No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert is the perfect treat for any occasion. Its light and refreshing flavors make it a crowd-pleaser at summer barbecues, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations. This dessert features a delightful combination of creamy lemon pudding, rich cream cheese, and sweet blueberry pie filling, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. The best part? It requires no baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this dessert in no time.
- No Baking Required: Perfect for warm days when you want a cool treat without heating up the kitchen.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The zesty lemon paired with sweet blueberries creates a refreshing taste that everyone will love.
- Great for Large Gatherings: Serves 20 people, making it ideal for parties or potlucks.
- Versatile Presentation: You can serve it straight from the dish or slice it into squares for a more polished look.
Tools and Preparation
Before starting your No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make your preparation smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 13 x 9 inch baking dish
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Ensures that the cream cheese becomes light and fluffy, helping to create a smooth filling.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to mix different components without cross-contamination.
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. tubs 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 until well combined. Set aside 1/2 cup of this mixture for optional topping later. Press the remaining crumbs firmly into the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Place in the refrigerator to allow the crust to set while you prepare the next layer.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
In a large bowl, beat together room temperature cream cheese and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add in lemon juice and milk, mixing thoroughly until incorporated. Gradually add dry lemon pudding mix, beating until fully combined; expect a thick batter consistency.
Step 3: Layer the Filling
Drop dollops of the lemon mixture onto the chilled crust, spreading gently into an even layer using a rubber spatula.
Step 4: Add Blueberry Pie Filling
Spoon blueberry pie filling over the lemon layer by small dollops to minimize spreading. Gently spread it into an even layer.
Step 5: Top with Whipped Topping
Spread a layer of thawed whipped topping evenly over the blueberry layer. Sprinkle reserved graham cracker crumbs on top if desired for added texture.
Final Touch
Refrigerate your No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert for at least 2 hours before serving to allow it to set properly. Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy!
How to Serve No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
This No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, family gathering, or dinner party, here are some creative ways to present this refreshing dessert.
Individual Cups
- Use small clear cups to serve the dessert in individual portions. This adds a touch of elegance and makes it easy for guests to enjoy.
Family Style
- Serve the dessert in the 13 x 9 dish directly on the table. This encourages guests to help themselves and creates a casual atmosphere.
Garnished Slices
- Before serving, slice the dessert into squares and garnish each piece with fresh blueberries and a sprig of mint for an attractive presentation.
With Fresh Fruit
- Pair each serving with a side of fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries. The added freshness complements the lemon and blueberry flavors perfectly.
Drizzled Sauce
- Consider drizzling some lemon glaze or blueberry sauce on top just before serving. This enhances both flavor and visual appeal.
How to Perfect No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
To ensure your No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Chill Properly: Allowing the dessert to chill for at least 2 hours helps all layers set well and enhances flavors.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cream cheese at room temperature makes it easier to blend smoothly into the mixture, resulting in a creamier texture.
- Gently Spread Layers: When adding layers like lemon filling or blueberry pie topping, be gentle to avoid mixing them together.
- Use Quality Crust: A buttery graham cracker crust adds richness. Ensure it’s pressed firmly for stability when cutting.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Top with fresh lemon zest or blueberries right before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
Serving side dishes alongside your dessert can enhance the overall experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the dessert.
- Lemon Sorbet – The refreshing citrus flavor pairs beautifully with lemon blueberry flavors.
- Greek Yogurt – Creamy yogurt adds tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the dessert.
- Minted Cucumber Salad – A light salad with mint provides a refreshing contrast.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries – Indulge your guests with sweet chocolate that contrasts nicely with tartness.
- Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses that offer a savory balance against sweet desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using cold cream cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Cold cream cheese will not blend well, leading to lumps in your filling.
- Skipping refrigeration time: Allow the dessert to set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps the layers firm up properly for better slicing.
- Overmixing the pudding layer: Mix the pudding just until combined. Overmixing can make it too thick, which may affect the texture of your dessert.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons. Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right balance of flavors and textures.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Ingredients like butter and milk should be at room temperature. This ensures smoother mixing and a better final product.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert in an airtight container.
- It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep it covered to maintain its freshness.
Freezing No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
- You can freeze this dessert for up to 2 months.
- Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
- Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
- Oven: Not recommended as this dessert is served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid microwaving; best served chilled straight from the fridge.
- Stovetop: Not applicable; this is a no-bake recipe meant to be served cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert?
A No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert is a refreshing treat made with layers of lemon pudding and blueberry pie filling on a graham cracker crust, perfect for warm days.
Can I use fresh blueberries instead of blueberry pie filling?
Yes, you can substitute fresh blueberries mixed with sugar or lemon juice for a fresher taste, though this may alter the consistency slightly.
How do I customize my No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert?
You can add extra fruit layers, switch out flavors of pudding, or use different toppings like crushed nuts or coconut for added texture.
How long does it take to make No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert?
Preparation takes about 30 minutes, but you’ll want to refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving for the best results.
Final Thoughts
The No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert is not only delicious but also versatile. Its refreshing flavors make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with different fruits or toppings to suit your taste. Give this delightful recipe a try!
No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 20 people 1x
Description
Indulge in a refreshing treat with this No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert, perfect for any occasion. This delightful dessert features layers of creamy lemon pudding, rich cream cheese, and sweet blueberry pie filling, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. With its light flavors and no-bake simplicity, it’s an ideal choice for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations. Plus, it serves up to 20 people, making it great for potlucks and parties. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
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
- 1 (3.4 oz.) box instant lemon pudding mix
- 21 oz. can blueberry pie filling
- 16 oz. tub frozen whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
- Prepare the crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press firmly into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish and refrigerate.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Add lemon juice and milk; mix thoroughly before gradually incorporating lemon pudding mix.
- Spread the lemon mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Spoon blueberry pie filling over the lemon layer gently to avoid mixing.
- Top with whipped topping and optional reserved graham cracker crumbs.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
