This Lemon Blueberry Delight is a refreshing treat bursting with flavor! The zesty lemon pairs perfectly with the sweet blueberries, making every bite a sunny delight.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just mix, chill, and enjoy. It’s a perfect dessert for hot days or any time you want something fruity and fun—plus, who can resist that vibrant color?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the base of your crust. If you can’t find graham cracker crumbs, crushed digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafers make a great alternative.
Unsalted Butter: Always go for unsalted butter to better control the sweetness of your dessert. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Cream Cheese: You’ll want this softened for easy mixing. If you’re lactose intolerant, look for dairy-free cream cheese or use silken tofu blended until smooth for a lighter option.
Whipped Topping: Cool Whip is easy and convenient, but you can make your own whipped cream using heavy cream and sugar. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead.
How Do I Get the Cream Cheese Mixture Smooth?
Getting that creamy texture is essential for your filling. Start by letting the cream cheese sit out until it’s soft—this helps it blend better.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 1-2 minutes to break down any lumps first.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to avoid clumping. This also allows it to incorporate smoothly.
- Once combined, mix in the whipped topping, lemon juice, and zest until everything is creamy and well-blended.
What’s the Best Way to Layer the Blueberry Mixture?
To make your dessert look as good as it tastes, layering is key. When mixing fresh blueberries with the pie filling, be gentle to keep the berries intact for better texture.
- Start by combining them in a bowl, letting the blueberries shine.
- Spoon the blueberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it carefully for an even finish.
- Chill the dessert properly; it really helps the layers to set and meld together!
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Delight?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
For The Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
For The Blueberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup blueberry pie filling
For Garnish:
- Additional blueberries
- Lemon slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a chilling time of at least 4 hours to set. So, plan to start early in the day if you want to enjoy it later on!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Crust:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Take this crumb mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish. Bake it in the oven for 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely.
2. Creating the Creamy Filling:
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until it’s smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing well until everything is combined. Now, add the whipped topping, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix again until it’s all smooth and creamy.
3. Assembling the Layers:
Take the cream cheese mixture you just made and spread it evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. In a medium bowl, combine the fresh blueberries with the blueberry pie filling. Spoon this blueberry mix over the cream cheese layer and spread it out evenly so each bite will have that tasty blueberry flavor.
4. Chilling and Garnishing:
Now, cover the dish and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or until set. This is the hard part—waiting! Before serving, top your Lemon Blueberry Delight with some additional whipped topping, fresh blueberries, and lovely lemon slices for a beautiful garnish.
5. Serving:
Finally, slice it into squares and enjoy your delicious Lemon Blueberry Delight!
Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute the graham cracker crust with a cookie crust (like Oreos or digestive biscuits) or a traditional pie crust. Just make sure to adjust the size and baking time if needed, especially for a pre-baked pie crust.
What If I Can’t Find Fresh Blueberries?
No worries! You can easily use frozen blueberries instead. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing them with the pie filling to avoid a watery layer in your dessert.
How Long Can I Keep Leftovers?
The Lemon Blueberry Delight can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to maintain freshness. It’s best enjoyed chilled!
Can I Make This Dessert Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make this dessert dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and a whipped topping that is coconut or soy-based. Also, check your graham crackers, as some brands contain dairy. Enjoy your creamy treat without the dairy!