Lemon Cream Cheese Dessert with Blueberry Topping Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you love a dessert that feels both indulgent and fresh — that’s exactly why I’m so excited to share my Lemon Cream Cheese Dessert with Blueberry Topping Recipe with you today. This treat combines the tangy brightness of lemon with the rich creaminess of cream cheese, all resting on a sweet, nutty pecan crust. And that blueberry topping? Oh, it’s like the perfect little crown on this dessert. Stick around, because I promise this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and surprisingly easy to pull off!
Why This Recipe Works
- Balance of Flavors: The tartness of lemonade concentrate and lemon pudding pairs beautifully with the creamy sweetness of the cream cheese filling.
- Textural Contrast: Crunchy brown sugar pecan crust beneath a smooth filling and juicy blueberry topping keeps every bite interesting.
- Simple Prep: Uses easily accessible ingredients with minimal hands-on time — perfect for a last-minute dessert fix.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Refrigerates well, allowing flavors to meld and making it a great option for parties or potlucks.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Lemon Cream Cheese Dessert with Blueberry Topping Recipe serves a purpose — from the sturdy nutty crust that holds it all together to the luscious blueberry sauce that adds freshness. I find that sourcing good quality cream cheese and fresh blueberries truly makes a difference here.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor in the crust, which contrasts with the tart lemon in the filling.
- Pecans: Provides great crunch and a warm, nutty flavor — I prefer chopping them roughly for texture.
- Butter: Binds the crust ingredients and makes it rich; melted butter helps everything pack down neatly.
- Evaporated milk: Thickens the lemon pudding mix while lending a creamy consistency.
- Instant lemon pudding mix: Potent lemon flavor that instantly boosts the dessert’s brightness.
- Cream cheese: The silky, tangy base of the dessert — be sure to soften it well for the smoothest texture.
- Frozen lemonade concentrate: Concentrates all that zesty lemon essence in the filling without watering it down.
- Fresh blueberries: Juicy and slightly sweet for the topping; fresh ones burst beautifully when cooked.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the blueberry topping just enough without overwhelming.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the blueberry topping, emphasizing the citrus theme throughout.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the blueberry sauce so it stays nicely spreadable.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how versatile this Lemon Cream Cheese Dessert with Blueberry Topping Recipe is — depending on your mood and ingredient availability, it’s super easy to switch things up a bit to make it your own.
- Berry Swap: I once replaced the blueberries with fresh raspberries and a drizzle of raspberry syrup — so delicious and tangy.
- Nut-Free Version: If you’re allergic or just want a twist, swap the pecans for crushed graham crackers or oatmeal cookies for the crust.
- Less Sweet: For a lighter dessert, reduce the sugar in the blueberry topping or use a light lemonade concentrate in the filling.
- Extra Citrus Punch: Adding a bit of lemon zest to the filling amps up the fresh lemon flavor (a little goes a long way!).
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dessert with Blueberry Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Crust with Love
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and giving your baking dish a light spray of non-stick cooking spray. I usually use an 8×8 inch glass dish — it’s just the right size for this recipe. Mix the brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter in a bowl until everything’s evenly combined. Then press this mixture firmly and evenly into your dish — I use the back of a spoon or a glass to really compact it well. Bake for about 15 minutes until it’s golden and smells nutty — this helps build that wonderful crunchy base. Don’t skip letting it cool completely before the next step; if you try to add the filling while it’s warm, it might soak in too much and get soggy.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Lemon Filling
While the crust’s cooling, grab a small bowl and whisk evaporated milk and instant lemon pudding mix together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until it thickens nicely — it should be almost like a soft mousse. Next, in a bigger bowl, beat softened cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy — this usually takes me 3 minutes with my mixer. The cream cheese makes the filling so smooth and rich, so don’t rush it! Gradually fold in the frozen lemonade concentrate, then the pudding mixture, mixing well after each addition. Finally, spread this luscious filling evenly over your cooled pecan crust. Your kitchen will already smell like a little slice of heaven.
Step 3: Cook and Cool the Blueberry Topping
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, toss in fresh blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir frequently as the blueberries heat up, burst, and release their juices — this creates a glossy, thick sauce in about 5-7 minutes. It’s important to stir regularly so the cornstarch doesn’t clump or stick to the pan. Once thickened, take it off the heat and let it cool completely (patience here really pays off). Once cooled, gently spread the blueberry topping evenly all over the cream cheese lemon filling.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover your dish and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours — overnight if you can. This chilling step lets the flavors meld beautifully and makes slicing this dessert neat and easy. When you’re ready to serve, cut into squares or spoon it onto plates so everyone can get a bit of that crunchy crust, tangy filling, and fresh blueberry topping. Trust me, this combo is pure magic!
