This Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree is a heavenly layered dessert featuring a buttery pecan crust, silky cream cheese filling, and a vibrant homemade blueberry topping. Inspired by the famous New York bakery’s beloved treat, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between rich creaminess and fresh fruit brightness, making it an impressive centerpiece for any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for entertaining – this showstopper dessert can be made ahead and serves a crowd beautifully
• Balanced flavors – the nutty crust, creamy filling, and tangy blueberry topping create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures
• Make-ahead friendly – prepare it the day before for stress-free entertaining
• No special equipment needed – just a few mixing bowls and basic ingredients create this bakery-quality dessert
• Adaptable for seasons – works beautifully with fresh summer blueberries or frozen berries year-round

Ingredients

• Blueberries: Fresh blueberries provide the best flavor and texture, but frozen can work when fresh aren’t available (just thaw and drain excess liquid first).
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the blueberry topping without overpowering the natural fruit flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a subtle caramel note to the blueberry topping that white sugar alone can’t provide.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the blueberry topping, giving it that perfect jammy consistency.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: Brightens the blueberry flavor and balances the sweetness with a hint of acidity.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for the crust to control the saltiness of the final product. The melted butter binds the crust ingredients together.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the structure for the shortbread-like crust.
• Pecans: Add wonderful texture and a nutty flavor to the crust. Toast them first for enhanced flavor.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates the light, airy texture in the filling – make sure it’s very cold for the best whipping results.
• Powdered Sugar: Dissolves easily into the cream cheese filling, providing sweetness without grittiness.
• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the creamy filling.

Variations

Berry Medley Version

Transform this dessert by using a combination of berries rather than just blueberries. Mix strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries with the blueberries for a colorful and flavorful topping. Adjust the sugar slightly depending on the natural sweetness of your berry mix.

Lemon Blueberry Jamboree

Enhance the lemon flavor by adding 2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling and increasing the lemon juice in the blueberry topping. This creates a more pronounced lemon-blueberry combination that’s especially refreshing during summer months.

Chocolate Nutty Alternative

For chocolate lovers, add mini chocolate chips to the pecan crust mixture and drizzle the finished dessert with melted chocolate before serving. The combination of chocolate, blueberries, and cream cheese creates an indulgent twist on the classic recipe.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Blueberry Topping

Begin by combining half the blueberries with both sugars and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously, gently crushing some berries to release their juices. Once the mixture begins to boil and the sugar dissolves, add the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat, then fold in the remaining fresh blueberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Transfer to the refrigerator to cool completely while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Create the Pecan Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with flour and chopped pecans, stirring until you achieve a crumbly, cohesive mixture. Press this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish, creating a firm base. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and allow to cool completely, expediting the process by placing it in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In one bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla until it begins to thicken but still maintains some softness. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Gently combine both mixtures, folding them together until fully incorporated into a uniform, silky filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Jamboree

Once the crust has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over it, creating a smooth layer. Next, carefully spoon the cooled blueberry topping over the cream cheese layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set properly before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cold cream cheese warning: Always bring your cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in your filling.
• Crust perfection: For the best texture, don’t overwork the crust mixture – mix just until combined to maintain a tender crumb.
• Thickening trick: If your blueberry topping isn’t thickening properly, mix a little additional cornstarch with cold water and add it to the simmering mixture.
• Smooth filling secret: Whip the cream to soft peaks, not stiff peaks, before combining with the cream cheese mixture for the perfect consistency.
• Pecan preparation: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes before chopping to enhance their flavor in the crust.
• Serving suggestion: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water (and wiped dry) between cuts for clean, beautiful slices.

How to Serve

Serve the Blueberry Jamboree chilled, cutting into generous squares. For an elevated presentation, garnish each serving with a few fresh blueberries and a small sprig of mint. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat, or as the perfect finish to a dinner party. For extra indulgence, consider adding a small dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side. The contrast between the rich filling, nutty crust, and fruity topping means this dessert stands beautifully on its own without needing additional sauces or accompaniments.

Make Ahead

This Blueberry Jamboree is the perfect make-ahead dessert! The complete dessert can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. The blueberry topping can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The crust can be baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature, well-wrapped. For longer storage, the assembled Jamboree can be frozen for up to 1 month – simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. If freezing, add the blueberry topping fresh after thawing for the best texture and appearance.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Thaw them first and drain excess liquid before using. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious. For the best results, use frozen blueberries for the cooked portion of the topping and fresh berries for adding in at the end.

Why did my cream cheese filling turn out lumpy?

Lumpy filling usually happens when the cream cheese isn’t soft enough before mixing. Always ensure your cream cheese sits at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using. If you still have lumps, try beating the cream cheese alone first until completely smooth before adding other ingredients.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend at a 1:1 ratio. Make sure all other ingredients, particularly the vanilla extract, are certified gluten-free, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of this beloved dessert.

How long will this dessert keep in the refrigerator?

The Blueberry Jamboree will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap. The crust may soften slightly over time, but the flavor will remain delicious throughout its storage life.

Conclusion

This Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree brings together the perfect combination of textures and flavors – from the crunchy pecan crust to the silky cream cheese filling and the vibrant, fresh blueberry topping. It’s a dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes, making it perfect for special occasions yet simple enough for weekend family treats. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying something new, this recipe promises consistent, delicious results that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t wait for a special occasion – treat yourself and your loved ones to this bakery-quality dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite!

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