A deliciously sweet dessert featuring a creamy blueberry filling, a buttery lemon cake topping, and a hint of citrus—perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients for a 13×9 Pan:
Filling Ingredients:
- 1 can blueberry pie filling (usually 21 oz)
- 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (fresh is preferred, but frozen works just as well)
- 1/2 block of cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1-2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best for a zesty flavor)
- 1-2 tbsp sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of your blueberries and preference)
Cake Topping Ingredients:
- 2 boxes lemon cake mix (you can also use other cake flavors like vanilla or yellow for a different twist)
- 3 sticks unsalted butter (melted; this adds richness and ensures the topping is moist and crisp)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when you’re ready to bake the cobbler.
2. Prepare the Blueberry Filling
- In a 13×9 baking dish, mix the blueberry pie filling with 4 cups fresh blueberries. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them first—just add them directly to the pan.
- Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Once softened, add it to the blueberry mixture. Use a fork or hand mixer to blend the cream cheese into the filling until smooth and combined.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice for a refreshing citrus note, then taste the mixture. If it’s not sweet enough, add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (depending on how sweet your berries are). Stir everything together until fully incorporated.
3. Prepare the Cake Topping
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 boxes of lemon cake mix with 3 sticks of melted butter. Stir well until the mixture forms a thick, doughy batter. You may find it difficult to mix at first, but just keep stirring—this dough should be thick enough that it doesn’t spread easily on its own.
- Tip: If the batter is too thick to spread easily, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk to loosen it up slightly, but be careful not to make it too runny. The idea is to press the dough onto the filling.
4. Assemble the Cobbler
- Take the thick cake dough and press it evenly over the blueberry mixture. The dough won’t completely cover the filling perfectly, and that’s okay—it will spread as it bakes. Use your fingers or a spatula to spread it out as evenly as possible over the blueberries.
- Optional: Sprinkle a bit of sugar on top of the cake batter to help the topping brown and become crispy in the oven. This will also add a little sweetness to the cake crust.
5. Bake the Cobbler
- Place the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Tip: Make sure to rotate the pan halfway through the cooking time to ensure even baking.
- If the top is still light in color after 1 hour, feel free to bake it for another 5-10 minutes, keeping an eye on it to avoid over-browning. The top should be a rich golden brown, and the edges should be firm to the touch.
6. Let it Cool & Serve
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cobbler cool for 10-15 minutes. This helps the blueberry filling set and makes it easier to serve. The filling will thicken as it cools.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Tips & Variations for Success:
✅ Softening the Cream Cheese: To soften cream cheese quickly, cut it into small chunks and let it sit at room temperature. This helps it blend smoothly into the filling.
✅ Cake Batter Texture: The cake batter should be thick and dough-like—this allows it to sit on top of the blueberry filling without sinking. Press it down gently to cover the berries.
✅ More Berry Options: You can mix in strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a berry medley, or even combine peaches with blueberries for a different flavor combination. Adjust sugar as needed based on the sweetness of the fruit.
✅ Zesty Lemon Flavor: For an extra punch of lemon, add the zest of one lemon into the cake mix or the filling. This adds a fragrant, fresh citrus note.
Q&A Section:
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries?
✅ Yes! Frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. You can add them directly to the pan without thawing. Keep in mind that they may release more juice as they cook, but the texture and flavor will still be great.
Q: What can I substitute for cream cheese?
✅ If you don’t have cream cheese or want a lighter alternative, you can use Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat) for a tangy flavor and creamy texture. You could also substitute with mascarpone or whipped cream cheese if you prefer.
Q: Can I use a different cake flavor?
✅ Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of lemon, you can try yellow cake mix or vanilla cake mix. For a more unique twist, angel food cake or coconut cake mix would work well with the blueberry filling. Just make sure to adjust the butter amount if you use a different mix.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
✅ Store any leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings for 20-30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Health Benefits (in Moderation!):
✅ Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which can help with reducing inflammation and support heart health.
✅ Lemon provides a good dose of Vitamin C, boosting your immune system and helping to fight free radicals in the body.
✅ While this is a rich dessert, using unsalted butter and moderate sugar allows for a balance of indulgence and healthier ingredients.
Fun Variations & Upgrades:
🍯 Honey Twist: Add a drizzle of honey to the filling for extra sweetness and complexity.
🥧 Crusty Cobbler: For a more rustic, crisp topping, top the cake batter with crushed graham crackers or crushed shortbread cookies before baking.
🥜 Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts) on top of the cake mixture for an extra layer of texture.
🍦 Ice Cream Delight: Serve with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect dessert experience!
This Blueberry Lemon Cake Cobbler is comforting, refreshing, and versatile, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just when you’re craving something sweet. The combination of rich blueberries, tangy lemon, and a buttery, crisp topping will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy! 😊🍰