Description
Easy Blackberry Cream Cheese Dessert
Ingredients:
– 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/2 cup melted butter
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups fresh blackberries
– 1/4 cup blackberry jam
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool completely.
4. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
6. In a small saucepan, heat the blackberry jam until it becomes slightly liquid. Gently fold the fresh blackberries into the jam, then spread the blackberry mixture over the cream cheese layer.
7. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the blackberry layer.
8. Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes + 2 hours chilling
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect dessert. First, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the cream cheese, for a smooth filling. When making the crust, press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the pan using the bottom of a measuring cup. For the cream cheese layer, beat the cheese alone for 2-3 minutes until completely creamy before adding the sugar and vanilla. When preparing the blackberry topping, allow the warmed jam to cool for a minute before folding in the berries to prevent them from cooking. Finally, chill your bowl and beaters before whipping the heavy cream to ensure it reaches stiff peaks quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this elegant dessert chilled. For a beautiful presentation, garnish individual slices with a few extra fresh blackberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar or a mint leaf. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a dessert wine like Moscato. For a summer gathering, consider serving it in individual parfait glasses, layering the components for a stunning visual effect.
How-to Summary
This no-bake dessert involves creating a baked graham cracker crust, topping it with a sweetened cream cheese layer, adding a fresh blackberry and jam mixture, and finishing with a layer of freshly whipped cream. The key steps are ensuring the crust is completely cool before adding the cream cheese, and allowing the assembled dessert to chill for at least two hours to set properly before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen blackberries? Yes, but thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess liquid making the dessert soggy. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
How long does this dessert keep in the refrigerator? It is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Absolutely. It’s an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare it the day before and let it chill overnight.
Is there a substitute for heavy whipping cream? For a lighter version, you can use stabilized whipped topping, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
My cream cheese layer is lumpy. How can I fix this? Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature. If lumps remain, beat it longer before adding other ingredients, or press the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding the cream cheese filling to a warm crust, which will cause it to melt and become greasy.
- Over-mixing the whipped cream, which can lead to a grainy texture or butter.
- Using cold cream cheese straight from the fridge, resulting in a lumpy, unspreadable filling.
- Not pressing the crust mixture firmly enough, leading to a crumbly base that falls apart when sliced.
- Skipping the full chilling time, which is essential for clean slices and layered definition.
Conclusion
This Easy Blackberry Cream Cheese Dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that masterfully balances a buttery crust, rich and tangy cream cheese, vibrant berry freshness, and light whipped cream. Its straightforward preparation and stunning visual appeal make it perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a professional-quality dessert that is as delicious as it is beautiful. Enjoy the sweet rewards of this simple yet impressive treat.