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Cream Cheese Dessert with Blueberry Topping Recipe
- Softening Cream Cheese: Always bring the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing — it blends smoother and won’t bunch up.
- Press the Crust Firmly: Use a flat-bottom glass to press the crust evenly; it helps keep it from falling apart when you serve.
- Cool Blueberry Topping Fully: Spread the topping only after it’s completely cooled to avoid melting or soaking into the creamy filling.
- Use Fresh Blueberries: Frozen won’t work the same here — fresh berries burst perfectly and make the topping glossy and fresh.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Dessert with Blueberry Topping Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep garnishes simple here — a few fresh blueberries scattered on top and a thin twist of lemon zest add just that pop of color and fresh aroma. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top right before serving for a delicate dusting that looks so pretty.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a light cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a summer party, I love serving it alongside a crisp cucumber salad or a refreshing mint lemonade — those fresh flavors complement the citrus and berry notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this dessert layered in glass parfait cups to show off the distinct layers — crust, creamy filling, and vibrant blueberry topping — it gets such lovely “wow” reactions. You can also pipe whipped cream rosettes around the edges or add edible flowers for a fancy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep them refrigerated. This dessert holds up nicely for up to 3 days — the flavors mellow and the texture stays creamy and delicious. Just make sure to protect it from moisture or any strong-smelling items in the fridge.
Freezing
I’ve tried freezing this dessert in individual portions wrapped well in plastic and placed in airtight containers. It freezes okay, but the texture becomes slightly less creamy upon thawing, so I recommend enjoying it fresh when possible. If you do freeze it, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled dessert, I don’t reheat it. Instead, I let refrigerated portions come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving — it brings out the flavors nicely without losing the refreshing coolness.
FAQs
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Can I use another type of nut for the crust?
Absolutely! While pecans add a lovely buttery crunch, you can substitute walnuts or almonds based on your preference. Just chop them roughly and toast slightly for extra flavor before mixing into the crust.
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Do I have to use frozen lemonade concentrate?
Frozen lemonade concentrate delivers concentrated lemon flavor and sweetness. You can sometimes substitute fresh lemon juice and a bit of sugar, but it may alter sweetness and texture slightly. If doing so, start conservatively and adjust to taste.
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Can this dessert be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your pudding mix is gluten-free as well (many instant pudding mixes are, but check the label). This swap works great without changing much in texture or taste.
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How long can I store this dessert in the fridge?
This dessert stays fresh for about 3 days refrigerated, covered tightly. Beyond that, the crust may soften too much and the blueberry topping could weep juice.
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Can I prepare this dessert the day before?
Definitely — in fact, I recommend making it at least 4 hours ahead (or even overnight) so all the layers set perfectly and flavors blend beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dessert with Blueberry Topping Recipe is one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want to impress without stress. It has that amazing mix of tangy, creamy, crunchy, and fruity that feels just right after any meal. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or an everyday treat, I’m confident you’ll enjoy every bite as much as I do. Give it a try — I’d love to hear how it turns out in your kitchen!
Print
Lemon Cream Cheese Dessert with Blueberry Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and creamy dessert featuring a rich brown sugar pecan crust, a tangy cream cheese lemon filling, and a sweet blueberry topping. Perfectly baked and chilled for a cool treat.
Ingredients
Brown Sugar Pecan Crust
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- ½ cup butter, melted
Cream Cheese Lemon Filling
- 5 ounce evaporated milk
- 3.4 ounce instant lemon pudding mix
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
- ¾ cup frozen lemonade concentrate
Blueberry Topping
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray an 8×8, 7×11, or 9×9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Make Brown Sugar Pecan Crust: In a medium bowl, combine light brown sugar, all purpose flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Stir well to combine. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and press firmly to form an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Lemon Filling: In a small bowl, combine evaporated milk and instant lemon pudding mix. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until very thick. In a separate medium bowl, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually beat in the frozen lemonade concentrate, followed by the pudding mixture until fully incorporated.
- Assemble Lemon Filling on Crust: Spoon the cream cheese lemon filling mixture evenly over the cooled brown sugar pecan crust.
- Cook Blueberry Topping: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir continuously and cook until the blueberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens.
- Cool and Spread Blueberry Topping: Let the blueberry topping cool completely, then spread it evenly over the lemon filling layer.
- Chill Dessert: Cover the dessert with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set and chill before serving.
Notes
- Nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on brands and specific ingredients used.
- Use a nutritional calculator for precise information if modifying the recipe or using different brands.
- Make sure the crust is fully cooled before adding the filling to prevent melting.
- Allow blueberry topping to cool completely so it does not mix into the lemon filling when spread.
- This dessert is best served chilled for a refreshing taste and firm texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg