No Bake Creamy Blueberry Pecan Squares
When summer hits, I often crave something light and refreshing, and that’s when I reach for my recipe for No Bake Creamy Blueberry Pecan Squares. The delightful combination of creamy textures and fruity flavors makes these squares a perfect pick-me-up on a hot day. I remember the first time I made these treats for a family gathering. Everyone was raving about how delicious they were, and it felt amazing to share something I’d whipped up so effortlessly. These squares are a hit at every summer picnic, and I love how easy they are to prepare, letting me focus on spending quality time with my loved ones. You won’t need to turn on the oven, and the flavors meld together beautifully after chilling in the refrigerator. Trust me, once you take a bite of these lovely squares, you’ll want to make them a regular part of your dessert rotation!
Recipe Snapshot
25 mins
25 mins
0 mins
Medium
280 kcal
3 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
15 g
Food Processor, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl
What Makes This No Bake Creamy Blueberry Pecan Squares Special
Perfect for Warm Weather
One reason I adore No Bake Creamy Blueberry Pecan Squares is their simplicity. You don’t have to worry about heating up your kitchen during hot summer days. The no-bake aspect means you can prepare them quickly, refrigerate, and they’re ready to serve when you want them.
Deliciously Creamy
The texture of these squares is simply divine. The creamy layer made with cream cheese and heavy whipping cream is perfectly balanced by the crunchy base of crushed graham crackers and pecans. This combination provides a delightful experience for your taste buds.
Versatile and Customizable
You can easily make these squares your own. Want to switch it up? Try substituting other fruits or toppings, like strawberries or a drizzle of caramel. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to get creative based on what you have on hand.
Make Ahead of Time
Another great feature about these squares is that they can be made well in advance. Preparing them a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen and the layers to set perfectly. It’s one less thing to worry about on the day of a party or gathering.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or just want a sweet treat to enjoy on a sunny afternoon, No Bake Creamy Blueberry Pecan Squares fit the bill beautifully. They’re not just desserts; they’re a celebration of summer flavors!
Ingredients for No Bake Creamy Blueberry Pecan Squares
These ingredients come together in harmony to create a luscious dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings. The star players include blueberry pie filling, which brings a burst of fruity flavor, and the rich cream cheese that makes everything wonderfully creamy. The crunchy graham crackers and pecans form a delicious base that complements the smooth filling perfectly.
- 10 whole graham crackers: These serve as the base for your squares, adding a sweet and crunchy texture.
- 1 cup pecans: Chopped for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: To sweeten the crust.
- 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter: This helps bind the crust together.
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese: Creates a creamy layer that’s essential for this dessert.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: To sweeten the cream cheese layer.
- 1 (21-ounce) can blueberry pie filling: Adds the star flavor and beautiful color.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream: Whipped to create a light and airy topping.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: To sweeten the whipped cream.
- Chopped pecans for garnish: Optional, but they add a nice touch on top.
No Bake Creamy Blueberry Pecan Squares Instructions
Making No Bake Creamy Blueberry Pecan Squares is an enjoyable process that’s simple enough for anyone to follow. Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to a delicious homemade dessert.
Start with the crust. Add 10 whole graham crackers and 1 cup pecans into a food processor. Pulse until they are coarse crumbs. You want a fine consistency, but not powdery. This will serve as a hearty base for your squares.
Next, pour the crumb mixture into a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter. Mix until everything is well combined. It should look like wet sand and hold together when pressed.
With your mixture ready, press it evenly into the bottom of an 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to compact the crust. This will ensure a solid base that holds up when cut.
Now, it’s time for the creamy layer. In a large bowl, combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be free of lumps and velvety smooth.
Next, stir in 1 (21-ounce) can blueberry pie filling by hand until fully combined. You want to be gentle to keep some of the blueberry chunks intact. This will add wonderful flavor and texture.
