lemon mousse

Lemon mousse is a light, creamy, and tangy dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer or whenever you’re craving a refreshing citrus treat. This airy mousse blends the brightness of lemon with a silky texture, creating a dessert that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon mousse offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy citrus-based desserts. It’s quick to whip up, requires minimal ingredients, and can be made ahead for entertaining or weeknight indulgence. Whether served in individual cups or layered with fruit, it’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh lemon juice

• Lemon zest

• Granulated sugar

• Egg yolks

• Heavy cream

• Egg whites (optional, for extra fluffiness)

• Vanilla extract (optional)

• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and egg yolks.

2. Cook gently, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth lemon curd. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.

4. (Optional) In another clean bowl, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.

5. Gently fold the cooled lemon curd into the whipped cream. If using egg whites, fold them in last to preserve the airy texture.

6. Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

7. Garnish with lemon zest or fresh berries, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Greek Yogurt Twist: Fold in a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt for a tangier and slightly denser mousse.

• Berry Layered Mousse: Alternate layers of lemon mousse and crushed berries for a fruity parfait.

• Lemon-Lime Blend: Replace part of the lemon juice with lime juice for a citrusy variation.

• Crust Option: Spoon the mousse over a layer of crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies for added texture.

• Alcohol Infusion: Add a splash of limoncello for an adult-friendly twist.

storage/reheating

Store lemon mousse covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
It should not be frozen, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Do not reheat, as mousse is meant to be served chilled.

FAQs

Can I make lemon mousse ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Is it safe to use raw egg whites?

If using raw egg whites, it’s best to use pasteurized eggs or opt for a meringue powder alternative for safety.

Can I skip the egg whites?

Yes, the mousse will still be creamy with just whipped cream, though slightly less airy.

How can I make this mousse more tart?

Add a bit more lemon juice or reduce the sugar slightly to enhance the tartness.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used if necessary.

What can I serve with lemon mousse?

It pairs well with shortbread cookies, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Can I turn this into a pie filling?

Yes, lemon mousse works beautifully as a filling for a graham cracker or pastry crust.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as no gluten-containing toppings or crusts are added.

Can I use non-dairy cream?

You may substitute with coconut cream or a dairy-free whipping cream alternative, though results may vary.

How do I know when the mousse is properly chilled?

It should be firm enough to hold its shape when scooped or spooned, typically after 2 hours in the fridge.

Conclusion

Lemon mousse is a simple yet sophisticated dessert that brings together bright citrus flavor and an irresistibly light texture. Whether served plain or with toppings, it’s a refreshing finale to any meal and a delightful addition to your dessert rotation.