Blueberry Four Layer Dessert
A delightful four-layer dessert featuring a crunchy pecan crust, sweet blueberries, pineapple, and creamy cheese, perfect for gatherings and those who love fruity, textured treats.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup softened margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans ⓘ
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained ⓘ
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 cup powdered sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, baking powder, and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl.
- Cut in the softened margarine until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans.
- Press the mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes and let cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the blueberry layer, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be used as substitutes. For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. This dessert is also delicious with a layer of whipped cream on top.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Blueberry Four Layer Dessert chilled, garnished with fresh blueberries or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with Cream Cheese Cake Bars for a delightful dessert spread. Consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to reheat the dessert, cover it with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps maintain the texture without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blueberry Four Layer Dessert contains roughly 600 calories, with 5g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the dessert to avoid excess moisture. Frozen blueberries are great for retaining their flavor and will work perfectly in the sauce.
How can I make this dessert ahead of time?
You can prepare the dessert a day in advance. Assemble each layer, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just keep in mind to add any toppings like whipped cream just before serving to keep them fresh and fluffy.
What can I substitute for margarine?
If you prefer not to use margarine, unsalted butter is a great substitute and will add a richer flavor. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Just ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).