Lemon Mousse Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Medium
Description
Bright, fluffy, and bursting with citrus flavor, this Lemon Mousse recipe is the ultimate light and elegant dessert. With a texture that’s cloud-like and silky, this mousse delivers the perfect balance of tart lemon and sweet cream. Whether you’re planning a spring brunch, a summer dinner party, or simply craving something refreshing and luscious, this recipe will win hearts.
And the best part? You only need a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience while it chills.
Ingredients
🥄 For the Lemon Curd Base:
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2–3 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
🍦 For the Mousse:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (hand or stand)
- Rubber spatula
- Serving glasses or ramekins
Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Make the Lemon Curd
Intensity: Moderate
Time: 10 minutes
- In a medium saucepan off heat, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and stir constantly with a silicone whisk or spatula.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. It should look like a soft pudding.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in the butter until melted and fully combined.
- Strain the lemon curd through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits and zest. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Technique Tip: Stir constantly and don’t raise the heat too much—curd can curdle quickly if overheated.
🔹 Step 2: Whip the Cream
Intensity: Low
Time: 5 minutes
- In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed using a hand or stand mixer.
- When it starts to thicken, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Whip until medium-stiff peaks form—light and billowy but not dry or clumpy.
🔹 Step 3: Fold the Mousse
Intensity: Medium
Time: 5 minutes
- Gently fold the chilled lemon curd into the whipped cream using a rubber spatula.
- Do this in two parts: start by mixing ⅓ of the whipped cream into the lemon curd to lighten it, then gently fold in the rest.
- Mix until the color is uniform and no streaks remain. Be careful not to deflate the mousse by overmixing.
🔹 Step 4: Chill and Serve
Intensity: None
Time: 2 hours (chilling)
- Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving glasses or ramekins.
- Chill for at least 2 hours or until set and cold.
Presentation Tip: For a fancy finish, top with whipped cream, lemon zest curls, fresh berries, or a mint sprig.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in martini glasses, coupe glasses, or small mason jars for individual portions.
- Add crushed shortbread or graham cracker crumbs at the bottom for a textural surprise.
- Pair with meringues, fresh fruit, or lemon sorbet for a multi-textured dessert plate.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Keep covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended—mousse may lose its texture and become grainy after freezing and thawing.
Nutritional Information (Per serving, based on 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Sugars | 18 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Cholesterol | 130 mg |
| Sodium | 30 mg |
| Fiber | 0 g |
Note: Nutrition facts may vary depending on exact ingredients and portion size.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Mousse
- 🍋 Bright and Refreshing: Real lemon juice gives it a clean, tangy flavor.
- 🎂 Elegant but Easy: Looks impressive, but it’s doable even for beginner bakers.
- 🕊 Light and Airy: Perfect dessert when you want something that won’t weigh you down.
- 🍴 Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for prepping in advance for dinner parties or events.
- 💛 Naturally Gluten-Free: No flour or thickeners needed!
Customization Ideas
- Lemon-Lime Twist: Replace half the lemon juice with lime for a zesty duo.
- Lavender Lemon Mousse: Infuse the cream with dried culinary lavender before whipping.
- Boozy Mousse: Add 1 tablespoon of limoncello to the lemon curd before folding for an adult version.
- Vegan Alternative: Use full-fat coconut cream and egg-free lemon curd for a plant-based version.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Bottled juice tends to be more acidic and less vibrant.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the whipped cream with coconut whipped cream and make a dairy-free lemon curd with coconut oil instead of butter.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a large enough bowl for folding the mousse, and increase chilling time slightly for larger portions.
What’s the texture like?
It’s lighter than pudding, silkier than whipped cream—like a citrus cloud in a spoon!
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Mousse recipe is proof that desserts don’t have to be complicated to be impressive. With its silky-smooth texture and vibrant citrus flavor, it’s a refreshing treat that’s perfect for every season—from springtime brunches to sunny summer dinners. Make it ahead, dress it up, or enjoy it straight from the glass with a spoon.
