Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs – The perfect foundation for this dessert, graham cracker crumbs create a slightly sweet, crumbly base that pairs wonderfully with the smooth cream cheese filling and blueberry topping.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Butter adds richness to the crust, helping it come together with a subtle golden flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon – A hint of cinnamon enhances the graham cracker flavor, adding warmth and spice to the crust.
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened – Cream cheese is the heart of this layer, providing a rich, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the other layers.
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar – This adds sweetness to the cream cheese filling, ensuring it has just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tang of the cream cheese.
- 2 cups whipping cream – Whipping cream makes the mixture luxuriously smooth and gives it a rich, velvety texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – The vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cream cheese filling, adding depth and warmth.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar – Helps sweeten the whipped cream, giving it a soft texture and flavor.
Blueberry Filling:
- 1 (21 oz.) can blueberry pie filling – The star of the show! The blueberry filling provides a sweet, fruity contrast to the creamy layers below. The thick pie filling makes it easy to spread evenly on top, and it’s packed with juicy blueberries.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by combining your graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Use a fork to blend everything together until the crumbs are thoroughly moistened by the butter. Set aside about two tablespoons of the graham cracker crumb mixture for the final topping.
Next, take a 9×9-inch baking pan and spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticking. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, ensuring that it covers the entire base evenly. This is your crust, and it’s the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and crunchy.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Now it’s time to create the creamy, dreamy filling. Begin by using an electric mixer to blend the softened cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and free of lumps. This mixture should be velvety and thick, and it serves as the perfect base for your creamy layers.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Beat it until stiff peaks form—this is the stage where the whipped cream becomes fluffy and airy. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture by hand, making sure the two components are well-combined but still fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
With the crust ready and the cream cheese mixture prepared, it’s time to layer everything together. Begin by spreading a little less than half of the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture over the crust. Use a spatula to smooth it evenly across the base.
Next, spoon large dollops of blueberry pie filling onto the cream cheese layer. Gently spread it out, making sure the blueberry filling is evenly distributed. The sweet and tangy flavor of the blueberries will contrast beautifully with the richness of the cream cheese layer.
Top the blueberry layer with the remaining cream cheese and whipped cream mixture. Spread it evenly to cover the blueberry layer completely. Be careful not to disturb the blueberry layer too much, as you want it to stay intact beneath the creamy topping.
Finally, sprinkle the top with the reserved graham cracker crumbs for a bit of crunch and texture. These crumbs will add a subtle crunchiness when you dig in, making each bite even more delightful.
Step 4: Refrigerate and Serve
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Blueberry Yum Yum for several hours, or preferably overnight. The refrigeration time is crucial, as it allows the layers to set and meld together, making the dessert even more flavorful.
When you’re ready to serve, cut it into squares, and be prepared for the compliments to roll in! You’ll enjoy the creamy layers, the burst of fresh blueberry flavor, and the slightly crunchy graham cracker crust with each bite.
Notes
- Cream Cheese: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute regular cream cheese with 1/3-less-fat cream cheese. It’ll still offer that signature creaminess, but with a slight reduction in fat.
- Whipped Cream: If you’re looking for convenience, you can substitute homemade whipped cream with an 8-ounce container of Cool Whip non-dairy whipped topping.
- Blueberry Filling: For a fresher twist, you can make your own blueberry filling by simmering fresh blueberries with a little sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch until it thickens into a syrupy consistency.
- Crust Variations: While graham crackers are the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cookies for the crust—try using crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even chocolate cookies for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes