Ingredients

6 oz. cold butter, cut into 1" pieces, plus more for pan

1 c. all-purpose flour 

1/3 c. cornmeal

1 tsp. kosher salt

2/3 c. powdered sugar 

1/4 c. toasted, chopped almonds 

1/2 c. fresh lemon juice

1/4 c. water

2 tbsp. cornstarch

1 lb. fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed

1/4 c. powdered sugar

1 1/2 c. heavy cream

1/4 c. powdered sugar

1 tbsp. cornstarch

8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 c. powdered sugar

2 tbsp. sour cream

2 tbsp. toasted, chopped almonds

Preparation

Step 1Preheat oven to 325° and grease bottom and sides of a 10" springform pan with butter. Line sides of pan with a 30"-by-2" strip of parchment paper. Step 2In a small bowl, whisk flour, cornmeal, and salt. In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment (or in a large bowl using a hand mixer) on medium speed, beat butter and powdered sugar, scraping down sides of bowl, until butter pieces are no longer visible and mixture is smooth, 4 to 5 minutes. Step 3Scrape sides of bowl. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add dry ingredients; mix just to combine. Increase mixer speed to medium and continue to mix until dry ingredients are fully incorporated, 1 to 2 minutes. (Cold butter will collect in paddle; stop and push it out with a rubber spatula.) Add almonds and mix just to combine, about 30 seconds.Step 4Transfer dough to prepared pan. Working quickly so as not to melt butter in dough, press evenly into bottom of pan. Bake until edges are golden brown, about 20 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cool.

Step 1In a small saucepan, whisk lemon juice, water, and cornstarch to combine. Add blueberries and powdered sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture is saucy but blueberries are still mostly whole, about 8 minutes.Step 2Pour into a shallow heatproof container and chill in refrigerator until cold, about 30 minutes.

Step 1In stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment on medium speed, whip cream, powdered sugar, and cornstarch until stiff peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl.

Step 1In stand mixer bowl on medium speed, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and sour cream until combined and fluffy, about 3o seconds. Fold one-half of whipped cream into cream cheese mixture. Chill until ready to use.Step 2Once crust and blueberry filling have completely cooled, spread cream cheese mixture on crust, spreading to edges. Spoon blueberry filling over cream cheese mixture. Top with remaining whipped cream; sprinkle with almonds. Wrap entire pan in plastic wrap and chill at least 4 hours before serving.Step 3Make Ahead: Cake can be made 5 days ahead. Keep chilled.

How do I measure the powdered sugar? The same way you’d measure flour. Use a spoon to scoop the sugar into the measuring cup and level it with a straight edge; you can use the backside of a butter knife or an offset spatula. Can I use a different crust? This crust is essentially a shortbread crust with a little added razzle-dazzle from the chopped almonds and cornmeal. But blueberry surprise is also great with its more traditional graham cracker crust. You can also try the Biscoff cookie crust from this cheesecake recipe.    Can I use a different fruit filling? When it comes to variations on this recipe, the sky’s the limit. Well, almost. Here are a few combo ideas to get you started: 

  • Pitted cherries + lime juice
  • Raspberries + orange juice
  • Blackberries + passion fruit juice  Storage Blueberry surprise will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap the entire springform pan in plastic to keep the layers intact.  Looking for more crowd-pleasing summer dessert ideas? We’ve got over 80 desserts for you to choose from!