Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Tart with Cream Cheese and Whipped Cream Recipe
Blueberry Surprise is a luscious layered dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a tangy blueberry filling, a smooth cream cheese layer, and fluffy whipped cream, finished with toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. This elegant treat is perfect for special occasions or a decadent everyday indulgence.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 to 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Shortbread Crust
- 6 oz. cold butter, cut into 1” pieces, plus more for pan
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup toasted, chopped almonds
Blueberry Filling
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 lb. fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp. sour cream
- 2 tbsp. toasted, chopped almonds
- Make The Shortbread Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease the bottom and sides of a 10″ springform pan with butter. Line the sides of the pan with a 30″-by-2″ strip of parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, and kosher salt. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or using a hand mixer, beat the cold butter and powdered sugar on medium speed for 4 to 5 minutes until smooth and no visible butter pieces remain. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, reduce speed to low, and add the dry ingredients gradually. Then increase speed back to medium and mix for 1 to 2 minutes until fully incorporated. Add the toasted almonds and mix just to combine. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press evenly into the bottom, working quickly to avoid melting the butter. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make The Blueberry Filling: In a small saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Add the thawed blueberries and powdered sugar, and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture becomes saucy but the blueberries mostly remain whole, about 8 minutes. Pour the filling into a shallow heatproof container and chill in the refrigerator until cold, about 30 minutes.
- Make The Whipped Cream Topping: Using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and cornstarch on medium speed until stiff peaks form, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the whipped cream to a medium bowl and set aside.
- Make The Cream Cheese Filling and Assemble: In the stand mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and sour cream on medium speed for about 30 seconds until fluffy and combined. Gently fold in half of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Chill this mixture until ready to use. Once the crust and blueberry filling are completely cool, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the shortbread crust. Spoon the chilled blueberry filling over the cream cheese layer, then spread the remaining whipped cream on top. Sprinkle the toasted chopped almonds over the whipped cream. Wrap the entire pan in plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Make Ahead: This cake can be made up to 5 days ahead and should be kept chilled until serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or fully thawed frozen blueberries for best texture and flavor.
- Make sure butter is cold for the shortbread crust to ensure a crumbly texture.
- Press dough evenly to ensure even baking and crust thickness.
- Chilling times are essential for the filling to set properly before assembling.
- To toast almonds, spread chopped almonds on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until golden and fragrant, stirring once.
- Wrap the dessert tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out while chilling.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keywords: blueberry dessert, shortbread crust, cream cheese filling, whipped cream topping, blueberry filling, lemon blueberry dessert, layered cake