This No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert is a refreshing treat that’s super easy to whip up! It’s light, creamy, and the tartness of lemon pairs perfectly with sweet blueberries.
I love how there’s no baking involved, so it’s perfect for hot days when you want something cool. Plus, it’s a great way to impress friends without breaking a sweat! 🍋💙
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These are essential for the crust, giving it a crunchy base. If you don’t have graham crackers, try using crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for a slightly different flavor.
Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy, tangy flavor. If you want a lighter option, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative to keep it dairy-free. I personally love the richness of regular cream cheese.
Lemon Curd: This provides a bright and zesty flavor. If you can’t find lemon curd, you could make your own by cooking lemon juice, sugar, and eggs, or simply use a lemon-flavored yogurt as a substitute.
Blueberry Pie Filling: This gives the dessert a fruity finish. If fresh blueberries are in season, feel free to use those instead, and layer them on with a little sugar to sweeten.
How Do I Make Sure My Dessert Sets Perfectly?
Setting the dessert properly is all about the chilling time. It’s key to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, allowing the layers to firm up. If you can, let it chill overnight for the best results!
- After assembling, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to avoid absorbing any fridge odors.
- Check the dessert after the minimum chilling time; the layers should feel firm when you gently press on them.
Setting is crucial to avoid a runny dessert, so don’t skip this step! I usually cover mine and mark a reminder to check after a few hours, as the wait is worth it. Enjoy your no-bake treat!
No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
For the Layers:
- 1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup blueberry pie filling
- Extra blueberries for garnish
- Additional graham cracker crumbs for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert will take you about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. So, a total of around 4 hours and 20 minutes, but most of that is just waiting for it to set. Perfect for when you need something tasty without cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir everything together until the crumbs are nicely coated with the butter. This is going to be your delicious base!
2. Form the Crust:
Take the graham cracker mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. You want it nice and flat so that it holds up well. Set it aside while you work on the next layers.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy. This is going to add a delicious richness to your dessert.
4. Fold in the Whipped Topping:
Gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep it light and fluffy!
5. Layer It Up!
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust you made earlier. Make sure it’s nice and even so every bite is tasty!
6. Add the Lemon Curd:
Now, spread the lemon curd over the cream cheese layer. This will give a zesty flavor that is simply wonderful!
7. Top with Blueberry Pie Filling:
Next, add the blueberry pie filling on top of the lemon curd, spreading it out evenly. The colors are already looking beautiful!
8. Finish with Whipped Topping:
Spread the remaining whipped topping over the blueberry layer. This adds a nice finishing touch that makes it look extra delicious!
9. Garnish:
Sprinkle a few extra graham cracker crumbs on top for a little crunch, and add some fresh blueberries as a gorgeous garnish!
10. Chill and Serve:
Cover your dessert and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or until it’s fully set. When you’re ready to serve, just slice it up and enjoy the refreshing flavors! Yum!
Can I Use Different Types of Crust in This Dessert?
Absolutely! While graham cracker crust is classic, you can substitute it with crushed Oreo cookies for a chocolatey twist or use a gluten-free cookie for a gluten-free version. Just adjust the butter amount slightly based on the cookie’s fat content.
What if I Don’t Have Lemon Curd?
No worries! If you don’t have lemon curd, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of lemon juice, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 2 eggs in a saucepan over low heat until thickened. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought lemon pie filling that works in a pinch too!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the longer it sits, the softer the crust may become. You might want to eat it sooner rather than later for the best texture!
Can I Freeze This Dessert?
Yes, you can freeze this dessert! Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn. It should be good for up to 2 months. To serve, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying it!
