There’s something magical about the combination of tangy lemons and sweet, juicy blueberries. This No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert is the perfect treat for warm days when you want something refreshing, creamy, and bursting with flavor—without turning on your oven.
I first created this recipe during a particularly hot summer when my family craved something sweet but the idea of baking felt unbearable. Since then, it’s become a staple in our home—easy, quick, and absolutely delightful.
Let’s dive into why this might just become your new favorite dessert.
Why You’ll Love This No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
Get ready to indulge in a dessert that checks every box: simple, satisfying, and absolutely gorgeous on the table.
First off, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps and no baking required, you can have a beautiful layered dessert ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy days, last-minute guests, or when you simply want a fuss-free treat.
It’s also budget-friendly. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easily found at any grocery store. You don’t need any fancy equipment or specialty items, which means you can whip this up anytime without extra cost.
Versatility is another big win. You can easily swap out the fruit depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Strawberries, raspberries, or even a mixed berry blend work beautifully if you don’t have blueberries.
Lastly, this dessert is crowd-pleasing and visually stunning. The bright layers of creamy lemon filling and vibrant blueberries make it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations. Every bite is a balance of creamy, tart, and sweet.
Now that you’re tempted, let’s talk about what you’ll need.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together for a delightful flavor explosion.
The base starts with graham crackers. Crushed into fine crumbs and mixed with melted butter, they form a sturdy yet tender crust that holds up beautifully against the creamy layers. You can use pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs to save even more time.
The heart of the filling is cream cheese. Its rich, smooth texture provides the perfect canvas for the lemon flavor. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing—it blends more easily and prevents lumps.
For that bright, tangy punch, fresh lemon juice and zest are essential. The juice adds tartness, while the zest imparts a fragrant, citrusy aroma that elevates the entire dessert. Use fresh lemons whenever possible for the best flavor.
Of course, we can’t forget the blueberries. Fresh blueberries work best here because they maintain their shape and burst with flavor in each bite. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
To finish the filling, whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream) adds lightness and volume, making the dessert airy and soft. I typically use a store-bought whipped topping for convenience, but freshly whipped cream adds an extra layer of indulgence.
For this recipe, you’ll only need basic kitchen tools: a mixing bowl, hand mixer, spatula, and a square 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch dish for layering.
How To Make This No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert
Creating this no bake treat is wonderfully simple. I’ll walk you through each step so you can enjoy this refreshing dessert in no time.
Begin by preparing the crust. In a mixing bowl, combine your crushed graham crackers with melted butter. Stir until all crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your serving dish, creating an even layer. Place it in the refrigerator to chill while you work on the filling.
Next, move on to the creamy lemon filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. This step is important to ensure a silky texture. Gradually add in powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, continuing to beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
Once your lemon mixture is ready, gently fold in the whipped topping. Use a spatula and light strokes to keep the mixture airy and prevent deflating the whipped topping. This creates that luscious, mousse-like consistency we’re aiming for.
Retrieve your chilled crust from the fridge and spread the lemon filling evenly over it. Smooth out the top with a spatula to create a nice, even layer.
Now for the blueberries: sprinkle them generously over the creamy filling. I like to slightly press them into the surface so they settle a bit but still maintain their vibrant, fresh look.
Finally, refrigerate the entire dessert for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the layers to firm up and the flavors to meld together beautifully. When ready to serve, you’ll be rewarded with a cool, creamy, and tangy dessert that practically melts in your mouth.
Storage Options
One of the great perks of this No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert is how well it stores, making it ideal for preparing in advance.
In the refrigerator, store the dessert tightly covered with plastic wrap or a fitted lid. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. The crust may soften slightly over time, but the flavors only get better as they sit.
For longer storage, you can freeze the dessert. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.
If freezing individual portions, slice the dessert first and wrap each piece separately. This makes it easy to enjoy a small treat whenever the craving strikes.
When reheating (if slightly frozen or extra cold), allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. However, this dessert is best served cold straight from the fridge.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
If you prefer a slightly different base, try using vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies in place of graham crackers. Both options add a lovely, subtle sweetness and a buttery flavor.
For a richer filling, substitute the store-bought whipped topping with freshly whipped heavy cream. Whip 1 cup of heavy cream with a few tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, then fold into the lemon mixture.
You can easily swap the fruit. While blueberries are classic, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries make excellent alternatives. A mixed berry medley offers a burst of color and diverse flavor profile.
For a lower-sugar version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar-free whipped topping, along with your preferred low-calorie sweetener instead of powdered sugar.
Feeling adventurous? Add a layer of lemon curd between the crust and the cream cheese mixture for an extra tangy twist that lemon lovers will adore.
Don’t be afraid to play around with flavors and textures. This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your creativity!
PrintNo Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert Recipe
Enjoy this delightful No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert! Made with fresh blueberries, zesty lemon, and a creamy filling, it's the perfect no-bake treat for summer gatherings or quick weeknight desserts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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2 cups graham cracker crumbs
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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16 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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¼ cup lemon juice
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1 tbsp lemon zest
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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2 cups fresh blueberries
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¼ cup blueberry preserves (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press into a 9x13-inch pan. Chill in refrigerator.
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Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
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Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold into the cream cheese mixture.
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Assemble: Spread half the filling over the crust. Top with blueberries and blueberry preserves if desired. Add remaining filling and smooth the top.
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Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
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Serve: Garnish with additional blueberries and lemon zest if desired.
Notes
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For a firmer set, chill overnight.
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Substitute graham crackers with vanilla wafers or shortbread for variation.
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Use frozen blueberries if fresh are not available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
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