No-bake Blueberry Yum Yum is a sweet treat that’s super easy to make! With layers of creamy filling, fresh blueberries, and a delicious graham cracker crust, it’s a dessert dream!
This recipe is perfect for hot days when you want something cool and tasty without turning on the oven. Plus, who doesn’t love blueberries? They’re like little bursts of summer in every bite! 🍇
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These give the dessert its delicious base. If you can’t find graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits work well. Some even use vanilla wafers for a unique twist.
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. You can substitute it with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, or use margarine if you’re avoiding butter altogether.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for smoothness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat cream cheese can work, but avoid non-dairy cream cheese, as the texture may differ.
Whipped Topping: I love using Cool Whip for its lightness. If you’re making this from scratch, heavy whipping cream can be whipped to peaks in place of Cool Whip. Use coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free version!
Blueberry Pie Filling: While canned blueberry pie filling is convenient, fresh blueberries mixed with a bit of sugar can be tastier. For a different flavor, consider using cherries or strawberries instead!
How Do I Get the Cream Cheese Mixture Just Right?
Mixing the cream cheese with powdered sugar is an important step. You want it super smooth so it blends well with the whipped topping. Here’s how to do it:
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps.
- Start beating the cream cheese alone until creamy before adding the powdered sugar. This helps break it down more smoothly.
- Once it’s smooth, gently fold in the whipped topping with a spatula. Don’t over-mix; keep it light and fluffy!
How to Make No-Bake Blueberry Yum Yum
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
For The Blueberry Layer:
- 2 cups blueberry pie filling (or fresh blueberries with sugar if preferred)
For The Topping:
- 1 cup whipped topping (for topping)
- ½ cup additional graham cracker crumbs (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. You can whip it up quickly, and then just let it set while you relax! Perfect for when you need a delicious treat without turning on the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Crust:
Start by grabbing a medium bowl. In it, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Use a fork to combine them well until the mixture looks like wet sand. This will be your crust!
2. Pressing the Crust:
Next, take your graham cracker mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish. Make sure it’s even and packed down nicely. Set it aside while you make the next layer.
3. Preparing the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer, if you have one, to blend until it’s smooth and creamy—this will take about 2 minutes.
4. Adding the Whipped Topping:
Now, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful to mix slowly so you keep it nice and fluffy!
5. Spreading the Cream Cheese Layer:
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over your graham cracker crust in the baking dish. Make sure it reaches all the edges!
6. Adding the Blueberry Filling:
Spoon the blueberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer. If you’re using fresh blueberries, mix them with a bit of sugar first to create a syrup, then spread them out evenly on top.
7. Topping it Off:
Take your remaining whipped topping and spread it smoothly over the blueberry layer. This will make a lovely top layer for your dessert!
8. Garnishing:
Finally, sprinkle the additional graham cracker crumbs over the whipped topping for a nice garnish. This adds a bit of crunch!
9. Chilling Out:
Cover your baking dish with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or even overnight if you can wait. This helps everything set beautifully.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy, simply cut the dessert into squares. Serve and savor every delicious bite of your No-Bake Blueberry Yum Yum!
Can I Use Different Fruit Fillings?
Absolutely! While blueberry is delightful, you can substitute with other fruit pie fillings like cherry, strawberry, or even mixed berries. If using fresh fruit, just be sure to sweeten it appropriately—usually 1-2 tablespoons of sugar will do the trick!
Can I Substitute Cream Cheese with a Lighter Option?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter version. Just remember that the texture might be slightly different, but it will still taste great! If you need a dairy-free option, look for coconut cream or a vegan cream cheese alternative.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last up to 3-5 days. Just be sure to add any fresh toppings just before serving to keep everything looking its best!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Definitely! Just use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs in place of regular ones. You can find these at most grocery stores, or you can even crush gluten-free cookies if that’s easier!
