If you crave a dessert that’s equal parts cloud-like and zesty, this Easy Lemon Mousse is your new go-to. With velvety mascarpone, bright lemon, and a whisper-light texture, it’s the kind of sweet treat you’ll dream about long after the last spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Foolproof: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, anyone can whip up this lemon mousse—no fancy skills required!
- Ultra Creamy Texture: Mascarpone and whipped cream combine for a mousse that’s impossibly smooth, luscious, and rich.
- Bright & Zesty Flavor: Real lemon juice and zest infuse every bite with sunny citrus tang that’s totally refreshing.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: Easy Lemon Mousse holds beautifully in the fridge, making it a dream for entertaining or stress-free weeknight sweets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of basic ingredients can turn into something so delightful! Each one plays a starring role in delivering the decadent creaminess and signature citrus brightness that makes Easy Lemon Mousse irresistible.
- Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy, Italian cheese is the backbone of the mousse, delivering richness and a subtle tang without any heaviness. For the fluffiest result, make sure it’s softened.
- Heavy (or Whipping) Cream: Whipped cold from the fridge, it lifts the mousse to airy perfection. Don’t forget to reserve a bit for those luscious dollops on top!
- Powdered Sugar: Perfect for smooth sweetness that dissolves instantly, keeping the mousse silky rather than grainy.
- Lemon Zest: Adds fragrant, punchy lemon flavor—make sure to zest only the bright yellow skin for the best aroma.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh-squeezed is best, providing a vibrant tartness that balances the creaminess beautifully.
Variations
One of the best things about Easy Lemon Mousse is how customizable it is. Whether you want to change up the citrus or tailor it for a specific diet, these variations make it a breeze to experiment!
- Try Another Citrus: Swap the lemon for lime or orange zest and juice for a fun, new flavor that’s just as fresh and delicious.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut cream for the whipped cream and use a dairy-free cream cheese for a treat everyone can enjoy.
- Berries on Top: Add a layer of fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for extra color and juicy contrast.
- Make it Boozy: Stir in a splash of limoncello or citrus liqueur for adults-only elegance (just a tablespoon or so will do!)
How to Make Easy Lemon Mousse
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Start by whipping your cold heavy cream in a large bowl until it forms stiff peaks—this is the secret to a mousse with dreamy lightness. Remember to set aside about half a cup for garnishing later; this little extra effort makes the final presentation pop!
Step 2: Mix Mascarpone, Sugar, and Lemon
In a separate bowl, combine the mascarpone, powdered sugar, freshly grated lemon zest, and lemon juice. Beat until the mixture is creamy, smooth, and fully blended. This is where the tangy, vibrant flavor base comes together in seconds.
Step 3: Fold & Chill
Gently fold the mascarpone-lemon mixture into your whipped cream using a spatula. Take your time to keep the mousse light and airy! Once fully combined, spoon the mixture into serving glasses, cover, and let them chill in the fridge for at least an hour—this is when the flavors really meld and the mousse sets to perfection.
Step 4: Top and Serve
Just before serving, add a beautiful dollop of the reserved whipped cream to each glass. Sprinkle with a touch of chopped white chocolate or extra lemon zest for a burst of color and sweetness. Grab a spoon and dive in—you did it!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Lemon Mousse
- Chill Everything: Cold cream and mascarpone whip up fluffier and hold their shape better—don’t skip this step for maximum volume!
- Handle with Care: Gently fold the mixtures instead of stirring to keep the mousse cloud-light, not dense.
- Watch the Lemon Juice: Add lemon juice gradually and taste as you go to strike your perfect sweet-tart balance.
- Make It in Advance: The mousse actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge, making it a fabulous make-ahead dessert for any gathering.
How to Serve Easy Lemon Mousse
Garnishes
A final flourish is what makes dessert extra special! I love topping Easy Lemon Mousse with a swirl of whipped cream, a generous sprinkle of lemon zest, and a few shavings of white chocolate. For a pop of color, try a fresh mint leaf or a scattering of fresh berries—simple, but turns each cup into something worthy of a celebration.
Side Dishes
This mousse is delightful all on its own, but pairing it with crisp butter cookies, shortbread, or biscotti makes for a truly elegant treat. If you’re serving a larger meal, a light fruit salad or platter of fresh seasonal fruit is the perfect complement to balance the rich creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
You can go classic with small dessert glasses, or get playful: pipe the mousse into hollowed-out lemons, fill crunchy tart shells, or even layer with berries in mini trifle jars for a gorgeous picnic or brunch display. However you serve it, Easy Lemon Mousse always looks (and tastes) like sunshine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (it’s rare!), simply cover each glass or bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Your Easy Lemon Mousse will stay fresh and luscious for 2–4 days—just wait to add any crunchy toppings or fresh fruit until serving to keep everything perfect.
Freezing
This mousse isn’t ideal for freezing, as the airy texture can turn grainy when thawed. If you’re planning to make it ahead, stick to refrigerating and enjoy every spoonful while it’s at peak creaminess.
Reheating
No reheating needed for this chilled delight! Simply serve Easy Lemon Mousse straight from the fridge (give it a gentle stir if you like), and it’s ready to enjoy every time.
FAQs
-
Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
You can use full-fat cream cheese if mascarpone isn’t available, but keep in mind it will be a bit tangier and less velvety. Let it come to room temperature and beat it until smooth before blending with the other ingredients for best results.
-
How do I prevent the mousse from turning runny?
Be sure to whip the cream until very stiff peaks form and gently fold (not stir) with the mascarpone mixture. Also, make sure all dairy ingredients are well-chilled; warm or over-mixed cream can lose its structure.
-
Can I make Easy Lemon Mousse ahead for a party?
Absolutely! This dessert is a perfect make-ahead recipe—just store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2–4 days, and add your final garnishes right before serving for the best presentation.
-
Is Easy Lemon Mousse gluten-free?
Yes, the mousse itself is gluten-free. Just be cautious with any cookie or crumble toppings you add if you’re serving gluten-sensitive guests—stick to gluten-free garnishes for a totally safe treat.
Final Thoughts
If you adore easy, elegant desserts that deliver the perfect burst of citrus, I can’t wait for you to fall in love with Easy Lemon Mousse! It’s a little scoop of happiness that can brighten any meal or special moment. Try it, share it, and watch how quickly it disappears—it’s sure to become a new favorite in your dessert lineup.
Print
Easy Lemon Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Whipping, Chilling
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Lemon Mousse recipe is a delightful and refreshing dessert that is quick to whip up. Creamy mascarpone cheese combined with whipped cream, lemon zest, and juice creates a light and tangy mousse that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Mascarpone Mixture:
- 7 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside 1/2 cup of whipped cream for topping.
- Prepare Mascarpone Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the mascarpone, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold the mascarpone mixture into the whipped cream until well combined.
- Chill: Spoon the mousse into 4 cups or glasses and chill for 1 hour.
- Serve: Top with a dollop of reserved whipped cream and sprinkle with white chocolate or lemon zest before serving.
Notes
- This mousse can be made ahead and stored for 2-4 days in the refrigerator when properly covered.
- For larger gatherings, consider doubling or tripling the recipe to accommodate more guests.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
