This Lemon Blueberry Delight is a refreshing treat with tangy lemon and sweet blueberries. It’s light and fluffy, perfect for warm days when you need a burst of sunshine!
I love how easy it is to whip up this dessert. Just mix, chill, and enjoy! It always gets smiles at gatherings—even my dog can’t resist the smell! 🐶🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These provide a sweet and crunchy base. If you don’t have them, crushed digestive biscuits or even Oreo crumbs can work as great alternatives!
Cream Cheese: I recommend full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese is a good substitute. It’s lower in fat but still creamy!
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is key for a light and fluffy texture. If you’re trying to avoid dairy, coconut cream can be a good alternative—it whips nicely and adds a lovely coconut flavor.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemons provide the best flavor! In a pinch, bottled lemon juice can be used, but I always prefer fresh for that vibrant taste. Lime juice can also work if you want a twist.
Blueberry Preserves: If you don’t have preserves, fresh or frozen blueberries can be cooked with a bit of sugar to create a similar topping. It’s a nice way to control sweetness, too!
How Do You Make Sure Your Cream Cheese Mixture is Smooth?
A common challenge is ensuring the cream cheese is smooth and creamy. Start by letting your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. This really helps it blend better. Here’s how:
- Beat the cream cheese alone with powdered sugar first until it becomes fluffy.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for the best results.
- Gradually add in the whipped cream mixture, and gently fold it in—this keeps it airy!
Take your time with this step, and you’ll have a delightful texture!
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 Cream Cheese Filling:
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Blueberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup blueberry preserves
For Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Additional blueberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert requires about 20 minutes of prep time and then at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. So, mix and bake, then relax while it sets up. It’s an effortless treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter. Now, take this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish to form a nice crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy—this will be the delicious filling! In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until you see soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, making sure they’re well combined. Finally, add in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing just until everything is incorporated.
3. Assemble the Delight:
Spread the creamy filling evenly over the cooled crust. Now let’s create the blueberry topping! In a small saucepan, gently heat the blueberry preserves until they’re melted and bubbly. Once warm, remove it from the heat and stir in the fresh blueberries. Pour this blueberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly.
4. Chill and Garnish:
Cover the baking dish and refrigerate your Lemon Blueberry Delight for at least 4 hours, or until it’s fully set. When you’re ready to serve, garnish with fresh lemon slices and some extra blueberries on top. Slice into squares, serve, and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Can I Use Another Type of Crust?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of graham cracker crust, you can use a cookie crust made from crushed digestive biscuits or Oreos. Just mix the crumbled cookies with the melted butter and sugar in the same way and proceed with the recipe!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking to lighten the recipe or if you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with coconut cream or a mixture of milk and melted butter (for every cup of heavy cream, use 3/4 cup milk and 1/4 cup butter). The texture might differ slightly, but it will still taste delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it’s covered well to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. It’s best enjoyed cold, so you can slice and serve straight from the fridge!
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture. You might want to heat the blueberry preserves a bit longer to help meld the flavors, and be aware that the frozen blueberries may release some juice, which can add to the overall wetness of the dish.
