crumbs. This dessert is often reserved for warm summer days or birthday celebrations, making it a cherished family treat.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Softened butter | 2/3 cup, plus extra for greasing |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups |
| Eggs (yolks) | 3, slightly beaten (pasteurized if possible) |
| Unsweetened chocolate | 2 ounces, melted |
| Pinch of salt | To taste |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Chopped nuts (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs (whites) | 3, whipped into soft peaks |
| Graham cracker crumbs | 2 cups (roughly 16 full sheets) |
| Vanilla ice cream | 1 quart |
Directions
-
Prepare the Base:
- Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl.
- Add the egg yolks, melted chocolate, salt, vanilla, and optional nuts. Mix until combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped egg whites to lighten the mixture.
-
Assemble the Casserole:
- Butter the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan. Press the graham cracker crumbs into the bottom to form a crust, reserving a few crumbs for topping.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the crust and freeze for 2 hours.
-
Finish with Ice Cream:
- After freezing, spread the softened vanilla ice cream over the chocolate layer.
- Sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs on top and return to the freezer until ready to serve.
-
Serve:
- Slice and enjoy chilled servings of this sweet treat!
Tips
- Adjust Portions: For smaller servings, halve the ingredients and use a 9-inch round pan. For fun individual servings, create “cupcakes” using a muffin pan.
- Flavor Variations: After mastering the classic chocolate-vanilla combo, try swapping in your favorite ice cream flavors like cherry, strawberry, or cookies and cream!
Indulging in this nostalgic dessert brings back joyful memories, and it’s a tradition that’s wonderful to pass along to the next generation. Enjoy every delicious bite of Frozen Yum Yum!