This Lemon Blueberry Delight is a refreshing treat that mixes bright lemon flavor with sweet, juicy blueberries. It’s perfect for a sunny day or anytime you need a pick-me-up!
I love how the tangy lemon pairs perfectly with the burst of berries. It’s a great way to enjoy summer flavors, even when it’s chilly outside. 🍋💙
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: These form the crust for your dessert. If you don’t have graham crackers, try using digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed shortbread cookies. They all bring a different twist.
Cream cheese: For a creamier texture, make sure it’s softened before mixing. If you’re looking for a lighter version, try ricotta cheese. It has a different flavor but works well.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice offers a brighter taste, but bottled juice can work in a pinch. If you’re not into lemon, lime juice could be an interesting substitute too.
Heavy whipping cream: This gives a lovely richness to the filling. If you’re dairy-free, you can use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipping cream available at stores. Just check the packaging for best results!
How Do You Achieve a Smooth Cream Cheese Mixture?
Getting a smooth cream cheese mix can be tricky. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This will help it blend more easily.
- Beat it with powdered sugar first before adding lemon juice. This creates a creamy base.
- Mix gradually, don’t rush it. If it feels too thick, add a splash of cream until you reach the desired consistency.
With these tips, your Lemon Blueberry Delight will come out smooth and delicious every time!
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 granulated sugar
For the Lemon Cream Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is preferable)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) blueberry pie filling
- Fresh blueberries for garnish
- Lemon slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by 10 minutes of baking, and then a chilling time of 4 hours in the refrigerator. So in total, you will need around 4 hours and 25 minutes, but most of that time is just letting it chill and set!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until everything is well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create a crust. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until it turns a lovely golden brown. Once baked, let it cool completely.
2. Make the Lemon Cream Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually pour in the lemon juice while continuing to mix, making sure everything is fully incorporated.
3. Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, take your heavy whipping cream and whip it until it forms stiff peaks. This means it should hold its shape well. Next, gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream; you want your filling to stay light and fluffy!
4. Assemble the Dessert:
Spread the lemon cream layer evenly over your cooled crust. Then take the blueberry pie filling and spoon it over the lemon layer, spreading it out nicely. If you have any whipped cream left, feel free to add a dollop on top!
5. Chill and Garnish:
Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or until it is fully set. Once you’re ready to serve, garnish with fresh blueberries and lemon slices for a beautiful touch. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Blueberry Delight chilled!
Can I Use Different Types of Crust for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While graham cracker crumbs are traditional, you can use digestive biscuits, vanilla wafer cookies, or even a pre-made pie crust if you prefer. Just make sure the crust is baked according to the instructions on the package if using a store-bought version.
How to Substitute for Fresh Lemon Juice?
If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled lemon juice. However, fresh lemon juice provides a brighter flavor, so if you can, try to use the real deal. If using bottled juice, use the same amount, but bear in mind that the taste may be slightly different.
Can I Make This a Day Ahead?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making in advance! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just cover it well with plastic wrap to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the crust crisp, store the cream and filling separately from the crust until you’re ready to serve. Just give it a quick chill before enjoying again!
