This Lemon Blueberry Delight is a bright and refreshing treat! The tartness of fresh lemons pairs perfectly with sweet blueberries, making it a delicious dessert.
Whenever I make this, I can’t resist sneaking bites of the colorful mix. It’s simple to whip up, and perfect for picnics or just a sunny day at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: These create a sweet and crunchy crust. If you can’t find graham crackers, try using crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for a different flavor but similar texture.
Cream cheese: This gives richness and creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese is a great substitute. You could also use dairy-free cream cheese if you need a vegan option.
Lemon juice and zest: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key for that zesty flavor. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but the fresh stuff really enhances the taste. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice can also add a nice twist.
Heavy whipping cream: For the best texture, stick with heavy cream. If you want a lighter alternative, you could use whipped topping or lighter cream, but the texture will change a bit.
Blueberry pie filling: You can use homemade blueberry filling if you prefer making it from scratch. Alternatively, cherry pie filling or other berry fillings can be delicious substitutes!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creamy Layer?
Creating that velvety lemon cream cheese layer is essential! First, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar well, ensuring it’s smooth. Adding the lemon juice and zest should be done gradually, mixing until combined to avoid lumps!
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- When whipping cream, ensure your bowl and beaters are cold for the best results.
- Folding the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture is crucial; do this gently to keep the mixture light and airy.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Delight
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 can blueberry pie filling (approximately 21 oz)
For Garnish:
- Fresh blueberries
- Lemon slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert takes about 20 minutes of prep time and requires at least 4 hours to set in the fridge. So, while it’s quick to prepare, you’ll need to plan for some chilling time before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until everything is well combined. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a nice crust. Bake it in the oven for about 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool down completely.
2. Mixing the Cream Cheese Filling:
While the crust cools, grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened cream cheese together with the powdered sugar until it’s nice and smooth. Add in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the lemon zest, then mix again until everything is well combined. The lemon adds a wonderful zing!
3. Whipping the Cream:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters out, the cream will hold its shape! Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon cream cheese mixture, mixing carefully until everything is beautifully combined and fluffy.
4. Assembling the Dessert:
Spread the lemon cream cheese mixture evenly over your cooled graham cracker crust. Then, take the blueberry pie filling and spoon it over the lemon layer, spreading it out so it covers the top nicely. Now it’s ready to chill!
5. Chilling and Serving:
Place the dessert in the refrigerator and let it set for at least 4 hours. Once it’s firm and ready, garnish the top with fresh blueberries and lemon slices for a lovely presentation. Now, slice and enjoy your delightful Lemon Blueberry Delight!
Can I Use Store-Bought Graham Cracker Crust Instead of Making My Own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought graham cracker crust will work just fine. Just skip steps 2 and 3, and proceed straight to mixing the filling and layering it into the crust.
Can I Substitute Fresh Lemons with Bottled Lemon Juice?
Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice if fresh lemons aren’t available. However, fresh juice often has a brighter flavor. If using bottled juice, opt for one that is 100% pure lemon juice without additives for the best taste!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to garnish with fresh blueberries and lemon slices just before serving for optimal freshness!
Can I Make This Dessert Dairy-Free?
Sure! You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping. Just make sure to check the consistency, as some alternatives may require a little adjustment in mixing!
