The Best Creamy Lemon Mousse Recipe for Zesty Sweet Bliss

My grandma’s secret creamy lemon mousse sparkles with unexpected zest and charm.

Whispers of citrus dance through delicate peaks of whipped perfection.

Light and airy textures melt across your palate with sublime elegance.

Mediterranean sunshine seems captured in each delectable spoonful.

Silky smooth ingredients blend into a dessert that feels both luxurious and playful.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness in this simple yet sophisticated treat.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that promises pure culinary bliss.

Creamy Lemon Mousse Explained

• Craft a Speedy Dessert: This lemon mousse comes together quickly with minimal ingredients, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Its smooth, tangy flavor appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual dinner parties.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: No baking or complex techniques needed – just whipping cream and mixing ingredients, making it accessible for novice cooks.
• Versatile Presentation Option: Serve in elegant glasses for a sophisticated look or in casual dessert cups for a laid-back vibe, suitable for various occasions.

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Mousse

• Heavy Cream: A rich and smooth ingredient that provides the light and airy texture of the mousse.
• Condensed Milk: A sweet and creamy component that adds richness and helps stabilize the mousse.

• Lemon Juice: A tangy liquid that brings bright and refreshing flavor to the dessert.
• Lemon Zest: A fragrant garnish that adds intense citrus aroma and decorative touch to the mousse.

• Small Glasses: The perfect vessel for presenting and serving individual portions of the creamy dessert.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Mousse

Step 1: Whip Cream to Silky Perfection

Place heavy cream in a chilled mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream on medium-high speed until soft, billowy peaks form that gently curl when the whisk is lifted.

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

Step 2: Blend Creamy Citrus Mixture

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Gently incorporate ingredients using a rubber spatula, making smooth circular motions to maintain the cream’s delicate texture.

Mix until the ingredients are completely integrated with no streaks.

Step 3: Chill and Set the Mousse

Transfer the mousse into decorative serving glasses or dessert bowls.

Cover with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface to prevent skin formation. Place in the refrigerator and allow the mousse to set and firm up for at least 2 hours.

Step 4: Final Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle additional fresh lemon zest on top for a bright, citrusy accent. Optionally, add a small mint leaf or a thin lemon slice for extra visual appeal.

Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, tangy dessert.

Tips for Smooth Lemon Mousse

• Use cold heavy cream and a chilled bowl to achieve perfect, stable whipped peaks quickly.
• Add condensed milk and lemon juice slowly to avoid separating the cream's smooth texture.
• Grate fresh lemon zest just before serving to maximize the bright, citrusy aroma and flavor.
• Allow mousse to set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to develop a rich, creamy consistency.
• Use clear glasses to showcase the mousse's beautiful, smooth texture and lemon-flecked appearance.

Variations on Lemon Mousse

• Tropical Mango Mousse: Replace lemon juice with fresh mango puree, adding a vibrant, sweet tropical flavor to the creamy dessert.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Mousse: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use coconut condensed milk for a vegan-friendly, lactose-free alternative.
• Lime Berry Mousse: Substitute lemon juice with lime juice and top with fresh mixed berries for a tangy, colorful dessert variation.
• Low-Sugar Greek Yogurt Mousse: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream and sugar-free condensed milk for a lighter, protein-rich version.

Pairing Ideas for Lemon Mousse

Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the tangy lemon mousse, cutting through its creamy richness with bright, zesty notes.

Delicate, buttery shortbread provides a crumbly texture contrast and subtle sweetness that balances the mousse’s citrusy tang.

Raspberries or strawberries add a pop of color and fresh, tart flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the lemon’s bright profile.

Fresh mint leaves introduce a cool, aromatic element that enhances the mousse’s refreshing citrus character and adds visual appeal.

Storage Advice for Lemon Mousse

• Store leftovers in a sealed glass or plastic container with a tight lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Keep mousse chilled for up to 3 days.
• Avoid freezing this delicate mousse as the cream and condensed milk can separate, causing texture changes and potential loss of smooth consistency.
• Always cover the mousse with plastic wrap directly touching its surface to prevent a film from forming and protect it from absorbing other food flavors.
• When ready to serve again, let the mousse sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly, then give it a gentle stir to restore its creamy texture before enjoying.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need for this lemon mousse?

You’ll need heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest for garnish.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this lemon mousse up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until serving.

• Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This lemon mousse is vegetarian-friendly and contains no meat or animal-based products except dairy.

• How do I know when the cream is whipped correctly?

Whip the cream until soft peaks form, which means when you lift the whisk, the cream should create gentle, soft peaks that slightly curl over.

Creamy Lemon Mousse Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky “creamy lemon mousse” whispers summer’s delicate promise, blending zesty citrus with smooth elegance. Light dessert seekers will find pure refreshment in each cloud-like spoonful of this Mediterranean-inspired treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Zest and Flavor:

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Garnish (Optional):

• Additional lemon zest for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare a clean mixing bowl and whisk heavy cream until it forms billowy, soft peaks with a light, airy texture.
2. Slowly incorporate sweetened condensed milk and freshly squeezed lemon juice, using delicate folding motions to maintain the cream’s voluminous structure.
3. Gently transfer the silky mousse mixture into elegant serving glasses, creating smooth, even layers.
4. Sprinkle finely grated lemon zest across the surface for a vibrant, aromatic garnish.
5. Chill the mousse in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the dessert to set and develop a rich, creamy consistency.

Notes

• Choose full-fat cream for a richer, more luxurious texture that holds its shape perfectly.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor that cuts through the sweetness.
• Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help the cream whip faster and maintain its volume.
• For a lighter version, swap condensed milk with Greek yogurt and add a touch of honey for sweetness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: No-bake
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg