Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Blueberry Jamboree is an irresistible dessert that brings together the freshness of blueberries, the smoothness of cream cheese, and the richness of a buttery, nutty crust. The blueberry topping is bursting with fruity flavor, while the creamy filling is indulgent yet light. The toasted pecans in the crust add a perfect crunch, balancing the sweetness of the other components. The mix of textures, from the creamy filling to the crumbly crust, will keep you coming back for more. Plus, it’s easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Blueberry Topping:

• 2 pints fresh blueberries (approx. 4 cups)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp water
• 1½ tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1½ tbsp water
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp lemon juice

For the Crust:

• ¾ cup butter, melted
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted or un-toasted (toasted gives a richer and nuttier flavor)

For the Filling:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups plus 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 16 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions

For the Blueberry Topping:

1. In a saucepan, combine the fresh blueberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries start to release their juices, about 5 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, then add this mixture to the saucepan. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, then stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Let the topping cool to room temperature while you prepare the crust and filling.

For the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, and chopped pecans. Stir until the mixture comes together and forms a crumbly dough.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.

For the Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with 2 cups of powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and fluffy.

Assembling the Jamboree:

1. Once the crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the crust.
2. Spoon the cooled blueberry topping over the filling, spreading it out evenly.
3. Refrigerate the Blueberry Jamboree for at least 3-4 hours, or until set.
4. Once set, remove from the springform pan, slice, and serve chilled.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 8-10 servings.

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 12-15 minutes for the crust
• Chilling Time: 3-4 hours

Variations

• Berry Blend: If blueberries aren’t in season, you can substitute with other berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a similar effect. A berry mix can also add depth of flavor.
• Nut-Free Version: If you want to make this dessert nut-free, simply omit the pecans in the crust and use crushed graham crackers or a different flour mixture.
• Gluten-Free: To make this dessert gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking.
• Citrus Twist: Add a little orange zest to the blueberry topping for an extra citrusy punch that pairs wonderfully with the lemon.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Blueberry Jamboree in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. The dessert is best enjoyed cold.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled jamboree for up to 1 month. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Reheating: This dessert is best served chilled, so it doesn’t require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen blueberries can be used in place of fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess water in the topping.

Can I substitute the pecans in the crust?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or any nut of your choice. Alternatively, for a nut-free version, you can use crushed graham crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead. It needs to chill for several hours, so it’s ideal to prepare it the day before you plan to serve it.

How can I make the filling lighter?

If you want a lighter filling, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream and mix in some Greek yogurt or sour cream to lighten it up a bit without sacrificing creaminess.

Can I use a different sweetener for the filling and topping?

You can substitute the powdered sugar with a powdered alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, depending on your preference.

Is this dessert suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, with a gluten-free crust substitute, such as gluten-free flour or crushed gluten-free cookies, this dessert can be made gluten-free.

Can I make individual servings of this dessert?

Yes, you can make individual servings by layering the crust, filling, and blueberry topping in small jars or cups for a more personal touch.

How do I know when the blueberry topping is thickened?

The blueberry mixture will thicken and become more syrupy once the cornstarch has been added. You can test the thickness by dipping a spoon into the mixture; it should coat the back of the spoon.

Can I use store-bought blueberry filling?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can substitute with store-bought blueberry pie filling, but homemade topping will give a fresher, more natural taste.

How long does the crust need to cool before adding the filling?

Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling to ensure the layers stay separate and the filling doesn’t melt into the crust.

Conclusion

Magnolia Bakery’s Blueberry Jamboree is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet, making it a show-stopping dessert. The combination of a buttery, nutty crust, rich cream cheese filling, and vibrant blueberry topping creates a treat that’s both satisfying and refreshing. With a bit of planning and some simple ingredients, you can recreate this beloved dessert at home for any occasion. Try it out, and it might just become your new go-to dessert for summer gatherings or any special event!

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