Introduction

Spring is fast approaching, and I have been busy preparing the flower and vegetable garden. I just finished enriching the soil for my citrus trees and blueberry bushes, and could not help tripping down memory lane to summertime. The sun blazes, the air hums with cicadas, and the wild blueberries practically beg to be picked. Back in the day, fruit “yum yum,” a no-bake delight, was all the rage in the South, though it’s slipped off the radar a bit lately. But today, we’re dusting off an old favorite: Easy No-Bake Blueberry Yum Yum, a dessert as delightful as its name suggests.

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A Trip Down Memory Lane

Growing up in Florida, blueberries were more than just a fruit; they were a summer candy that became a family ritual. Come June, when the berries ripen to a deep, juicy blue, we’d venture into the woods, buckets in hand, ready to harvest nature’s candy. For us kids, it never felt like work. After filling our pails (and our bellies), we’d head to our favorite crystal-clear swimming hole to cool off, washing away the day’s sticky sweetness. These adventures ensured a steady supply of blueberry muffins for breakfast, as well as cobblers, crisps, and pies for dinner. When I thought there was nothing else you could use blueberries for, along comes the Blueberry Yum Yum.

The Enigmatic Origins of the Easy No-Bake Delight: Blueberry Yum Yum

While the exact origins of Blueberry Yum Yum remain a bit of a mystery, it’s undeniably a staple in Southern dessert lore. It doesn’t take much speculation that the name comes from the layers of “yumminess” stacked within. One bite, and it’s an automatic yum yum! Again, many great recipes have been created out of necessity and availability. Who wants to turn on a hot oven for hours in the summer? Hot days/ nights, along with the availability of blueberries, inspired the creation of this no-bake delight. Regardless of its origins, this no-bake dessert has graced many family gatherings, church potlucks, and summer picnics.

The Anatomy of an Easy No-Bake Delight: the Blueberry Yum Yum

At its core, Blueberry Yum Yum is a layered dessert that marries textures and flavors in perfect harmony:

1. Crust: Traditionally made from crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter, forming a buttery and slightly crunchy base. Some variations use shortbread or pecan crusts for added richness.
2. Cream Cheese Layer: A luscious blend of softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped topping (like Cool Whip), creating a creamy, tangy foundation that complements the blueberries’ sweetness.
3. Blueberry Filling: While blueberry pie filling is a convenient choice, using fresh, wild Florida blueberries cooked down with a touch of sugar elevates the dessert.
4. Whipped Topping: To crown the dessert, use a generous layer of whipped topping for a light, cloud-like finish.

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Crafting Your Own Easy No-Bake Blueberry Yum Yum

You will soon find that this dessert has a baked component: the crust. The no-bake delight is the cream-cheesecake-like filling. Then, there is a debate among cooks and bakers as to whether to bake the crust or not, and I say that is up to the individual. I enjoy baking my own crust, but when I’m in a time crunch, I have used crumbled cookies, graham crackers, and even crushed pretzels. Alternatively, if you prefer not to make your own pie filling with fresh blueberries, you can use canned blueberry pie filling instead. Consider using ready-made pie crusts. Keebler makes graham crackers, shortbread, and chocolate pie crusts. Diamond makes a pecan pie crust. All of these are great choices. I promise Blueberry Yum Yum is just as delicious when served as a dessert pie. I think that once you have read my blog post, you will see that there are endless variations of this recipe that can create a wonderful summer dessert. So, if you want, this dessert can be an entirely no-bake delight or a semi-no-bake as well. That said, I am partial to the recipe I was first introduced to, so that will be the one I introduce to you. Feel free to put your own spin on this easy dessert.

Ready to dive into making this classic? Here’s a straightforward recipe to bring a slice of Southern nostalgia to your table.

Print

Easy No-Bake Blueberry Yum Yum

Indulge in a sweet, creamy, blueberry-layered dessert the entire family will enjoy.

