No-bake Blueberry Yum Yum is a sweet and creamy dessert that’s super easy to whip up! With layers of soft cream and fresh blueberries, it’s perfect for a warm day.
You won’t believe how simple this treat is—just mix, layer, and chill! I love to enjoy it with a cup of coffee; it makes my afternoon feel a bit special. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the base of your dessert! If you can’t find them, you can crush digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafers for a similar texture and sweetness.
Cream Cheese: It’s best to use full-fat cream cheese for richness. If you want a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese is a good substitute since it has less fat.
Whipped Topping: While Cool Whip is convenient, you can use homemade whipped cream instead. Just whip heavy cream with a little sugar until fluffy.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal, but if they aren’t in season, frozen blueberries work too—just make sure to thaw and drain them. In a pinch, any berry, like raspberries, can be fun to try!
Blueberry Pie Filling: If you want a fresher taste, use extra fresh blueberries instead of pie filling. If you’re pressed for time, canned filling works great!
How Do I Make Sure the Cream Cheese Layer is Smooth?
Getting a smooth cream cheese layer is key. To do this, ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. Cold cream cheese will be lumpy.
- Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until there are no lumps. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- When folding in whipped topping, use a gentle hand to keep the mixture airy. If it’s too vigorous, the whipped cream will lose its lightness.
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 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For The Blueberry Filling:
- 2 cups blueberries (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 cup blueberry pie filling (if using fresh blueberries)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Extra crushed graham crackers for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious no-bake dessert will take you about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours chilling time in the fridge. It’s so simple to make, and the waiting time is definitely worth it for those delightful layers to set!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix them together well until all the crumbs are coated in butter. Now, take this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch square pan or a similar-sized dish to create a nice, firm crust. It should be even and packed tightly.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in the whipped topping using a spatula or spoon until the whole mixture is combined and fluffy. Spread this lovely cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust, making sure it covers the crust completely.
3. Prepare the Blueberry Filling:
If you’re using fresh blueberries, toss them in a bowl with the lemon juice and vanilla extract to add some zing! After tossing, you can either layer the fresh blueberries evenly over the cream cheese mixture or add the blueberry pie filling if you prefer a sweeter topping. Make sure to spread it out well.
4. Assembly:
If you’ve chosen to use fresh blueberries, top them off with a layer of blueberry pie filling for an extra touch of sweetness and to help keep everything together. Spread this evenly to cover those delicious blueberries underneath.
5. Keep It Crunchy:
Grab some extra graham crackers and crush them up finely. Sprinkle these crumbs over the top layer of blueberry filling for a delightful texture and some visual appeal. You want your dessert to look just as good as it tastes!
6. Chill:
Now it’s time to let this scrumptious dessert do its thing in the fridge. Cover the dish and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better! This chilling time lets the layers set and helps the flavors meld together.
7. Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, take it out of the fridge. Slice it into squares and serve chilled. Each bite is creamy, fruity, and totally delicious. Enjoy your wonderful no-bake blueberry yum yum!
Can I Use Different Types of Berries?
Absolutely! While blueberries are the star, you can substitute with raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a different flavor twist. Just adjust the quantity to match similar volume to blueberries, and follow the same layering process!
What If I Don’t Have Graham Crackers?
No problem! You can use digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed cookies like Oreos for the crust. Just make sure to melt the butter and mix it thoroughly with the crushed alternative to keep the crust cohesive.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Just be sure to cover the surface with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. If it starts to separate after a couple of days, gently stir before serving to refresh the layers!
Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply use gluten-free graham crackers or any gluten-free cookie alternative for the crust. Just double-check the whipped topping and pie filling to ensure they’re gluten-free as well!
