Lemon Mousse Recipe

If you’re searching for a refreshing, elegant dessert that feels like pure sunshine in every creamy spoonful, this Lemon Mousse is your answer. Light yet luscious, sweet with just the right amount of zing, and so effortless to prepare, this treat is guaranteed to be a highlight at any gathering or the perfect personal pick-me-up. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, dreaming up a spring dinner finale, or simply want a spoonful of something bright and cheery, this Lemon Mousse will become your new go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of ingredients, each one truly shines, bringing out the velvety texture, vibrant color, and irresistible flavor in every bite. Don’t let the simplicity fool you—each component plays a vital part in making the Lemon Mousse unforgettable.

• Heavy cream: This is the foundation of your Lemon Mousse, giving it that airy, cloudlike texture that’s utterly irresistible.
• Confectioner’s sugar: Just a touch of this powdered sugar sweetens the mousse perfectly without making it heavy or grainy.
• Salt: It might seem small, but a pinch amplifies all the other flavors, especially that bright, tangy lemon!
• Lemon curd: This brings both the vivid color and intensely citrusy flavor that makes Lemon Mousse sing.
• Lemon zest: Stirring in fresh zest adds a punch of lemony aroma and beautiful flecks throughout the mousse.

How to Make Lemon Mousse

Step 1: Whip the Cream

Pour the heavy cream, confectioner’s sugar, and a pinch of salt into a large mixing bowl. With a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip everything together on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes, or until soft, fluffy medium peaks form. Keep an eye out—you want it to hold its shape, but still be smooth and silky.

Step 2: Fold in Lemon Curd and Zest

Gently spoon in the lemon curd and sprinkle the lemon zest over the whipped cream. Using a spatula, carefully fold it all together. The goal here is to keep as much air in the mixture as possible, so your Lemon Mousse ends up light as a cloud. Stop folding once everything is well combined, with no streaks remaining.

Step 3: Portion into Glasses

Divide the finished mousse among eight small dessert glasses or ramekins, ensuring each serving is equally beautiful and generous. You should end up with about a heaping half cup per portion. Taking your time here helps the dessert look as special as it tastes.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Cover each glass and pop them into the refrigerator for at least one hour (or up to 24 hours). This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and the Lemon Mousse to firm up to its signature, pillowy texture. Serve cold for ultimate refreshment.

How to Serve Lemon Mousse

Garnishes

Dressing up your Lemon Mousse is half the fun! I love adding a generous dollop of whipped cream plus a flourish of extra lemon zest for a gorgeous, sunny finish. Edible flowers or thin lemon twists also turn each serving into a showstopper for special occasions.

Side Dishes

While Lemon Mousse shines on its own, it’s lovely paired with crisp butter cookies or delicate shortbread. The gentle crunch is a perfect contrast to the mousse’s lightness. A handful of fresh berries—think raspberries or blueberries—adds a hit of color and another layer of juicy flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Layer your Lemon Mousse in small mason jars with crushed graham crackers for a deconstructed pie effect, or pipe it into pastry shells for a quick tart. For parties, try mini shot glasses as delightful, bite-sized desserts that guests can grab and mingle with ease.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Lemon Mousse (trust me, it doesn’t happen often!), simply cover each serving tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store in the refrigerator. The mousse will stay beautifully fresh and creamy for up to three days—perfect for little midday treats.

Freezing

While Lemon Mousse is best enjoyed fresh and chilled, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving to restore its silky texture. Keep in mind the texture may become slightly denser after freezing, but the flavor will remain bright and delicious.

Reheating

This dreamy dessert is meant to be cold and doesn’t require any reheating. If your Lemon Mousse has firmed up more than you’d like in the fridge or after freezing, just leave it at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving—it’ll soften right up and taste as delightful as ever.

FAQs

Can I use homemade lemon curd instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you have the time, homemade lemon curd brings extra freshness and depth to your Lemon Mousse. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before folding it into your whipped cream base.

How far in advance can I make Lemon Mousse?

You can whip up Lemon Mousse as much as 24 hours before serving. In fact, letting it rest overnight in the fridge can enhance both the flavor and the creamy texture. It’s the ultimate make-ahead dessert for effortless entertaining.

What can I do if my mousse isn’t setting up?

If your mousse feels a bit too loose, it could be that the cream wasn’t whipped enough to medium peaks or there’s extra moisture from the curd. Allowing it to chill for several more hours usually does the trick. Next time, ensure your cream is properly whipped before folding in the other ingredients.

Can I flavor the mousse with other citrus fruits?

Definitely! This method works beautifully with orange curd or lime curd for a different but equally bright and tangy twist. Just substitute the lemon curd and zest with your favorite citrus, and enjoy a new treat every time.

Is Lemon Mousse gluten-free?

Yes, the classic Lemon Mousse recipe as given here contains no gluten, as long as your lemon curd is made without any gluten-containing thickeners. Always double-check ingredient labels if serving guests with allergies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to brighten up your day (and everyone else’s!), this Lemon Mousse is the ticket. Every bite is velvet-smooth, tangy, and bursting with citrus sunshine. I can’t wait for you to try it: it’s ridiculously easy, endlessly versatile, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let me know how it turns out—you might just fall in love at first spoonful!

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