This No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert is a refreshing treat that’s light and creamy! Made with smooth cream cheese, tangy lemon, and juicy blueberries, it’s perfect for warm days.
I love how easy it is to whip up — no oven needed! You just mix, layer, and chill. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to bring smiles at any gathering!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These provide a crunchy base for your dessert. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, crushed gluten-free cookies work well too, or you can use crushed almonds for a different flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Melting butter helps bind the crust. You could also use coconut oil if you’re aiming for a dairy-free version. Just let it cool slightly before mixing with the crumbs.
Cream Cheese: This adds a rich, creamy texture. If you need a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead. It will keep things creamy while adding a nice tang.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This helps thicken the filling quickly. If you don’t have it, a similar amount of cornstarch mixed with a bit of sugar could work, though it won’t provide the exact flavor.
Whipped Topping: Cool Whip is easy and convenient, but homemade whipped cream is a great alternative if you have the time. Just whip heavy cream with some sugar until soft peaks form.
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy Filling?
Getting a smooth, creamy texture for your filling is key to this dessert. Here’s how to ensure success:
- Start with softened cream cheese. Bring it to room temperature for easier mixing and creaminess.
- Mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar well until completely smooth before adding other ingredients.
- Add the milk gradually, mixing continuously to avoid lumps. Beat the mixture for about 2-3 minutes to help it thicken properly.
How to Make No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For The Topping:
- 1 cup blueberry pie filling
- Fresh blueberries for garnish (optional)
- Additional graham cracker crumbs for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 20 minutes of prep time and then you’ll need to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving. Perfect for a stress-free sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by grabbing a medium bowl. Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, stirring well until all the crumbs are coated with butter. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking dish. This will be your delicious crust!
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, take the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is nice and smooth. You want it to be creamy and luscious!
3. Add the Milk and Pudding Mix:
Next, pour in the milk along with the instant vanilla pudding mix into the cream cheese mixture. Continue to beat it for about 2-3 minutes until everything thickens up nicely.
4. Fold in the Whipped Topping:
Now, gently fold in ½ cup of whipped topping into the pudding mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want it to be fluffy! Spread this creamy layer evenly over the crust you made earlier.
5. Layer on the Blueberry Pie Filling:
Carefully take the blueberry pie filling and spread it over the pudding layer. Try to cover it evenly so each bite has that tasty blueberry goodness!
6. Finish with Whipped Topping:
Now it’s time to top it off! Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the blueberry layer to create a light and fluffy finish.
7. Add Some Garnish:
If you’d like, sprinkle some additional graham cracker crumbs on top for extra crunch. You can also arrange fresh blueberries as a lovely garnish!
8. Chill and Serve:
Cover your baking dish and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until it is fully set. Then, when you’re ready, slice up your refreshing No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert and enjoy! It’s perfect for parties or a sweet treat at home!
Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use crushed Oreos or digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure to mix them with melted butter in the same way you would with graham cracker crumbs.
What If I Don’t Have Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix?
No worries! You can substitute with vanilla custard powder if it’s available. Alternatively, you could make a homemade vanilla pudding from scratch, just allow it to cool completely before mixing it into the cream cheese mixture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the dessert fresh, try to avoid cutting into it until you’re ready to serve. Cover any exposed edges with plastic wrap to minimize air exposure.
Can I Use Fresh Blueberries Instead of Pie Filling?
You can certainly use fresh blueberries! If choosing this option, consider mixing fresh blueberries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice to enhance the flavor and create a bit of a sauce before spreading them over the pudding layer.