Creamy Lemon Mousse Recipe

Dreamy Creamy Lemon Mousse Recipe: A Zesty Summer Delight

Whipping up a delightful lemon mousse can transport you to a zesty culinary paradise with minimal effort.

Citrus lovers adore this smooth, tangy dessert that sparkles with bright flavor.

Sweet and airy textures dance together in each delicate spoonful.

Silky cream blends perfectly with sharp lemon notes, creating a sophisticated treat anyone can master.

Cool and refreshing, this dessert promises to impress without complicated techniques.

Simple ingredients come together in mere minutes, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous celebrations.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that will have everyone requesting seconds.

Light and Fluffy Creamy Lemon Mousse

  • Conquer with Simplicity: This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners who want to impress without stress.
  • Zap Together Quickly: With just a few ingredients and basic steps, you can create a delightful dessert in no time, ideal for spontaneous sweet cravings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Charm: The tangy lemon flavor combined with creamy texture appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing smiles around the table.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Elegant enough for dinner parties yet casual enough for family gatherings, these individual dessert glasses work for multiple occasions.

Ingredients to Make Lemon Mousse Light & Creamy

For the Base:
  • Heavy Cream: A rich dairy product that provides a smooth and airy texture to the mousse.
  • Condensed Milk: A sweet, thick milk that adds richness and helps stabilize the mousse.
For the Flavor:
  • Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, tangy citrus taste that cuts through the richness of the cream.
  • Lemon Zest: Adds an intense, aromatic citrus essence to enhance the overall lemon flavor.
For the Garnish:
  • Lemon Zest: A colorful and flavorful topping that provides a fresh citrus accent to the dessert.

How to Whip Up Creamy Lemon Mousse

Step 1: Whip the Cream

In a clean, chilled mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream. Continue beating until soft, billowy peaks form that gently curl when you lift the beaters.

The cream should look light and fluffy but not too stiff.

Step 2: Create Lemon Mixture

Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Carefully fold the ingredients together using a rubber spatula. Gently incorporate the liquids to maintain the cream’s airy texture.

Mix until the ingredients are completely blended and smooth.

Step 3: Prepare Serving Glasses

Select small dessert glasses or decorative cups.

Pour the creamy lemon mixture evenly into each glass, ensuring a smooth and elegant presentation. Use a spatula to create a clean surface.

Step 4: Add Zesty Garnish

Sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the top of each mousse serving. The bright yellow zest will add a pop of color and enhance the citrusy aroma of the dessert.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the filled glasses in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours. This chilling time allows the mousse to firm up and develop a rich, creamy consistency.

The dessert will become more flavorful and refreshing as it sets.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the mousse from the refrigerator just before serving.

The chilled dessert offers a light, tangy, and incredibly smooth treat perfect for any occasion. Serve immediately and delight in the creamy, lemony goodness.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Mousse Texture

  • Use cold heavy cream and a chilled bowl to achieve perfect, stable soft peaks quickly.
  • Gently incorporate condensed milk and lemon juice to maintain the mousse's light, airy texture and prevent deflating.
  • Use fresh lemon zest for an intense, vibrant citrus flavor that enhances the overall dessert profile.
  • Allow minimum 2 hours refrigeration to let flavors meld and mousse set into a silky, smooth consistency.
  • Use clear glasses to showcase the mousse's delicate layers and beautiful pale yellow color for an impressive presentation.

Flavor Variations on Classic Lemon Mousse

  • Tropical Paradise Mousse: Replace lemon juice with passion fruit or mango puree for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile.
  • Lavender Honey Mousse: Infuse the cream with dried lavender and substitute lemon juice with honey for a floral, sweet variation.
  • Berry Bliss Mousse: Mix in crushed raspberries or strawberries for a fruity, tangy version with a beautiful pink color.
  • Chocolate Orange Mousse: Add dark chocolate powder and orange zest for a rich, decadent dessert with citrusy undertones.

Pairings That Complement Lemon Mousse Dessert

  • Zesty Shortbread Companion: Pair this creamy lemon mousse with buttery, crumbly shortbread cookies that complement the tangy dessert's smooth texture and enhance its citrusy notes.
  • Berry Burst Topping: Sprinkle fresh raspberries or blueberries on top to add a vibrant, slightly tart contrast that cuts through the dessert's richness and provides a beautiful color pop.
  • Crisp White Wine Match: Serve alongside a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose bright, acidic profile perfectly mirrors the lemon mousse's refreshing character and cleanses the palate.

Best Ways to Store Lemon Mousse

  • Transfer leftover mousse into an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, keeping it sealed in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and protect from absorbing other food odors.
  • Carefully pack the mousse in a freezer-safe container, ensuring minimal air exposure. Freeze for up to 2 weeks, but note the texture might slightly change upon thawing.
  • Move the frozen mousse to the refrigerator and let it slowly defrost for 2-3 hours. Gently stir before serving to restore its creamy consistency.

FAQs

  • Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for the brightest flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives.

  • How can I tell if my cream is whipped correctly?

Soft peaks mean when you lift the whisk, the cream forms a gentle, droopy point that slightly falls over. Don’t overwhip, or it will become grainy and butter-like.

  • Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the lemon mousse is vegetarian-friendly. It contains dairy products like cream and condensed milk but no meat or animal byproducts.

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Creamy Lemon Mousse Recipe

Creamy Lemon Mousse Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Silky smooth lemon mousse dances with zesty citrus notes, promising pure dessert bliss. Light and airy textures invite you to savor each spoonful of this refreshing Mediterranean-inspired treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
  • 1/2 cup condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Garnish:

  • Lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Whip heavy cream to soft, billowy peaks using an electric mixer, ensuring a light and airy texture.
  2. Carefully incorporate condensed milk and freshly squeezed lemon juice, gently folding the mixture to maintain the cream’s delicate volume.
  3. Distribute the silky mousse evenly into elegant serving glasses, creating smooth and uniform portions.
  4. Delicately sprinkle finely grated lemon zest across the top for a vibrant, aromatic garnish.
  5. Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the mousse to set and develop a rich, creamy consistency.
  6. Remove from refrigerator just before serving, ensuring the mousse remains cool and maintains its delightful, velvety structure.

Notes

  • Whip cream at a cool temperature for the best soft peak formation, ensuring a light and airy texture.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the condensed milk.
  • Chill serving glasses beforehand to help the mousse set faster and maintain its creamy consistency.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream and use plant-based condensed milk alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 314 kcal
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 65 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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