Blueberry Delight Lush: The Ultimate Easy Layered Blueberry Dessert
Get ready to impress with this incredible Blueberry Delight Lush! This dessert is a game-changer, offering a delicious, layered blueberry experience that’s almost entirely no-bake. Imagine the best parts of a creamy blueberry cheesecake combined with light, airy blueberry fluff, all resting on a perfectly crunchy graham cracker pecan crust. It’s a true one-pan wonder that promises to delight everyone who tries it with its refreshing taste and delightful textures.
Whether you call it Blueberry Delight, Blueberry Yum Yum, or simply Blueberry Lush, this recipe is destined to become a summer favorite and a staple for any gathering. Its vibrant flavors and effortless preparation make it an ideal choice for busy hosts looking for a show-stopping dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why This Blueberry Delight Lush Recipe Works So Well
Lush desserts are enjoying immense popularity right now, and for good reason! They offer a fantastic combination of convenience, decadence, and beautiful presentation. From our zesty Lemon Lush and rich Mocha Lush to the tropical Coconut Cream Lush and comforting Banana Cream Lush, these layered treats are consistently topping charts. This Blueberry Delight Lush brings its own unique charm, blending sweet, tangy, and creamy elements into a dessert that’s both light and incredibly satisfying.
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its “nearly no-bake” nature. The crust requires just a quick 5-minute bake to achieve a perfect golden crispness. This short stint in the oven is crucial because it transforms a simple graham cracker and pecan base into a rich, toasty, and nutty foundation that truly elevates the entire dessert. We promise, that little bit of baking time is absolutely worth the incredible flavor and texture it adds to the crust!
This dessert is designed for ease and enjoyment. It’s assembled in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze. The layers come together effortlessly, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes: a sturdy, flavorful crust; a smooth, tangy cream cheese filling; a sweet and fruity blueberry layer; and a light, cloud-like whipped topping. It’s a perfect make-ahead option, ideal for entertaining or simply enjoying a delightful treat throughout the week.
RELATED: If you love blueberry desserts, you might also like this recipe – Blueberry Bundt Cake.
Key Ingredients for Your Blueberry Delight Lush
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable layered dessert. You’ll find a complete list of all measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe version at the very end of this post. For now, here’s a visual of what you’ll need to create this amazing Blueberry Delight Lush.
Ingredient Information and Smart Substitution Suggestions
Let’s dive deeper into the components that make this Blueberry Delight Lush so special, along with some handy tips and substitutions to customize it to your taste.
CRUST – The foundation of our Blueberry Delight Lush is a delectable crust made from crushed graham crackers and crunchy pecans. The pecans add a wonderful nutty depth and an extra layer of texture. If you have nut allergies or simply prefer a nut-free option, you can easily omit the pecans and use an equivalent amount of all graham cracker crumbs. For those looking to experiment, other cookies like vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies make excellent substitutes, offering a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining that desirable crumbly base. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free graham crackers or your preferred gluten-free cookie alternative.
FILLING – The creamy, dreamy middle layer is a fantastic blend of well-softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and Cool Whip. This combination creates a fluffy, smooth, and cheesecake-like consistency that perfectly complements the fruit. It’s crucial to use well-softened cream cheese to ensure it blends seamlessly without any lumps, resulting in that velvety texture we’re after. While Cool Whip offers unparalleled convenience and lightness, you can absolutely opt for homemade whipped cream if you prefer. You’ll need approximately 3 cups of whipped cream, which usually comes from about 1.5 cups of heavy cream. This will give you a richer, more natural flavor. The third layer is gloriously simple: ready-to-use blueberry pie filling. This shortcut makes the dessert incredibly easy to assemble! Of course, don’t limit yourself to blueberry if you’re feeling adventurous. Cherry, strawberry, raspberry, or even a bright lemon pie filling would create equally amazing (though different!) “lush” variations, allowing you to tailor the dessert to any fruit preference.
TOPPING – To crown this magnificent dessert, we add a final generous layer of whipped topping (or your homemade whipped cream). This adds an extra touch of lightness and visual appeal. For a delightful crunch and to tie in with the crust, I highly recommend garnishing with some finely chopped pecans. Fresh blueberries scattered on top also add a burst of fresh flavor and a beautiful visual contrast. Chill it thoroughly, and you’ll have a stunning, perfectly layered blueberry dessert ready for all your summer parties, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for something sweet and spectacular!
How to Make Blueberry Lush: Step-by-Step Instructions
These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize exactly how to make this delightful recipe. For your convenience, you can Jump to the Recipe Card at the bottom of this post to get the printable version, complete with all measurements and instructions.
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, combine the graham crackers and pecans. Process them until they are finely chopped and resemble coarse crumbs. This creates the perfect texture for your crust.
- Transfer the crumb mixture to a bowl. Stir in the melted butter and sugar until everything is thoroughly combined, resembling wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking pan. Bake for just 8 minutes to toast the pecans and set the crust, then let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is a critical step for a firm, flavorful crust!