Spread the cream cheese and blueberry mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Make sure to reach the edges for an even distribution, ensuring every bite has that delicious filling.
Now for the whipped cream topping! In another large bowl, add 2 cups heavy whipping cream and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Beat with a hand mixer until medium-stiff peaks form. You’ll know it’s ready when the cream holds its shape but is still soft.
Spread the whipped cream evenly on top of the blueberry layer. This fluffy topping adds a lovely contrast in texture and is an essential part of the squares.
Finally, garnish with some chopped pecans if desired. It adds a lovely crunch on top and makes it look even more appealing!
Chill the squares in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows everything to set nicely. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Things Worth Knowing
- Chilling is Key: Ensure you chill the squares adequately to help them firm up and hold their shape when cut.
- Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality ingredients, especially the cream cheese and blueberries, for the best flavor.
- Make Ahead: These squares can be made a day in advance, making them perfect for gatherings.
- Serve Cold: For the best taste, serve these squares straight from the refrigerator.
Ways to Adapt This Recipe
If you want to customize your No Bake Creamy Blueberry Pecan Squares, here are some ideas to consider:
- Flavor Variations: Try using different fruit fillings, like cherry or strawberry, depending on your preference or what’s in season.
- Nut Options: Substitute pecans with walnuts or leave them out entirely if nut allergies are a concern.
- Crust Alternatives: Swap the graham crackers for crushed cookies like Oreos or digestive biscuits for a different flavor.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar according to your taste by adding more or less in the filling or topping.
- Garnishing: Top with fresh blueberries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra special touch.
- Healthier Version: Use low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping for a lighter version of the dessert.
What to Pair With No Bake Creamy Blueberry Pecan Squares
- Light Salads: Pair with a fresh garden salad or a spinach salad for a complete meal.
- Summer Barbecues: These squares are a fantastic dessert option for barbecue gatherings, complementing grilled meats and veggies.
- Picnics: Their portability makes them perfect for picnics in the park or beach outings.
- Seasonal Events: Serve them at family reunions, birthday parties, or even holiday celebrations.
- Refreshing Beverages: Enjoy with iced tea, lemonade, or a fruity mocktail for a delightful summer treat.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
FAQ
Conclusion
No Bake Creamy Blueberry Pecan Squares are a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer. They are incredibly easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a refreshing treat that requires no baking, give this recipe a try!
Whether for a gathering or just a sweet snack for yourself, these squares are sure to impress. You won’t regret making them, and I can’t wait for you to taste how good they are!
No Bake Creamy Blueberry Pecan Squares
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start with the crust. Add 10 whole graham crackers and 1 cup pecans into a food processor. Pulse until they are coarse crumbs. You want a fine consistency, but not powdery. This will serve as a hearty base for your squares.
- Next, pour the crumb mixture into a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter. Mix until everything is well combined. It should look like wet sand and hold together when pressed.
- With your mixture ready, press it evenly into the bottom of an 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to compact the crust. This will ensure a solid base that holds up when cut.
- Now, it’s time for the creamy layer. In a large bowl, combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be free of lumps and velvety smooth.
- Next, stir in 1 (21-ounce) can blueberry pie filling by hand until fully combined. You want to be gentle to keep some of the blueberry chunks intact. This will add wonderful flavor and texture.
- Spread the cream cheese and blueberry mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Make sure to reach the edges for an even distribution, ensuring every bite has that delicious filling.
- Now for the whipped cream topping! In another large bowl, add 2 cups heavy whipping cream and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Beat with a hand mixer until medium-stiff peaks form. You’ll know it’s ready when the cream holds its shape but is still soft.
- Spread the whipped cream evenly on top of the blueberry layer. This fluffy topping adds a lovely contrast in texture and is an essential part of the squares.
- Finally, garnish with some chopped pecans if desired. It adds a lovely crunch on top and makes it look even more appealing!
- Chill the squares in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows everything to set nicely. Cut into squares and enjoy!
