Ah, a classic! The Copycat Magnolia Bakery’s Blueberry Jamboree is a beloved dessert known for its layers of creamy pudding, fresh blueberries, and buttery vanilla wafers. It’s a no-bake wonder that’s perfect for parties and potlucks.
Here is a recipe that captures the spirit of the original.
Copycat Magnolia Bakery’s Blueberry Jamboree
This dessert is all about the layers: a crunchy base, a creamy center, a fruity blueberry layer, and a fluffy whipped topping.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours (or preferably overnight)
Servings: 9-12
Ingredients:
For the Crust & Crumb Layer:
· 1 (11 oz) box of Nilla Wafers (divided)
· 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
· 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds warmth)
For the Cream Cheese & Pudding Layer:
· 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
· 1/2 cup granulated sugar
· 3 cups whole milk, cold
· 1 (5.1 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
For the Blueberry Layer:
· 3 cups fresh blueberries (divided) or 2 (15 oz) cans of blueberry pie filling (see note)
· 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (if using fresh blueberries)
· 1 tablespoon lemon juice
· 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (if using fresh blueberries)
For the Topping:
· 1 (8 oz) container of frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed – OR – 1.5 cups of freshly whipped heavy cream sweetened with 2 tbsp sugar.
Instructions:
Part 1: The Crust & Crumb Mixture
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Crush the Wafers: Place about 2/3 of the Nilla Wafers in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you have a mix of fine crumbs and small pieces. Place the remaining 1/3 of the wafers in a separate bag and just break them into large chunks for the middle layer.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed Nilla Wafer crumbs with the melted butter and cinnamon (if using). Mix until it resembles wet sand.
- Press the Crust: Firmly press this crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even base. Place the pan in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the next layers.
Part 2: The Cream Cheese & Pudding Layer
- Cream the Base: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar until it’s completely smooth and creamy.
- Add Pudding: In a separate, large bowl, whisk the cold milk and the instant vanilla pudding mix for about 2 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Combine: Immediately fold the thickened pudding into the cream cheese mixture. Use the mixer on low speed or a spatula to combine them fully until no streaks remain. The mixture will be thick.
Part 3: The Blueberry Layer
· If using Canned Blueberry Pie Filling (Easiest Method):
· Simply take 1.5 to 2 cups of the pie filling and spread it evenly over the chilled crust.
· If making a Fresh Blueberry Layer (Brighter Flavor):
- In a small saucepan, combine 1.5 cups of the blueberries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the berries burst and release their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir the cornstarch-water mixture (the “slurry”) into the hot blueberries. Bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1.5 cups of fresh blueberries. This gives you a mix of cooked and fresh berries. Let this mixture cool for 15-20 minutes before assembling.
Part 4: Assembling the Jamboree
- First Cream Layer: Take the chilled crust. Spread the cream cheese and pudding mixture evenly over the crust.
- Blueberry Layer: Carefully spread the blueberry layer (whether canned or fresh) over the cream layer.
- Crunchy Middle Layer: Sprinkle the reserved, chunkier Nilla Wafer pieces evenly over the blueberry layer.
- Final Topping: Spread the thawed whipped topping or sweetened whipped cream over everything, making a final, smooth layer.
- Chill: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This is crucial for the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly for clean slicing.
To Serve: Use the parchment paper to lift the entire dessert out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into squares with a sharp knife. Garnish with a few extra fresh blueberries if desired.
Why This Recipe Tastes Like the Bakery:
· Nilla Wafers: This is non-negotiable. They provide the signature buttery, vanilla flavor.
· Cream Cheese Base: It adds a tangy richness that plain pudding lacks, making it more decadent.
· The Layering: The textural contrast between the creamy pudding, the juicy blueberries, the soft middle wafers, and the firm crust is what makes it a “Jamboree.”
Enjoy a slice of New York bakery fame right at home