No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the crust of your dessert. If you’re short on graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or Oreo crumbs for a chocolate twist.

Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps to bind the crust. You could substitute with coconut oil or a plant-based butter if you prefer a dairy-free option.

Cream Cheese: For a lighter version, consider using Neufchâtel cheese instead. It has less fat but still provides a creamy texture. Vegan cream cheese works too!

Lemon Curd: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade lemon curd can be more vibrant. If you’re out of lemon curd, a mixture of lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch heated until thick can be a quick substitute.

Fresh Blueberries: If fresh blueberries aren’t available, frozen blueberries can work as well but may lead to a softer texture. Dried blueberries are another alternative!

How Do I Ensure a Smooth Cream Cheese Mixture?

Getting a smooth cream cheese mixture is key for the base of this dessert. Follow these simple steps for the best results:

• Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This helps in mixing without lumps.
• Beat the cream cheese first without other ingredients, then gradually add the powdered sugar. This way, the sugar fully blends in.
• Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for a few minutes until creamy.
• When folding in the whipped topping, use a gentle motion to keep the light texture.

How to Make No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert?

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 Lemon Layer:

• 1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)

For The Blueberry Layer:

• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup blueberry pie filling

For Garnishing:

• Additional whipped topping for garnish
• Extra graham cracker crumbs for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful dessert requires about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 2 hours of chilling in the fridge. It’s super easy to whip up, and the chilling part allows the layers to set beautifully. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until all the crumbs are fully coated. Once mixed, press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to create a nice crust. Set it aside for now.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until the mixture is nice, smooth, and creamy. Be sure to mix it well so it’s lump-free. Then, gently fold in the whipped topping until it’s fully combined. This will create a fluffy and delicious cream cheese layer!

3. Assemble the Dessert:

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust in your dish, smoothing it out nicely. Next, pour the lemon curd over the cream cheese layer. Use a spatula to spread it gently so it stays nice and creamy underneath. Now, add the blueberry pie filling on top of that lemon curd layer and spread it out evenly for a beautiful finish.

4. Top it Off:

For the final touch, spread some additional whipped topping over the blueberry pie filling, making sure it’s nice and smooth across the top. Then, sprinkle some extra graham cracker crumbs as a garnish for a bit of crunch.

5. Chill and Serve:

Cover the dessert and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps all the layers set up nicely. Before serving, you can add fresh blueberries on top for an extra pop of color. When you’re ready to dig in, cut it into squares and enjoy every delicious bite!

Can I Use Different Types of Cookies for the Crust?

Absolutely! If you don’t have graham crackers, consider using digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers as a substitute. Just crush them into crumbs and follow the same steps with melted butter. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may slightly vary.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about 3-4 days. Layering a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the dessert before sealing the container can help preserve the texture and prevent it from absorbing any odors.

Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?

Yes! Frozen blueberries can be used, but it’s best to thaw them beforehand and drain off any excess juice to prevent a soggy dessert. Gently fold them into the dessert just before serving for the best flavor.

What Can I Substitute for Lemon Curd?

If you don’t have lemon curd on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of lemon juice with 1/2 cup of sugar and 3 eggs in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until thickened. Alternatively, a store-bought lemon pie filling can work as a replacement, but note that it may be sweeter!