Lemon Mousse Recipe

Bright, creamy, and bursting with citrus, Lemon Mousse is the kind of dessert that instantly lightens up any meal or celebration. Think soft clouds of whipped cream wrapped delicately around tangy lemon curd, with a hint of zest that adds a sunny pop. Whether you’re a seasoned dessert maker or just craving something simple, this treat is pure magic with minimal effort. If you adore silky mousse with just the right balance of sweet and tart, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of staple ingredients—each playing its own special role—create such an elegant dessert. Every spoonful of this Lemon Mousse shines because of the freshness and quality of what you put in, so don’t skimp. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Heavy Cream: The backbone of the mousse, lending a lush, airy texture and classic creaminess that makes every bite irresistible.
• Confectioner’s Sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and dissolves effortlessly, ensuring your mousse stays perfectly smooth.
• Salt: Just a pinch, but it subtly sharpens all the flavors and keeps the mousse from being flat.
• Lemon Curd: The heart of the dessert; use homemade or good-quality store-bought for maximum bright, zesty flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Infuses the mousse with intense fragrance and a pop of natural lemon oil—don’t skip this for extra zing and color!

How to Make Lemon Mousse

Step 1: Whip the Cream

Start by pouring your chilled heavy cream, confectioner’s sugar, and a pinch of salt into a large mixing bowl. Using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer (whatever you have comes in handy here), whip everything together for about 2–3 minutes on medium speed. Stop once you see medium peaks—meaning when you lift the beaters, the cream holds its shape but the tip softly curls down. This creamy foundation will make your Lemon Mousse billowy and light.

Step 2: Fold in Lemon Curd and Zest

Next comes the fun part! Gently scoop in your lemon curd and freshly grated lemon zest. Using a wide spatula, slowly fold them into the whipped cream until everything is evenly blended. The key here is a gentle touch—folding rather than stirring—so the mousse stays super airy and plush. You’ll see gorgeous swirls of lemon and cream coming together right before your eyes.

Step 3: Portion and Garnish

Once the mixture looks uniform and irresistibly creamy, divide it between eight small dessert glasses or ramekins. Each serving gets about half a heaping cup of mousse. For a hint of elegance, add an extra dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of lemon zest on top—these little touches make your Lemon Mousse as beautiful as it is delicious.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Pop all your mousse-filled glasses into the refrigerator for at least one hour. This helps the mousse set and the flavors to meld together even more. If you have the patience, you can leave them chilling for up to 24 hours—just cover them to keep them fresh. Once perfectly chilled, serve cold and enjoy the vibrant flavor in every spoonful.

How to Serve Lemon Mousse

Garnishes

A beautiful Lemon Mousse deserves a finishing flourish. Go with a swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of extra lemon zest, a few fresh berries, or even a crisp mint leaf. Each garnish not only looks stunning but also adds a new pop of color, texture, or flavor to your dessert table.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Lemon Mousse with something crunchy or buttery is always a win. Think crisp almond cookies, delicate shortbread, or even a handful of sweet berries on the side. The mousse’s lightness lets you get creative without feeling like you’re overdoing it on the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress your guests, spoon your Lemon Mousse into stemmed glasses, layered with crushed lemon cookies or a sliver of lemon curd at the bottom for a parfait effect. Tiny jars, vintage teacups, or petite shot glasses also transform this simple treat into a showstopper. Play with layers and toppings—think toasted coconut or candied citrus—to create an unforgettable experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which honestly, is rare), just cover the glasses tightly with plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator. Lemon Mousse will stay fresh and luscious for up to 2 days—after that, it may start to lose some of its airy texture but should still taste lovely.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze Lemon Mousse, expect the texture to change on thawing, becoming a bit denser and less smooth. For best results, freeze in airtight containers and enjoy within a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir gently before serving, but know it’s best enjoyed fresh whenever possible.

Reheating

Thankfully, Lemon Mousse never needs reheating! In fact, it’s meant to be served cold and at its best straight from the fridge, so you can focus on enjoying it rather than fussing over temperature.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought lemon curd?

Absolutely! Store-bought lemon curd saves time and still delivers fantastic flavor. Choose a brand with real ingredients, or if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade lemon curd takes the mousse to the next level.

What if I don’t have a mixer?

No worries—you can whip the cream by hand with a whisk. It’ll just take a bit longer and some arm power, but your Lemon Mousse will still turn out delightfully fluffy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your lemon curd and confectioner’s sugar are gluten-free (which is usually the case), this dessert contains no gluten ingredients. Always check labels to be sure!

Can I make Lemon Mousse ahead of time?

Definitely. Lemon Mousse actually benefits from chilling, making it the perfect make-ahead dessert. Prepare it the night before, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

How can I make the mousse more tart?

For extra tang, add a splash of fresh lemon juice or an extra teaspoon of lemon zest. Don’t overdo it, though—a little zing goes a long way and keeps the balance just right.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a sunny, effortless treat that everyone will fall in love with, Lemon Mousse is your answer. Every bite is light, luscious, and packed with lemony goodness. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your friends!) will thank you.

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