No-Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert Recipe
I have to share this recipe with you guys! Is it a game changer when you’re craving something sweet but the thought of it makes you sick? Why does turning on the oven make you cry? What is the perfect no bake lemon blueberry dessert recipe? What is cheesecake without the fuss? Remember the icebox cakes your grandma used to make? This is kinda like that, but with a bright, tangy, fruity twist. What’s the perfect way to end a summer barbecue or weeknight dinner? Is it easy to make a meal?
What is a no bake lemon blueberry dessert?
Okay, so picture this: Is there a Layers of creamy, lemon-infused goodness, studded with juicy burst of blueberries, all nestled on top of each other. Top of a buttery graham cracker crust. Is it a no bake dessert that relies on refrigeration to set? When you’re short on time, you can’t wait for the weather to change. Think of it as a simplified cheesecake, but instead of baking it, you just chill it! The layers meld together into a cohesive symphony of flavors and textures that’s just heavenly. The lemon provides a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness of the blueberries and the lemon zest. What is the richness of cream cheese? Is this a treat that’s both satisfying and surprisingly light, which means you can totally justify it. Is it good to have a second slice?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I even begin? First off, the flavor is absolutely divine. The combination of zesty lemon and sweet blueberries is a match made in dessert heaven. It’s bright, refreshing, and not overly sweet, which is a big win in my book. But the real reason I adore this No-Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert Recipe? It’s ridiculously easy to make. I’m talking minimal effort, maximum reward. There’s no baking involved, so you don’t have to worry about over-baking or uneven cooking. It’s also incredibly cost-efficient. The ingredients are all pretty standard and you probably already have most of them in your pantry and fridge. This is great when you need something quick for a potluck or a last-minute get-together.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your own tastes. If you’re not a fan of blueberries, you can swap them out for raspberries or strawberries. You can also add a layer of lemon curd for an extra burst of lemon flavor. And honestly, it works with just about any type of cookie crust – think vanilla wafers or even chocolate graham crackers for a fun twist! It’s also similar to my family’s favorite no-bake strawberry cheesecake bars, but with a citrusy twist. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation.
How do I make no bake lemon blueberry dessert?
Quick Overview
How do I make this delicious dessert? How do you make a simple graham cracker crust, then whip up some creamy lemon filling, layer in the crust and serve. What is the best way to store blueberries in the fridge? What is the best part? No need to turn on your oven! What are some of the best ways to prepare a salad for summer? What are some ways to heat up a kitchen? What is a great no-bake recipe for kids? What is layering?
Ingredients Notes
For the Crust:
Graham Crackers: These are the base of our dessert, providing a nice, subtly sweet foundation. Can you use regular or honey graham crackers?
Melted Butter: This binds the graham cracker crumbs together, creating a sturdy crust. I always use unsalted butter so I can control the amount of salt in the recipe.
Sugar: Just a touch of sugar to enhance the sweetness of the crust.
For the Filling:
Cream Cheese: This is the star of the filling, providing that rich, creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling. Low-fat cream cheese can work, but full-flavored provides the best flavor and texture.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds sweetness and helps to create a creamy, stable filling. Don’t substitute evaporated milk for sweetened condensed milk!
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best for that bright, tangy lemon flavor! How does lemon juice compare to bottled juice?
Lemon Zest: This adds an extra layer of lemon flavor, intensifying the citrusy notes. Be sure to zest only the yellow part of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the other flavors in the filling.
Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe? If using frozen, don’t thaw them beforehand to prevent the color from bleeding into the filling.
