This No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert is a refreshing treat that’s perfect for warm days! With a zesty lemon flavor and juicy blueberries, it’s light and dreamy.
The best part? You don’t even need to turn on the oven! Just whip, mix, and chill. I could eat this all summer long—who doesn’t love a dessert that’s cool and easy to make?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: This is the base of your crust. If you don’t have graham crackers, any plain cookie (like Digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafers) can work as a substitute.
Cream Cheese: Go for full-fat cream cheese for the best taste and texture. If you’re lactose intolerant, look for vegan cream cheese or silken tofu as a great alternative.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This gives the dessert a light, airy texture. You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option, or if you want a lighter version, use whipped topping instead.
Lemon Pudding Mix: This adds tartness and thickness. If you don’t have it, you can substitute it with homemade lemon curd or simply add fresh lemon juice and zest to vanilla pudding mix.
Blueberry Pie Filling: While I love using pie filling for ease, fresh blueberries sweetened with a bit of sugar can work well too. You can also mix in other berries for a twist!
How Do You Create a Smooth Cream Cheese Layer?
Getting your cream cheese layer creamy and smooth is key to the dessert’s success. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This makes mixing easier and prevents lumps.
- Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until well combined. Use an electric mixer for best results.
- When adding whipped cream, gently fold it in rather than stirring. This keeps it light and fluffy!
By following these steps, you’ll have a smooth cream cheese layer that perfectly complements the lemon and blueberry flavors!
How to Make No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For The Lemon Pudding Layer:
- 1 cup lemon pudding mix (dry)
- 2 cups milk
For The Blueberry Layer:
- 1 cup blueberry pie filling (or fresh blueberries)
- Additional blueberries for garnish
- Extra graham cracker crumbs for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus a chilling time of at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. With simple stirring and layering, you’ll have a refreshing treat ready to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter together until the crumbs are completely coated. Once mixed, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form a solid crust. Make sure it’s even and packed tightly!
2. Making the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until you have a smooth and creamy texture. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it’s all well combined. Spread this creamy layer evenly over the graham cracker crust you prepared earlier.
3. Preparing the Lemon Pudding Layer:
In another mixing bowl, whisk together the dry lemon pudding mix and milk until everything is smooth and thickened. Let it sit for a few minutes to set, then pour this lemon pudding over the cream cheese layer. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
4. Adding the Blueberry Layer:
Now, it’s time for the blueberry layer! Spoon the blueberry pie filling over the lemon pudding, spreading it evenly. If you have fresh blueberries, you can also scatter those on top for a fresh touch.
5. Finishing with Whipped Topping:
Add the remaining whipped cream or whipped topping on top of your layers, making sure to spread it evenly. For an extra crunch and decoration, sprinkle some extra graham cracker crumbs on top!
6. Chilling the Dessert:
Cover your dessert with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This time allows all the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set properly.
7. Serving the Dessert:
After chilling, it’s time to serve! Cut the dessert into squares and garnish each piece with fresh blueberries for a beautiful finish and an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your refreshing no-bake lemon blueberry dessert!
Can I Substitute the Lemon Pudding Mix?
Absolutely! If you can’t find lemon pudding mix, you can use vanilla pudding mix instead. Just add a bit of lemon juice or lemon zest to enhance the lemon flavor to your liking.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing any other odors from the fridge!
Can I Use Fresh Blueberries Instead of Pie Filling?
Yes! Fresh blueberries work great. If using fresh blueberries, consider tossing them in a little sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice beforehand to bring out their natural sweetness before layering them on the pudding.
How Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
To make this dessert gluten-free, just substitute the regular graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. Make sure to also check that your pudding mix doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients.
