This Lemon Blueberry Delight is a refreshing treat that combines zesty lemon and sweet blueberries for a burst of flavor! It’s perfect for warm days or whenever you need a pick-me-up.
Plus, it’s super easy to make! Just mix the ingredients, layer them up, and chill. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this cool, tangy delight! 🍋💙
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These create a great base for the dessert. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or crushed cookies. Experiment with flavors by using chocolate or vanilla-flavored cookies for a twist!
Cream Cheese: This gives the dessert its creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter option, you could substitute with Greek yogurt or a low-fat cream cheese. Just note that the flavor will vary slightly!
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness. If you have bottled lemon juice, it can work in a pinch, but fresh gives a much better taste. You can also use lime juice for a different flavor.
Heavy Whipping Cream: For the best whipped cream results, use heavy cream, as it whips up nicely. Light cream won’t whip as well. A dairy-free alternative is coconut cream, which can be whipped and provides a nice flavor!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal, but frozen blueberries can also be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to avoid excess moisture. You could substitute with raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist!
How Do You Get the Whipped Cream to Stay Fluffy?
Whipping heavy cream can be tricky, but with the right techniques, you’ll get that perfect, fluffy texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a chilled mixing bowl and beaters. Cold equipment helps the cream whip faster.
- Start with cold heavy cream. Pour it into the bowl and add sugar for sweetness.
- Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form, then increase to high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as it can turn buttery!
- Once whipped, spread it evenly on the cream cheese layer with a gentle touch to keep it fluffy.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Delight
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cream Layer:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
For The Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp sugar (for whipping cream)
- 2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup blueberry pie filling (optional for added flavor)
- Lemon slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. You’ll enjoy a refreshing treat with creamy layers and fruity goodness, perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix them together until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Next, press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form a nice crust. Bake this in the oven for about 8-10 minutes. Once done, take it out and allow it to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream Layer:
Now it’s time to make the creamy layer! In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Keep mixing until everything is nice and smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk to this mixture and blend until well combined. Pour this luscious cream cheese mixture over your cooled crust and smooth it out nicely.
3. Add the Topping:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until stiff peaks form. This will give your dessert a light and fluffy texture! Carefully spread the whipped cream over the cream cheese layer. Next, it’s time for the blueberries! Place the blueberries on top of the whipped cream. If you’d like, drizzle some blueberry pie filling over the blueberries for that extra burst of flavor. Finally, garnish your dessert with lemon slices on top. Now cover the dish and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or until everything is nicely set.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, slice up your Lemon Blueberry Delight and serve it cold. Enjoy the refreshing combination of flavors—it’s the perfect treat for sunny days and sweet gatherings!
Can I Use Other Cracker Types for the Crust?
Absolutely! While graham crackers are traditional, you can use other types like digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafers for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the sugar if the crackers are already sweetened.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Blueberries?
No worries! You can use frozen blueberries instead. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the dish to avoid excess moisture. Go ahead and sprinkle them on right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant!
Can I Make This Dessert Vegan?
Yes! To make this dessert vegan, you can substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative, use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream, and replace the sweetened condensed milk with a vegan equivalent or homemade coconut milk sweetened condensed milk. Just remember to check labels for dairy in graham crackers!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just be aware that the texture might change slightly after thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
