This Lemon Mousse is light, airy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Made with fresh lemon juice, whipped cream, and a hint of vanilla, this creamy dessert is perfect for summer, special occasions, or whenever you crave a refreshing sweet treat. No baking required—just a few simple ingredients for a smooth and fluffy mousse that melts in your mouth!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 g) Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese (for extra creaminess)
- Optional: Yellow food coloring (for a vibrant color)
Directions
Step 1: Whip the Cream
- In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream and vanilla extract using a hand or stand mixer until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add half of the sugar while whipping until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Mixture
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, Greek yogurt (or mascarpone), and remaining sugar until smooth.
Step 3: Combine the Mousse
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture, using a spatula to keep it light and fluffy.
- If using, add a drop of yellow food coloring and mix gently.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until set.
- Garnish with lemon zest, fresh berries, or mint leaves before serving.
Notes
- Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of mascarpone for a lower-calorie version.
- Make it richer: Add ½ cup (120 ml) white chocolate, melted, for extra decadence.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with shortbread cookies or graham cracker crumbs for a crunchy contrast.
Why This Recipe Works
The whipped cream adds lightness, while the lemon juice and zest provide the perfect tangy balance. The addition of Greek yogurt or mascarpone creates a smooth, velvety texture, making this mousse both refreshing and indulgent.
Conclusion
This Lemon Mousse is a bright, zesty, and creamy dessert that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for warm-weather treats or elegant dinner parties, this mousse will impress with its airy texture and citrusy flavor. Try it today and enjoy a spoonful of sunshine! 🍋☀️✨
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Lemon Mousse ahead of time?
Yes, this Lemon Mousse is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Simply follow the recipe instructions, spoon the mousse into serving dishes, and store them in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to serve. Garnish just before serving to maintain the freshest appearance. For longer storage, avoid garnishing until serving.
Are there any ingredient substitutions I can make?
Absolutely! You can substitute mascarpone cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, maintaining the creamy texture. If you don’t have heavy whipping cream, you can try using heavy cream, though the texture might be slightly less airy. For a richer flavor, melt ½ cup of white chocolate and fold it into the lemon mixture. If you are out of lemon zest, you can add a few extra drops of lemon extract, but be cautious as it’s more potent.
How do I know when the mousse is perfectly set?
The Lemon Mousse is perfectly set when it holds its shape and is firm enough to hold a spoon without collapsing. After chilling for at least 2 hours, gently tap the serving dish; the mousse should jiggle slightly but not be runny. You can also test it by gently pressing the top; it should feel set and not sticky. The texture should be light and airy, and it should hold a dollop shape when served.
Can I double or scale up this recipe for a larger gathering?
Yes, you can easily double or scale up this recipe! When doubling, use a larger mixing bowl for the whipped cream and lemon mixture. Ensure your mixing bowl and utensils are well-chilled for optimal whipping. Double the chilling time to ensure the mousse sets properly. For a very large batch, consider using a stand mixer to handle the increased volume of whipped cream.
What are the nutritional benefits of this Lemon Mousse?
This Lemon Mousse offers several nutritional benefits. The heavy cream provides fats and some calcium. The lemon juice and zest are rich in Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that boosts the immune system. Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese adds protein and probiotics, beneficial for gut health. The dessert offers a good source of calcium from the dairy products.
LEMON MOUSSE
This light and fluffy lemon mousse is the perfect refreshing dessert for any occasion.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream chilled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a saucepan, mix lemon juice and sugar over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Fold the chilled lemon mixture into the whipped cream and serve.
Notes
For a stronger lemon flavor, add some lemon zest on top before serving.