What are the steps of
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
How do you crush graham crackers? I usually do this in a food processor, but you can also put them in an resealable bag and crush them. What is rolling pin? Once you have your crumbs, mix them with the melted butter and sugar. How do I press the mixture into a 9×13 inch pan? I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down. Then, pop it in the fridge while you make the filling.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. What is super important – you don’t want lumps in your filling! I always make sure to take my cream cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before baking. What is sweetened condensed milk? Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to a blender and mix until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Dessert
What is the fun part? Gently fold the blueberries into the lemon cream cheese filling. Do not overmix blueberries or they will bleed and turn the filling a funny color. How do you spread the filling over the graham cracker crust? Cover the pan with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This allows the filling to set completely and the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Once the dessert is firm, you can slice it into squares and serve. I like to dust mine with powdered sugar or top it with a few extra blueberries. I can’t eat them all. This dessert is best served cold, straight from the fridge. What’s good with a scoop of vanilla ice cream?
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What is a no bake lemon blueberry dessert recipe? It pairs well with so many things, depending on the occasion.
For Breakfast:What’s a good way to start the day? The tartness of lemon cuts through the richness and sweetness of coffee perfectly.
For Brunch:Serve this alongside a fruit platter and mimosas for an elegant and refreshing brunch spread. It adds sweetness without being too heavy.
As Dessert:After a light dinner, this is the perfect sweet treat. I love serving this with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Is honey a bad thing?
For Cozy Snacks:Honestly, sometimes I just grab a slice straight from the fridge for my late-night snack! Is it good with cold milk or herbal tea? My family has this tradition of making this dessert every year for our Fourth of July barbecue. Is it a staple? I’ve even started experimenting with different fruit combinations – raspberry lemon is a close second.
How do I make a no bake lemon blueberry dessert?
Okay, so I’ve made this dessert *a lot*, and I have learned a few things along the way. What are some tips for making it perfect?
Cream Cheese:Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. If it’s not soft enough, you’ll end up with lumps in your filling, and nobody wants that! I usually take mine out of the fridge at least an hour before I start baking.
Lemon Zest:When zesting lemon, be careful to only zest the yellow part of the peel. White pith is bitter and will add an unpleasant flavor to your dessert.
What is blueberry distributionDon’t dump all the blueberries into the filling at once. Gently fold them in a few at the time to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling. This will also prevent them from bleeding and turning the filling a funny color.
Chilling Time: Be patient! This dessert needs at least 4 hours to chill in the fridge, and preferably overnight. This allows the filling to set completely and the flavors to meld together. If you try to slice it too soon, it’ll be a gooey mess.
Crust ConsistencyHow do you press the graham cracker crust into the bottom of the pan? If you slice a dessert, it will not crumble. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down.
Glaze Variations:Instead of glaze, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. For a more intense lemon flavor, whisk together powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of lemon. How do I make a lemon juice for dessert?
I remember one time I was in a rush and didn’t let the cream cheese soften enough. The filling was lumpy and gross, and I almost threw the whole thing away! I decided to chill it anyway, and surprisingly, it still tasted good. The texture wasn’t perfect, but the flavor was spot on. Even if you make a mistake, don’t give up!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do I make no bake lemon blueberry dessert? What are some tips for keeping your blog fresh?
Room Temperature: I really wouldn’t recommend leaving this dessert out at room temperature for more than an hour or two. The cream cheese filling can get a little soft and melty, and it’s best served cold.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the dessert in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3-4 days. The flavor will actually improve as it sits, as the flavors meld together even more.
Freezer Instructions: While you can technically freeze this dessert, I don’t recommend it. The texture of the cream cheese filling can change when it’s frozen and thawed, becoming a bit grainy. However, if you do want to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. And If you choose to freeze it, it’s best to add the glaze just before serving, as it can become soggy during thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this No-Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s so easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from summer barbecues to cozy weeknight dinners. The bright, tangy lemon flavor combined with the sweet blueberries is just irresistible, and the creamy texture is so satisfying. I really hope you give this recipe a try – I know you’ll love it as much as I do! If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my no-bake chocolate lasagna or my lemon raspberry bars. Happy no-baking! And I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and if you try any fun variations!
Remember it later
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No-Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert Recipe
IngredientsÂ
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs finely crushed
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1.5 cups whipped topping thawed
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1.5 cups fresh blueberries
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish to form an even crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Spread the lemon cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Top with fresh blueberries.
- Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