Course Desserts

Cuisine American Southern

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 15

Calories 562kcal

Author Blissful Foods Plus

Equipment

• 1- 13 x 9 baking pan
• 1- saucepan
• 1- whisk
• 1- Hand Mixer
• 1- wire cooling rack

Ingredients

Crust

• 1½ cups flour self-rising
• ½ cup light brown sugar firmly packed
• ¾ cup butter
• 1½ cup pecans chopped

Filling

• 1- 12 ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1- 8 ounce package of cream cheese – softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar

Topping

• 1 cup sugar
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup water
• 4 cups fresh blueberries

Instructions

Crust

• Stir together the first 4 ingredients with a fork until crumbly. Press into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Bake at 375℉ for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire cooling rack.

Cream Cheese Filling

• Beat whipped topping, cream cheese, and powdered sugar at a medium speed using a hand mixer until smooth. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust. Cover and chill.

Blueberry Topping

• Stir together sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan; whisk in 1 cup water until smooth. Stir in the blueberries and bring to a boil. Boil, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Once cooled, pour over the cream cheese mixture. Cover and chill for 2 hours or overnight.

If you tried this recipe, don’t forget to scroll up and tap those stars! I’d love to know how it turned out for you.” 

Notes

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 562kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 36g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 125mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 33g

A Slice of Sunshine

Blueberry Yum Yum isn’t just a dessert; it’s evidence of the simple joys of summer in Florida. It’s the laughter of children with berry-stained fingers, the refreshment of a cool swim after a day of picking, and the comfort of a sweet treat shared with loved ones.

So, the next time you stumble upon a patch of wild blueberries or visit a local farm, remember: there’s a “yum yum” waiting to be made. Just one bite will have you saying its name twice.

Variations of the No-Bake Delight to Tempt Your Taste Buds

While blueberry is a classic choice, the versatile nature of the Yum Yum dessert allows for a plethora of fruity variations:

• Cherry Yum Yum: Swap out the blueberry pie filling for cherry pie filling, strawberry pie filling, or any other fruit filling; the list is endless, but you get the idea. The tartness of cherries provides a delightful contrast to the creamy layers.
• Strawberry Yum Yum: Fresh strawberries, sliced and lightly sweetened, bring a burst of summer freshness to this dessert.
• Peach Yum Yum: Using ripe, juicy peaches introduces a Southern twist that’s hard to resist.
• Mixed Berry Yum Yum: Combine blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a berry extravaganza.

Tips for the Perfect Yum Yum

• Crust Alternatives: While graham crackers are traditional, experimenting with pecan shortbread cookies or even vanilla wafers can add a unique flavor profile.
• Homemade Whipped Cream: Like a less-sweet topping? Whipping heavy cream, adding a touch of vanilla, provides a fresh alternative to store-bought whipped topping.
• Chilling Time: Allowing the dessert to chill overnight not only helps it set more effectively but also enhances flavor integration.

Creative Ways to Present Your Blueberry Yum Yum

Unleash your creativity by experimenting with different fruits or swapping the traditional graham cracker crust for a buttery shortbread base. Who says your delightful no-bake Yum Yum dessert must be confined to a 13 x 9-inch pan? Instead, consider serving it in charming mason jars for a fun twist. To do this, bake the crust and let it cool, then break it into pieces. Then layer the crust fragments, blueberry pie filling, and creamy cheesecake mixture in mason jars, topping each with fresh blueberries or a dollop of whipped cream. This approach not only adds visual appeal but also offers convenient, individual servings that are sure to impress.

Conclusion: Bringing It All Together

Blueberry Yum Yum is more than just a dessert; for me, it’s a walk down memory lane, a sweet reminder of simpler times and the abundant joys of Florida. Whether you’re revisiting childhood memories or creating new ones, this treat is sure to bring joy to any gathering.

So, gather those blueberries, whip up some cream, and indulge in a slice (or two) of this classic delight. After all, life’s too short to miss out on the “yum yum.”

Happy Yum Yum!

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The post Easy No-Bake Blueberry Yum Yum – A Southern Dessert Favorite appeared first on Blissful Foods Plus.