If you are craving a dessert that is light, refreshing, and bursting with bright citrus flavor, this Lemon Mousse Recipe is an absolute dream come true. Made with just four simple ingredients and whipped up in a matter of minutes, this mousse strikes the perfect balance of creamy texture and tangy sweetness, making it an ideal treat for those warm summer days. Whether you’re new to mousse or a seasoned dessert lover, this recipe is incredibly approachable and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Lemon Mousse Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering its silky texture and vibrant flavor. These pantry staples come together effortlessly to create a dessert that tastes much more complex than the ingredients suggest.
- Heavy cream: Provides the rich, airy base that gives the mousse its signature fluffiness.
- Confectioner’s sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness that balances the tart lemon perfectly without overpowering it.
- Salt: Just a tiny pinch intensifies all the flavors, making the lemon pop beautifully.
- Lemon curd: Brings intense citrus flavor and creaminess, forming the heart of this mousse.
- Lemon zest: Adds bursts of fresh lemon aroma and bright color, elevating the dessert’s overall appeal.
How to Make Lemon Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Start by pouring the heavy cream, confectioner’s sugar, and a pinch of salt into a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the mixture on medium speed until you see soft to medium peaks form, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This whipped cream base is what will give your mousse that light and airy texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 2: Fold in the Lemon Curd and Zest
Gently fold in the lemon curd and lemon zest with a spatula, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream too much. This step infuses your mousse with that vibrant lemon flavor and a lovely hint of texture from the zest. Folding gently ensures your mousse remains fluffy and airy.
Step 3: Portion and Chill
Divide the luscious mousse evenly into 8 small dessert glasses or ramekins, approximately half a heaping cup per serving. Pop these into the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour. This chilling step is essential as it helps the mousse to set, firm up, and develop a richer mouthfeel that’s so delightful to savor.
How to Serve Lemon Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
While this lemon mousse is absolutely amazing on its own, some simple garnishes can elevate it even more. Consider a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra creaminess, a sprinkle of additional lemon zest for a zesty kick, or even a crisp vanilla wafer to add a bit of crunch contrast to the smooth mousse.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs brilliantly with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries to add a pop of color and natural sweetness. You could also serve it alongside a light shortbread cookie or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent summer dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests with presentation, try layering the lemon mousse in parfait glasses with alternating layers of berry compote or crushed graham crackers. Another fun idea is to pipe the mousse into edible citrus cups made from hollowed-out lemons for a charming, all-natural serving vessel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lemon mousse should be kept covered in the refrigerator and will stay fresh for up to 4 to 5 days, although it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for the lightest texture and brightest flavor. Just make sure to cover tightly to avoid absorbing fridge odors.
Freezing
This Lemon Mousse Recipe is not ideally suited for freezing as the texture may change upon thawing. The mousse’s whipped cream base can separate, leading to a less fluffy consistency. It’s best to prepare and store it fresh in the fridge whenever possible.
Reheating
Since this mousse is served cold, reheating is not necessary or recommended. Simply serve straight from the refrigerator for that perfect cool and creamy experience that makes this dessert so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?
For the best texture and flavor, heavy cream is essential in this Lemon Mousse Recipe because it whips up to a thick and airy consistency. Low-fat creams won’t hold the air as well and the mousse may turn out less fluffy and rich.
How tart is the lemon mousse?
The tartness depends largely on the lemon curd you use. This recipe typically results in a pleasantly tangy mousse that’s not overly sour, striking a nice balance with the sweetness from the confectioner’s sugar.
Can I make the mousse vegan or dairy-free?
While heavy cream is key to the texture, you can experiment with plant-based whipped toppings and dairy-free lemon curds, but note that the texture and flavor will differ from the original and may be less creamy.
How long does it take to make?
The prep itself takes just about 15 minutes, then the mousse needs to chill for at least 1 hour to set properly. It’s a quick recipe perfect for when you want a delicious homemade dessert but don’t want to spend too long in the kitchen.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This Lemon Mousse Recipe is easily doubled or adjusted to suit a larger gathering – just ensure your mixing bowl and fridge space are large enough to accommodate the increased volume.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Mousse Recipe is truly a gem for anyone looking to enjoy a dessert that’s simple, elegant, and refreshingly light. Its bright lemon flavor and cloud-like texture make it a perfect finish to any meal, especially during warmer weather. I encourage you to whip up a batch, experiment with garnishes, and savor every spoonful of this delightful treat!
Print
Lemon Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This light and refreshing Lemon Mousse is made with just four simple ingredients and whipped up in minutes. Perfect for hot summer days, it offers a less-sweet, tangy dessert option that’s creamy and airy. With a smooth texture and bright lemon flavor, it is an ideal make-ahead treat that chills beautifully to firm up.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups (454 g) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (14 g) confectioner’s sugar
- pinch of salt
- 1 cup (320 g) lemon curd
- 1 tablespoon (6 g) lemon zest
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, add heavy cream, confectioner’s sugar, and a pinch of salt. Using a hand or stand mixer, whip for 2-3 minutes on medium speed until medium peaks form, creating a light and fluffy base for the mousse.
- Fold in Lemon Curd and Zest: Gently fold the lemon curd and lemon zest into the whipped cream until evenly incorporated, taking care to retain airiness in the mixture for a light mousse texture.
- Portion the Mousse: Divide the mixture evenly into 8 small dessert glasses, roughly ½ heaping cup per serving. Optionally, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or additional lemon zest for extra flavor and presentation.
- Chill: Refrigerate the mousse for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours, to allow it to chill and firm up. Serve cold to enjoy the refreshing, creamy texture and bright lemon flavor.
Notes
- Lemon zest: 1 tablespoon lemon zest equals the zest of one large lemon, which adds bright citrus aroma and enhances flavor.
- Chill your mousse: Chilling is essential to firm up the mousse and enhance its texture; do not skip this step.
- Adjusting the sweetness: This dessert is lightly sweetened. Sweetness levels depend on the lemon curd brand, so adjust by adding more confectioner’s sugar if desired.
- Storage: Store the mousse covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, though it’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
- Garnish ideas: Add a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle extra lemon zest, or garnish with a vanilla wafer for added texture and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
