This Lemon Blueberry Delight is a refreshingly sweet treat that combines tangy lemon and juicy blueberries in a lovely dessert. It’s light and perfect for warm days!
It’s so easy to make, even for those who think they can’t bake! I love serving this chilled; it’s my favorite way to impress friends with almost no effort. 🍋💙
Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: This is the base for your crust, giving it that sweet and crunchy texture. If you need a gluten-free option, use crushed gluten-free cookies or almond flour instead.
Cream Cheese: You can substitute with Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter version. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, cashew cream can work, but it’ll alter the flavor slightly.
Heavy Whipping Cream: For a lighter take, use coconut cream or whipped topping. Make sure it’s stabilized if using non-dairy options to maintain the fluffiness.
Fresh Blueberries: If they’re out of season, frozen blueberries can be a good substitute. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before using. You could also mix in raspberries or strawberries for a twist!
How Do I Get the Best Texture for the Cream Cheese Layer?
To achieve a smooth and fluffy cream cheese layer, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This helps avoid lumps. Here’s how:
- Consider letting cream cheese sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start.
- Beat it well with the powdered sugar until smooth before adding other ingredients, ensuring a blend without lumps.
- When folding in the whipping cream, use a spatula and be gentle to maintain the airiness. This is key for that light texture!
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Delight
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
For The Blueberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup blueberry pie filling or a mixture of blueberries and cornstarch for a homemade version
For Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Extra blueberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 4 hours to chill in the fridge. So, while it’s quick to put together, be sure to plan ahead for the chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well! Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish to form your crust. Bake it in the oven for about 8-10 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Once done, take it out and allow it to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
While the crust is cooling, grab a separate bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Now, gradually add in the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Keep beating until soft peaks start to form. Finally, add the lemon juice and gently fold everything together until it’s well combined.
3. Assemble the Layers:
Now it’s time to spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over your cooled graham cracker crust. Make sure it covers the crust nicely!
4. Make the Blueberry Topping:
In a small saucepan, combine the fresh blueberries with the blueberry pie filling (or your homemade version with cornstarch) over medium heat. Stir it until it thickens a bit and the blueberries start to bubble. Once it looks good, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool down.
5. Finish Up and Chill:
Carefully layer the warm blueberry mixture over the cream cheese layer. Try not to disturb the cream layer too much as you do this! Now, it’s time to chill the entire dessert in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until it’s set.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, top your Lemon Blueberry Delight with some whipped cream, a few fresh blueberries, and a slice of lemon for a beautiful garnish. Slice it up and enjoy this refreshing dessert with family and friends!
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option or a dairy-free alternative, you can use mascarpone cheese or a vegan cream cheese. Just ensure that any substitute is softened to make mixing easier and achieve the desired creamy texture in your dessert.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Blueberries?
No worries! You can use frozen blueberries instead. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the dessert to avoid excess moisture. Alternatively, you can use other berries like raspberries or blackberries for a different flavor twist!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the crust from becoming soggy, you might want to store the blueberry topping separately and add it just before serving.
Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make Lemon Blueberry Delight gluten-free, just swap out the regular graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free ones. You can often find these at your local grocery store or make them at home using gluten-free cookies.