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the well-softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps. This forms the luscious cheesecake-like layer.
- Now, incorporate the whipped topping. Using a handheld mixer, beat in about 1 cup from one container of whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth. Then, gently fold in the remaining whipped topping from that container with a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture. Once combined, spread this creamy cheesecake layer evenly over your cooled crust.
- Carefully spoon the blueberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading it gently to form an even, vibrant layer. This fruity layer adds a burst of classic blueberry flavor.
- Finally, top the blueberry layer with the remaining container of whipped topping, spreading it smoothly to cover the entire dessert. This creates a beautiful, cloud-like finish.
- For a delightful garnish and extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top if desired. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and chill the Blueberry Delight Lush in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight. Chilling allows the layers to set beautifully and the flavors to meld, resulting in a perfectly sliceable and even more delicious dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blueberry Lush
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream is a fantastic substitute for Cool Whip if you prefer a richer flavor and natural ingredients. You’ll need to whip approximately 1.5 cups of heavy cream to yield about 3 cups of fresh whipped cream, which is the amount required for this recipe.
When stored in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap, your Blueberry Delight Lush will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Beyond that, the whipped topping layers may begin to break down and lose their optimal texture.
Yes, this blueberry lush freezes quite well, with one small consideration: the very top layer of Cool Whip might not maintain its perfect airy texture after thawing. The Cool Whip mixed into the cream cheese layer, however, will be perfectly fine. For best results, I recommend assembling and freezing the dessert up to the blueberry pie filling layer. Ensure it’s frozen in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve, simply remove it from the freezer, let it thaw in the refrigerator, and then add the fresh whipped topping just before serving.
Definitely! While this is a “Blueberry Delight,” the beauty of this lush recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with other pie fillings such as raspberry, strawberry, cherry, or even lemon for a different twist. You can also use your own homemade fruit filling if you have a favorite recipe!
We love to keep it simple and elegant with a sprinkle of chopped pecans for garnish, which also ties into the crust. However, fresh blueberries make a beautiful and tasty addition, adding a pop of color and natural sweetness. Crumbled graham crackers (or even extra crushed pecans) would also be delicious for added texture and visual interest.
Absolutely! This Blueberry Delight Lush is an excellent make-ahead dessert. The recipe requires a minimum of 2 hours of chill time for the layers to set properly and flavors to develop. However, it can be prepared a full day in advance, making it perfect for parties and gatherings. It will taste just as fresh and delicious!
The cookout season has officially begun, and there’s nothing quite like gathering with friends and family for a backyard BBQ or a relaxing beach feast. The beauty of these occasions is often the potluck style, where everyone brings a delicious dish to share, creating an amazing spread without one person doing all the work! I always make sure to have a reliable savory recipe on hand, like a vibrant Lemon Pasta Salad, and a crowd-pleasing dessert, and this Blueberry Lush perfectly fits the bill. Its ease of preparation and universally loved flavors make it a guaranteed hit!
This layered blueberry dessert is not just delicious; it’s a celebration of simple pleasures and fresh flavors. The sweet-tart blueberries, creamy cheese layer, and crisp crust combine to create a symphony of taste that will have everyone asking for the recipe. So, whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or just looking for a simple, sweet treat, this Blueberry Delight Lush is your go-to recipe.
More Easy One-Pan Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
If you love the convenience and deliciousness of this one-pan Blueberry Lush, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other fantastic dessert recipes that are just as easy to make and equally delightful!
- Strawberry Lasagna
- Eclair Cake
- Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Lemon Blueberry Icebox Cake
- No-Bake Pineapple Cheesecake Bars
- Lemon Cream Cheese Pudding Dessert
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Blueberry Lush
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 4.8 ounces graham crackers 9 crackers, 1 sleeve
- 1 cup pecans
- ½ cup butter melted
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese well softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 16 ounces cool whip non-fat, 2 tubs, divided
- 42 ounces blueberry pie filling 2 cans
- 2 Tablespoons chopped pecans for garnish (optional)
Equipment You’ll Need
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Food processor
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13×9 baking dish
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Hand mixer
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, blend the graham crackers and pecans until finely chopped. Stir in melted butter and sugar until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 13×9 inch pan. Bake for 8 minutes and then let the crust cool completely.
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In a large bowl, beat the well-softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until completely smooth. Using 1 container of whipped topping, beat in about 1 cup into the cream cheese mixture until no lumps remain. Gently fold in the remaining whipped topping from that container. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
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Carefully spoon the blueberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading it into an even layer. Top the blueberry filling with the remaining container of whipped topping, spreading it smoothly.
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Garnish with chopped pecans if desired. Cover the dessert and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight, to allow all the layers to set and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition Information
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on Jun 5, 2018 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips.