Easy No-Bake Blueberry Lemon Cake
This Easy No-Bake Blueberry Lemon Cake is one of my favorite desserts to make when I want something quick, light, and full of flavor. It’s creamy, fresh, and packed with sweet blueberries and bright lemon. The best part is I don’t even have to turn on the oven! If you love easy desserts that still feel special, you’ll want to try this one.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream – I whip this to make the filling light, fluffy, and creamy. It’s the base of the whole dessert.
- 1 cup sour cream – I mix this in for a smooth texture and a little tang to balance the sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest (about 2 medium lemons) – I zest fresh lemons to give the cake a bright, fresh lemon flavor.
- 18 oz blueberry jam (divided) – I fold part of this into the creamy filling and save the rest to swirl into the middle layer for extra berry flavor.
- 2 boxes vanilla wafers – These cookies form the layers of the cake and soak up the cream as it chills, making them soft and cake-like.
- 1 pint fresh blueberries – I add these on top for a fresh, juicy finish. They also make the cake look pretty when it’s ready to serve.
ICEBOX BLUEBERRY LEMON CAKE WILL DISAPPEAR FAST:
- It’s super easy to make—no baking, no fancy tools, just simple layering.
- The creamy filling with blueberry and lemon flavor is so good, it disappears fast!
- It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for spring or summer get-togethers.
HOW TO PREPARE NO-BAKE BLUEBERRY LEMON CAKE?
Time needed: 8 hours and 20 minutes
- Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, beat 3 cups of heavy whipping cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. Mix in the sour cream, lemon zest, and jam: Gently fold in 1 cup of sour cream, 2 teaspoons of lemon zest, and 1 cup of blueberry jam until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Start Layering the Cake:
Spread a thin layer of the cream mixture on the bottom of a 8 x 8-inch baking dish to help the wafers stick. Place a single layer of vanilla wafers over the cream. Add a layer of the lemon blueberry cream over the wafers and smooth it out evenly. - Spread the Blueberry Jam:
Spread the remaining blueberry jam over the cream layer and lightly swirl it in. - Repeat the Layers:
Add another layer of wafers, more cream, and repeat until you’ve used up everything, finishing with a thick layer of cream on top. - Top with Fresh Blueberries and Vanilla Wafers:
Scatter 1 pint of fresh blueberries and vanilla wafers over the top for a bright, fresh finish. - Chill before Serving:
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight, so the flavors come together and the wafers soften.
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
I can, but I like fresh whipped cream better for taste and texture.
Yes, I’ve tried it and it still tastes great—just a little tangier.
I like to chill it at least 8 hours, but overnight makes the wafers really soft like cake.
No, they soften up while chilling, kind of like cake layers. That’s the best part!
Sure, I’ve done that before and it still tastes great with just the jam inside.
NO-BAKE BLUEBERRY LEMON ICEBOX CAKE RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- I used Cool Whip instead of heavy cream – When I don’t have time to whip cream, I just use Cool Whip and it still turns out light and fluffy.
- I swapped Greek yogurt for sour cream – I like using plain Greek yogurt when I want it a little healthier with the same creamy texture.
- I used graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers – When I ran out of wafers, graham crackers worked just fine and added a nice crunch.
- I tried it with raspberry jam instead of blueberry – One time I didn’t have blueberry jam, so I used raspberry, and it was just as tasty.
- I added cream cheese to the filling – For a richer taste, I’ve mixed in some softened cream cheese with the whipped cream and it made it thicker and extra creamy.
- I made it in mini jars for individual servings – I’ve layered it in small mason jars for parties, and everyone loved having their own little dessert.
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH THIS CREAMY LAYERED BLUEBERRY DESSERT?
I love serving this no-bake blueberry lemon cake at spring and summer gatherings like Mother’s Day, Fourth of July, or casual BBQs. It’s perfect as a light, refreshing dessert after a big meal. I usually pair it with fresh fruit or a simple green salad to keep things fresh. For drinks, I like to serve iced tea, lemonade, or a sparkling white wine to match the bright lemon flavor.
HOW DO YOU STORE LEFTOVER BLUEBERRY REFRIGERATOR CAKE FOR LATER?
I store leftover cake in the fridge by covering it tightly with plastic wrap or putting it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and stops it from drying out. I usually eat it within a few days to enjoy the best flavor and texture. When I’m ready to eat, I just take it out and eat it cold right out of the refrigerator.
CAN LEFTOVER CHILLED BLUEBERRY LEMON CAKE BE FROZEN?
Yes, I can freeze leftover cake to enjoy later. I like to wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When I want to eat it, I let the cake thaw in the fridge overnight. Freezing helps keep the cake fresh, but I try to eat it within a month for the best taste.
LOOKING FOR MORE DELICIOUS DESSERT RECIPES? TRY THESE!
The Best Oreo Cheesecake Recipe: This is my go-to dessert when I want to impress without a lot of fuss. It’s packed with cookies in every layer—creamy, rich, and downright irresistible.
Sweet Simplicity: Easy Strawberry Dump Cake: Juicy strawberries bubble under a golden, buttery cake topping that’s crisp on the outside and irresistibly soft underneath.
Perfectly Gooey Neiman Marcus Butter Bars: With a creamy, sweet filling that melts in your mouth and a golden, tender crust, these bars are a showstopper for any occasion.
Easy No-Bake Blueberry Lemon Cake
Equipment
- 8 x 8 baking dish
Ingredients
- 3 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 2 teaspoons Lemon Zest (about 2 medium lemons)
- 18 oz Blueberry Jam (divided)
- 2 boxes Vanilla Wafers
- 1 pint Blueberries (fresh)
Instructions
- Whip the cream: In a large bowl, beat 3 cups of heavy whipping cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. Mix in the sour cream, lemon zest, and jam: Gently fold in 1 cup of sour cream, 2 teaspoons of lemon zest, and 1 cup of blueberry jam until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Start with a Base Layer: Spread a thin layer of the cream mixture on the bottom of a 8 x 8-inch baking dish to help the wafers stick. Place a single layer of vanilla wafers over the cream. Add a layer of the lemon blueberry cream over the wafers and smooth it out evenly. Spread the remaining blueberry jam over the cream layer and lightly swirl it in.
- Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of wafers, more cream, and repeat until you’ve used up everything, finishing with a thick layer of cream on top.
- Top with Fresh Blueberries and Vanilla Wafers: Scatter 1 pint of fresh blueberries and vanilla wafers over the top for a bright, fresh finish.
- Chill before Serving: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight, so the flavors come together and the wafers soften.