No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert is the perfect treat for any occasion. This delightful dessert combines cool, refreshing lemon pudding and cream cheese with a layer of sweet blueberry pie filling, all atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it’s ideal for summer gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as a sweet reward after a long day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Baking Required: This dessert saves you time by skipping the oven while still delivering a delicious result.
- Refreshing Flavors: The bright lemon and sweet blueberry combination makes for a refreshing treat that’s perfect for warm days.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to experiment with different fruit toppings or flavored pudding mixes to suit your taste.
- Feeds a Crowd: With 20 servings, this dessert is perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Quick Prep Time: In just 30 minutes, you can have this dessert ready for chilling in the fridge.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making this No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will streamline your process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- 13 x 9-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your ingredients without mess.
- Electric mixer: Makes whipping cream cheese and mixing batter quick and easy.
- Rubber spatula: Helps in spreading layers evenly without damaging the crust.
Ingredients
Cool refreshing lemon pudding and cream cheese with a layer of sweet blueberry pie filling covered with Cool Whip on a buttery graham cracker crust.
For the Crust
- 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
For the Filling
- 2 – 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 3.4 oz. box instant lemon pudding
For the Topping
- 21 oz. can blueberry pie filling
- 16 oz. tub frozen whipped topping, thawed
How to Make No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a bowl.
- Set aside 1/2 cup of the mixture for optional topping later.
- Press the remaining crumbs into the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Place the dish in the refrigerator to let the crust set while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add lemon juice and milk; mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Gradually add dry lemon pudding mix; beat until well combined. The batter will be thick.
- Drop dollops of this mixture onto the chilled crust and gently spread it into an even layer.
Step 3: Add Blueberry Layer
- Spoon blueberry pie filling over the lemon layer by small spoonfuls to minimize spreading effort.
- Gently spread it into an even layer on top of the lemon mixture.
Step 4: Finish with Whipped Topping
- Spread thawed whipped topping over the blueberry layer evenly using a spatula.
- Sprinkle reserved graham cracker crumbs on top if desired.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil.
- Allow dessert to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy!
With these simple steps, you’ll create a mouthwatering No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert that’s sure to impress!
How to Serve No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
Serving your No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert can elevate the experience for you and your guests. Here are some fun and delicious ways to present this refreshing treat.
Individual Portions
- Use small dessert cups for a stylish presentation. Layer the dessert in clear cups to showcase the beautiful colors.
Garnished with Fresh Fruit
- Top each serving with fresh blueberries and lemon zest. This adds a burst of flavor and enhances the visual appeal.
With a Drizzle
- Drizzle some lemon glaze or berry sauce over the top before serving. This creates an extra layer of flavor that complements the dessert well.
Accompanied by Ice Cream
- Serve alongside vanilla or lemon ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon and blueberries.
As Party Favors
- Prepare mini jars filled with dessert for guests to take home. This makes for a delightful treat they can enjoy later.
On a Dessert Table
- Include this dessert on a larger dessert table, surrounded by other sweet treats. Its vibrant colors will attract attention and delight guests.
How to Perfect No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
To ensure your No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Chill Time is Key: Allowing the dessert to chill for at least 2 hours helps it set properly, ensuring clean slices when serving.
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Graham Cracker Crust: Make sure to press the crust firmly into the dish. A well-set crust prevents crumbling when serving.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing, which results in a smoother filling.
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Layering Technique: Drop pie filling by spoonfuls rather than spreading it right away. This helps maintain distinct layers without mixing them together.
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Whipped Topping Texture: Fold in whipped topping gently rather than stirring vigorously to keep it light and fluffy.
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Customization Options: Feel free to substitute other fruits like strawberries or raspberries if blueberries aren’t available, adding variety while keeping it delicious.
Best Side Dishes for No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
Complement your No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert with these delightful side dishes that enhance its flavors and create a well-rounded meal.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast and adds color to your table.
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Lemon Sorbet: This light, icy treat echoes the lemon flavor and cleanses the palate between bites of rich dessert.
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Greek Yogurt Parfaits: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that balances sweetness.
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Minted Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber slices tossed in mint vinaigrette offer a cool crunch that complements the dessert’s richness.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses paired with crackers can enhance flavors and provide a savory contrast to sweet desserts.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet bites add elegance and pair wonderfully with both lemon and blueberry flavors.
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Mini Quiches: Savory quiches can balance out the sweetness of your dessert course, offering variety in textures and tastes.
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Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad dressed with citrus vinaigrette adds freshness and is a healthy side option that pairs nicely with desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can ruin your creation. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Not letting the crust set – Ensure you refrigerate the graham cracker crust for a sufficient time. This helps it firm up and provides a better base for the layers.
- Skipping room temperature ingredients – Always use cream cheese at room temperature. Cold cream cheese won’t blend well and can result in lumps.
- Rushing through chilling time – Allow the dessert to chill for at least 2 hours. This helps all layers meld together and enhances flavors.
- Overmixing the pudding layer – When adding the dry pudding mix, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the texture gummy instead of creamy.
- Ignoring presentation – Take time to spread layers evenly and add optional toppings. A well-presented dessert is always more tempting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- The dessert is best enjoyed within 3-5 days.
Freezing No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
- You can freeze it for up to 2 months.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
Reheating No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until warmed through; avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Not recommended, as this dessert is best served chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert?
No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert is a refreshing treat made with creamy lemon pudding, blueberry pie filling, and a buttery graham cracker crust.
How do I make my own blueberry filling?
You can make blueberry filling by simmering fresh or frozen blueberries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened.
Can I use other fruits in this dessert?
Yes! Feel free to substitute blueberries with strawberries, raspberries, or even peaches for a different flavor profile.
How long does No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert last in the fridge?
The dessert stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days when stored properly.
Final Thoughts
This No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert offers a perfect blend of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries on a buttery crust. It’s an easy recipe that allows for customization based on your favorite fruits or toppings. Give it a try at your next gathering; it’s bound to impress!
No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x
Description
No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert is a delightful treat that combines the zing of lemon pudding with rich cream cheese and a luscious layer of sweet blueberry pie filling, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
- 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 3.4 oz. box instant lemon pudding
- 21 oz. can blueberry pie filling
- 16 oz. tub frozen whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter; reserve 1/2 cup for topping.
- Press remaining mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish; refrigerate.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy; add lemon juice and milk.
- Gradually mix in dry lemon pudding until smooth; spread over crust.
- Spoon blueberry filling over the lemon layer; smooth gently.
- Spread thawed whipped topping on top; sprinkle reserved crumbs if desired.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 130g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
