Can I use fresh blueberries?

Yes, if you would like to make your own blueberry pie filling, you can use the recipe for the blueberries in this no-bake blueberry pie. If making your own pie filling, you can also use frozen blueberries.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes, this is one of those recipes that gets better if it has time to sit and let the flavors meld. You have a couple of options. Make the dish in its entirety up to 24 to 36 hours before serving. You could also just make the crust and cheesecake layers a day before and then add the rest of the topping a few hours before serving. (You still want to give the blueberry surprise a few hours in the fridge for the flavors to meld.) You can also make homemade whipped cream a few days ahead. Whip the cream with the sugar and vanilla (if using) to a bit less stiff than you want it to be. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to use, give it a few whips with a whisk to stiffen it and incorporate any liquid that has separated.

Can I use a different pie filling?

Yes, just about any pie filling or even pudding would work for this recipe. Get creative, or just use what you have on hand.

Do I have to bake the cheesecake?

For this particular recipe, the cheesecake contained eggs, so yes, it needs to be baked. However, many versions of this recipe use a no-bake version of the cheesecake layer. To make the Blueberry Surprise no-bake, you would want to do 2 things differently. First, after assembling the graham cracker crust, place it in the freezer for about 20 minutes to help it set. (This also helps keep the crust from getting too soggy.) Replace the cheesecake layer with this no-bake recipe: beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of confectioner's sugar until smooth with no lumps. Gently fold in an 8 oz container of cool whip (or 3 cups of whipped cream.) Layer sliced bananas over the cream cheese layer, then layer the pie filling over the bananas (eliminating the 1st layer of cool whip), layer cool whip over the pie filling, and top with optional fresh blueberries and pecans.

Yes, the leftovers can be frozen. Cover the dish well and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost in the refrigerator when ready to eat.

Blueberry Cheesecake Surprise

Description

Blueberry Surprise: layers of cheesecake, blueberries, cool whip, (and surprise – bananas) over a graham cracker crust make this sweet treat the hit of any get-together!

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

2.5 cups crushed graham crackers (about 48 squares)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter

Cheesecake layer

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
One block of cream cheese (8 oz room temp)

Additional layers

21 oz can of blueberry pie filling
2 8oz containers of cool whip
2 large bananas (sliced)
optional: 1/4 cup pecans (chopped) and/or fresh blueberries for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350.
Combine graham crackers and sugar. Add melted butter and stir with a fork til well mixed. Press mixture into greased 13 by 9 pan.
Beat cream cheese and sugar, and eggs, mixing til thoroughly combined.
Pour cream cheese mixture over the crust, and bake until done and browning at the edges (about 20 to 25 minutes.) Let cool.
Layer sliced bananas over cooled cheesecake. Top with a generous layer of cool whip.
Gently spread blueberry pie filling over the cool whip layer
Top blueberries with a second layer of cool whip.
Garnish with optional pecans and fresh blueberries
Chill till ready to serve.

Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
Calories: 408
Fat: 18
Carbohydrates: 60
Protein: 4

Keywords: blueberry surprise, blueberry delight