There's something about the fresh, citrusy scent of lemon paired with sweet, juicy blueberries that just screams summer. This No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert is light, creamy, and loaded with layers of flavor — and the best part? You don’t even have to turn on your oven.
I first made this on a scorching July day when I couldn’t bear the thought of baking but still wanted something sweet to share at a backyard BBQ. It was such a hit that I’ve been asked to bring it to every gathering since. It’s cool, refreshing, and ridiculously easy to make — perfect for last-minute plans or when you need a make-ahead dessert that impresses.
Whether you're hosting brunch, a picnic, or just want something sweet after dinner, this no-bake wonder delivers on taste and convenience. Let's dive in!
Why You’ll Love This No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
Get ready to fall head over heels for this refreshing treat. This No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert isn't just delicious — it's practically effortless, which makes it ideal for any occasion.
First and foremost, it’s completely no bake. That means no heating up the kitchen, no worrying about baking times, and no stress. Just layer, chill, and serve.
It’s also incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. With a handful of everyday ingredients and some simple layering, you'll have a beautiful dessert in no time.
You’ll love how budget-friendly it is. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy-to-find items from your local grocery store, making it perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
And don’t forget its versatility. You can swap out the fruit, play around with flavors, or even make it in individual cups for a fun twist. It’s endlessly customizable!
Once you try this dessert, it just might become your go-to sweet treat for spring and summer. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this dessert lies in the combination of bright citrus and sweet berries layered over a creamy base. Each ingredient plays an important role in the flavor and structure of the final dish.
Lemon pudding mix is the star of the show here. It gives the dessert its signature zesty flavor and smooth, silky texture. Be sure to use instant pudding mix, not the cook-and-serve variety, so everything sets properly without heat.
Cream cheese adds richness and a slight tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the pudding and fruit. For best results, let it soften to room temperature before blending so your filling turns out ultra creamy with no lumps.
Whipped topping (like Cool Whip) gives the dessert its airy, mousse-like texture. It also makes layering easy and holds everything together without any extra fuss. You can use homemade whipped cream if you prefer, though the stability may vary.
Blueberries bring a natural sweetness and burst of freshness to every bite. Fresh berries work best, but if you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that can water down your layers.
Graham cracker crumbs form the buttery base of this dessert. Mix them with melted butter and press into the dish for a quick, no-bake crust that adds just the right amount of crunch.
You’ll also need a hand mixer (or stand mixer) and an 8x8 or 9x9-inch square dish for assembly. A rubber spatula comes in handy for smooth, even layers.
How To Make This No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
Creating this dreamy, fruity dessert is as easy as layering a few simple components. Here’s how it all comes together.
Start by preparing your crust. In a medium bowl, mix your graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your square dish to form an even crust. Pop it in the freezer to firm up while you work on the filling.
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. This step is key to avoiding any lumps. Once the texture is creamy, add in the lemon pudding mix and slowly stream in the cold milk. Keep mixing until it thickens slightly, which should only take a minute or two.
Now it’s time to fold in your whipped topping. Do this gently using a rubber spatula so you don’t deflate the fluffy texture. You should end up with a pale yellow, silky filling that smells like sunshine.
Take your crust out of the freezer and spread about half of the pudding mixture over it. Add a layer of fresh blueberries over the top, then repeat with the remaining pudding mixture. You can scatter a few more blueberries on top or even add a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a decorative touch.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have time. This chilling step allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Once chilled, slice into squares and serve cold. Each bite is creamy, citrusy, and bursting with berry goodness — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Storage Options
This no bake dessert holds up well in the fridge, making it a great option for make-ahead entertaining. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer individual servings to airtight containers.
In the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors deepen — just know the crust may soften slightly over time.
Freezing is also an option if you want to prep further ahead. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. The texture may be slightly softer, but it will still taste amazing.
To re-serve leftovers, you don’t need to do much. Just scoop or slice a piece straight from the fridge and enjoy cold. It’s not a dessert that needs reheating, which makes it all the more convenient.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Try switching up the fruit — raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries would all be delicious. You can even use a mixed berry blend for more color and variety.
For a richer filling, use lemon curd in place of the pudding mix. It gives a slightly denser texture and an extra lemony punch. Just blend it with the cream cheese and whipped topping as you would the pudding mixture.
If you’re not a fan of graham crackers, use vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even crushed lemon Oreos for the crust. Each adds a unique flavor that complements the citrus theme beautifully.
Need a dairy-free option? Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped topping, and make sure your pudding mix is non-dairy as well. The result is still creamy and flavorful, just more allergy-friendly.
Feeling fancy? Assemble the dessert in individual jars or cups for personal portions that look extra special. These are great for parties or picnics and make serving a breeze.
No matter how you customize it, this recipe is forgiving and always delicious. Have fun with it and don’t be afraid to get creative!
PrintNo Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert Recipe
This no bake lemon blueberry dessert recipe is a quick and easy treat packed with bright citrus flavor and juicy blueberries. Perfect for summer, it's creamy, fruity, and requires zero oven time – making it ideal for hot days. A luscious layer of lemon cream rests over a crunchy graham cracker base, topped with a sweet blueberry compote.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes + chilling time
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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6 tbsp melted butter
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2 tbsp sugar
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1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
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1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
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½ cup lemon juice (fresh)
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1 tsp lemon zest
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream
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1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
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2 tbsp sugar (for blueberry topping)
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1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
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Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a dish to form the crust. Chill for 15 minutes.
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Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
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Fold in whipped topping gently until well combined.
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Pour mixture over chilled crust and smooth the top.
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In a saucepan, heat blueberries and sugar until berries burst. Add cornstarch if a thicker topping is desired. Cool.
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Spread the blueberry topping over the lemon layer.
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Chill the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
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For extra texture, add a few crushed nuts to the crust.
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Fresh blueberries work best, but frozen can be used with a little thickener.
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Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. ⅛ of pan)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
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