Easy Lemon Mousse

A Light, Zesty Dessert That’s Perfect for Any Occasion

Easy Lemon Mousse is a bright, creamy, and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings—or whenever you want a little burst of citrusy sunshine. With its silky texture and balanced sweet-tart flavor, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare and requires minimal ingredients. This mousse delivers elegance without the fuss of traditional custards or gelatin-based recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lemon mousse is appealing for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. It’s no-bake, making it ideal for warm-weather entertaining. The combination of whipped cream and lemon curd gives it a luscious, airy texture and a vibrant citrus flavor. Best of all, it looks beautiful served in individual cups or glasses—perfect for dinner parties, brunches, or a sweet weeknight treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: fresh lemon zest, for garnish
• Optional: fresh berries or mint leaves, for serving

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Chill the bowl and beaters: Place a mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10–15 minutes. This helps the cream whip faster and hold its shape.
2. Whip the cream: In the chilled bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
3. Add flavor: Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
4. Fold in lemon curd: Gently fold the lemon curd into the whipped cream using a spatula. Fold until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
5. Chill: Spoon the mousse into serving cups or glasses. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set and chill completely.
6. Serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh lemon zest, berries, or a sprig of mint if desired.

Variations

• Lemon-Lime Mousse: Replace half the lemon curd with lime curd for a citrus twist.
• Berry Swirl: Gently swirl in a spoonful of raspberry or strawberry puree for color and added flavor.
• Coconut Lemon Mousse: Fold in a few tablespoons of cream of coconut or top with toasted coconut flakes.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and a dairy-free lemon curd.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: About 4–6 servings
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Chilling time: At least 1 hour
• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Store lemon mousse in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While not ideal for long-term freezing, the mousse can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheating: Not recommended—this dessert is meant to be served chilled.

FAQs

What kind of lemon curd should I use?

You can use store-bought lemon curd for convenience or make your own for a richer, more vibrant flavor.

Can I make this mousse ahead of time?

Yes, it’s perfect for making in advance. Prepare up to 24 hours ahead and keep refrigerated until serving.

Is this mousse gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the lemon curd used is gluten-free. Most store-bought varieties are, but always check the label.

Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?

You can substitute Cool Whip in a pinch, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different and sweeter.

How do I make homemade lemon curd?

Homemade lemon curd involves whisking eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and butter over gentle heat until thickened. Recipes vary, but it’s simple and worth the effort.

Can I add gelatin to make it firmer?

Yes, if you prefer a firmer set, you can dissolve 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin in a tablespoon of water, warm it, and fold it in with the lemon curd.

How long does the mousse need to chill?

At least 1 hour is recommended to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.

Can I pipe the mousse into dessert cups?

Yes, for a more elegant presentation, transfer the mousse into a piping bag and pipe into glasses or tart shells.

Is this suitable for children?

Absolutely! It contains no alcohol or raw eggs and has a kid-friendly flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales well. Just double each ingredient and ensure you have enough serving dishes.

Conclusion

Easy Lemon Mousse is a delightfully simple dessert that brings vibrant citrus flavor and a light, creamy texture to the table with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a picnic, or just want to treat yourself, this mousse is a foolproof go-to. Versatile, make-ahead friendly, and endlessly customizable, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

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