Indulge in a delightful Lemon Blueberry Refrigerator Cake, a perfect no bake cake recipe for any occasion. This simple dessert is incredibly easy to make, requires no oven, and delivers a refreshing burst of flavor with every bite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use plain or cinnamon graham cracker crumbs. You can also use digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese works best for a rich texture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This provides sweetness and structure. Do not substitute with evaporated milk.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice offers the best flavor.
- Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if using frozen) are excellent.
- Whipped Topping: A pre-made whipped topping simplifies things.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Servings: 8
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking dish, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust
Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Set aside.
2. Make the Lemon Cream Filling
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk, then stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Fold in Whipped Topping
Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the lemon cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the airy texture.
4. Layer the Cake
Spread half of the lemon cream filling evenly over the graham cracker crust. Sprinkle half of the blueberries over the filling. Repeat with the remaining filling and blueberries, creating distinct layers.
5. Chill Your No Bake Cake
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate your Lemon Blueberry Refrigerator Cake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once thoroughly chilled, slice your no bake cake into squares and serve. Garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh blueberries if desired.
Variation Ideas:
- Raspberry Lemon: Substitute blueberries with fresh raspberries for a different berry flavor.
- Tropical Twist: Add some shredded coconut to the crust and a little lime zest to the filling.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top before chilling for an extra touch.
- Cookie Crust: Use crushed shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers for the crust.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Lemon Blueberry Refrigerator Cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This no bake cake recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It is not recommended to freeze this cake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you use frozen blueberries for this no bake cake recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but do not thaw them beforehand. Add them directly to the layers.
Q: Why is my cream cheese mixture lumpy?
A: Ensure your cream cheese is very soft before you start mixing. You can microwave it briefly if needed to soften it properly.
Q: Can you make this no bake cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This Lemon Blueberry Refrigerator Cake is perfect for making a day in advance, as it needs ample time to chill and set.
Q: How do you know when the no bake cake is set?
A: The filling should be firm to the touch and hold its shape when sliced.
Q: Can you use sugar-free ingredients?
A: You can use sugar-free graham crackers and sugar-free sweetened condensed milk, and sugar-free whipped topping to reduce sugar content.
Q: Is this no bake cake recipe gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust.