The Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree is an exquisite dessert that beautifully showcases the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh blueberries. This layered treat combines a buttery pecan crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a delightful blueberry glaze, making it a perfect indulgence for any occasion. The creamy texture of the filling contrasts perfectly with the crust’s crunchiness, while the vibrant blueberry glaze adds a refreshing burst of flavor.
What You’ll Need for Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree
Complete Ingredients List
- Fresh Blueberries: 2 pints (approximately 4 cups)
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Water: 1 tablespoon (and 1 1/2 tablespoons mixed with cornstarch)
- Cornstarch: 1 1/2 tablespoons (mixed with 1 1/2 tablespoons water)
- Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon
- Lemon Juice: 1/2 teaspoon
- Butter: 3/4 cup (melted)
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
- Chopped Pecans: 1 cup (toasted or un-toasted)
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 2 cups
- Powdered Sugar: 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons
- Cream Cheese: 16 oz. (softened)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream.
- If you’re following a gluten-free diet, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free.
- To lower sugar content, consider substituting granulated and brown sugars with natural sweeteners like agave or stevia.
- For added flavor, try incorporating cinnamon or nutmeg into the crust for extra warmth.
How to Make Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree
Creating the Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree is a rewarding experience that consists of multiple steps, each designed to enhance the flavors and textures of the final dessert.
Step 1: Prepare the Blueberry Glaze
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine 1 pint (approximately 2 cups) of fresh blueberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of water. Stir continuously to dissolve the sugars. As you stir, gently smash some blueberries to encourage the mixture to release its juices. Once the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil, pour in the cornstarch-water mixture. Continue to stir as it thickens slightly, usually taking about a minute. When done, remove from heat and stir in the remaining pint of blueberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Transfer the mixture to the refrigerator to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Pecan Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, all-purpose flour, and chopped pecans. Use a spatula or your hands to blend the ingredients until well combined, making sure the butter evenly coats the dry ingredients. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by spraying it lightly with cooking spray. Press the flour-pecan mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until lightly golden. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip together the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until it reaches a thick consistency, being careful not to over-whip. In another bowl, whip the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Carefully fold the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring both components are well combined. The filling should be rich and creamy, ready to be layered over the cooled crust.
Step 4: Assemble the Dessert
Once the crust has cooled, gently spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the crust, ensuring to reach the edges. Next, take the cooled blueberry mixture from the refrigerator and spoon it generously over the cream cheese layer. Spread it evenly to cover the filling completely. Finally, cover the assembled dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow all the flavors to meld and set beautifully.
Serving Suggestions for Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree
How to Serve Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree
This tantalizing dessert is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to develop fully. When ready to serve, slice the jamboree into squares using a sharp knife to ensure clean edges. You can present it in the baking dish, or for a fancier presentation, transfer the squares onto a decorative serving platter.
For serving, consider garnishing each piece with additional blueberries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance. You might also sprinkle a little mint leaf or edible flowers on top for decor.
Perfect Pairings & Toppings
Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree pairs exceptionally well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. For a bit of tanginess, you could offer a side of lemon curd, enhancing the citrus notes in the blueberry filling. Additionally, a drizzle of berry sauce or a sprinkle of crushed nuts can elevate the dessert’s appearance and flavor.
Storing & Preserving Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree
Best Storage Methods
To keep your Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it; however, be mindful that the texture may change slightly when thawed.
Reheating or Freezing Tips
If serving after freezing, transfer your jamboree to the refrigerator a day before you want to enjoy it to allow it to defrost gradually. Do not attempt to reheat it; the dessert is best enjoyed chilled.
Tips for Perfect Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree Every Time
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Overmixing the Filling: Be cautious when folding the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture as overmixing can deflate the filling, making it less airy and creamy.
- Inaccurate Measurements: Ensure to measure ingredients accurately, particularly the blueberries and sugars, as this impacts flavor and texture.
- Not Cooling the Layers: Allow both the crust and the blueberry glaze to cool before assembly. This is crucial to prevent the filling from becoming runny.
Helpful Tricks for Success
- For easier mixing of cream cheese, ensure it is adequately softened at room temperature, making it easier to incorporate with sugar.
- If you want a thicker crust, consider adding a little more butter or adjust the flour accordingly.
- Always taste your blueberry mixture before adding it to the dessert; adjust sweetness if necessary by adding more sugar or a splash of lemon juice.
Fun Variations of Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree
Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists
- For an exciting twist, consider adding chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling or dark chocolate shavings as a topping.
- Incorporate different fruits, such as raspberries or blackberries, to the topping for additional flavors and color variety.
- If you like some spice, try adding cinnamon or a hint of ginger to the cream cheese filling for a warming element.
Dietary-Friendly Adjustments
- To make this recipe vegan, replace the cream cheese with a plant-based option and utilize full-fat coconut milk or a vegan cream alternative in place of heavy whipping cream.
- If aiming for a sugar-free treat, use sugar substitutes like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to keep the sweetness without the calories.
- For a keto-friendly option, consider using almond flour instead of regular flour and substituting the sugars with keto-approved sweeteners.
FAQs
What If My Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree Doesn’t Turn Out Right?
If your jamboree turns out too dry, ensure the following time you’re measuring ingredients accurately, particularly making sure you don’t overbake the crust. If it’s not setting properly, it may need more time in the refrigerator or the filling may have had too much air whipped into it. If your blueberries release too much juice, consider straining the glaze before layering it.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Absolutely! The Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree is perfect for prepping in advance. It can be assembled a day or two prior to serving, allowing the flavors to develop. Just ensure it’s well-covered in the refrigerator.
What Ingredients Can I Swap?
If certain ingredients are hard to find, it is generally safe to swap granulated sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or agave, though it will affect the texture a bit. If you’re out of cornstarch, you can substitute with arrowroot starch or even flour, though it might alter the thickness slightly. Additionally, if you cannot find fresh blueberries, frozen blueberries can be used as an alternative—just be sure to allow them to defrost and drain off excess liquid before cooking.
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Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree
- Total Time: Approximately 5 hours
- Yield: 12–15 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree is a luscious layered dessert featuring a crunchy pecan crust, creamy vanilla-cream cheese filling, and a vibrant blueberry glaze bursting with fresh fruit flavors. This dessert balances textures and sweetness, making it a showstopper for gatherings or an elegant treat any day.
Ingredients
- 2 pints fresh blueberries (about 4 cups)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1 1/2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3/4 cup melted butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted or un-toasted)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Blueberry Glaze: In a saucepan, combine 1 pint blueberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon water over medium heat. Stir and lightly crush some berries. When boiling, stir in cornstarch-water mixture until thickened (~1 minute). Remove from heat; stir in remaining blueberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Chill in refrigerator.
- Make Pecan Crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix melted butter, flour, and pecans until evenly coated. Press mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake 15 minutes until lightly golden. Cool.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: Whip heavy cream and vanilla until thick but not over-whipped. In another bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture gently.
- Assemble Dessert: Spread cream cheese filling over cooled crust. Spoon blueberry glaze evenly over filling. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
Notes
- Ensure blueberry glaze is fully cooled before layering to prevent melting the cream cheese filling.
- To toast pecans, spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring once.
- Refrigerate overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked and chilled
- Cuisine: American bakery style
Keywords: Magnolia Bakery Blueberry Jamboree, blueberry cream cheese dessert, pecan crust dessert, layered blueberry dessert, creamy blueberry treat