Creamy Lemon Mousse Recipe with Lemon Curd and Zest

Looking for a dessert that’s as simple to make as it is delightful to eat? Let me introduce you to the Creamy Lemon Mousse Recipe—the perfect combination of elegance and ease. With only a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a dessert that’s smooth, airy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. This recipe will be your go-to during spring gatherings, a summer dinner, or just because you’re craving something sweet!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Mousse Recipe

Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor

What makes this recipe even better is that it uses only five ingredients. You don’t need a long list of complicated items or kitchen gadgets to make this mousse. The secret lies in the quality of the ingredients: lemon curd, lemon zest, cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and optional cookies for serving. That’s it! These ingredients work together to create a creamy, fluffy mousse with the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.

Perfect for Any Occasion

The fresh, citrusy flavor makes it ideal for warm weather, but it’s so good that I enjoy it year-round. Plus, the mousse is incredibly versatile. Serve it in individual glasses, top it with a few extra lemon zest garnishes, or even sprinkle on crushed lemon or vanilla cookies for added crunch.

Total Preparation Time: 4 Hours 30 Minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Lemon Curd
• Zest of 1 Lemon
• 2 Cups Cold Heavy Whipping Cream
• 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
• Crushed Lemon or Vanilla Cookies (Optional)

How to Make Creamy Lemon Mousse?

Step 1: Whisk the Ingredients Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon curd, lemon zest, cold heavy whipping cream, and powdered sugar. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until it reaches stiff peaks—about 3-5 minutes. The cream should be thick and airy, holding its shape when you lift the whisk.

Step 2: Prepare Your Serving Glasses

If you plan to serve the mousse with crushed cookies, now’s the time to add them. Place a layer of crushed lemon or vanilla cookies in the bottom of each glass. You can use a spoon or a small food processor to crush the cookies into fine crumbs. This step adds a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy mousse.

Step 3: Fill Your Glasses

Divide the lemon mousse mixture evenly among your glasses. You can use a spoon to scoop the mousse, or you can transfer the mixture into a piping bag for a more elegant presentation.

Step 4: Refrigerate

Cover the glasses with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. The mousse needs time to set and firm up. During this time, the flavors will also meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, give your mousse a final touch by garnishing it with some fresh lemon zest. You can also add a few more cookie crumbs or a slice of lemon on top for a bit of extra flair. Serve chilled, and enjoy the creamy goodness!

Zulay's Expert Tips for the Perfect Lemon Mousse

• Use fresh lemon zest. The zest of fresh lemons adds a bright, aromatic flavor to the mousse. Be sure to zest only the yellow part of the lemon peel, as the white pith can be bitter.
• Chill the whipping cream. For the best results, chill the heavy whipping cream before whipping. Cold cream whips up much better and holds its shape longer.
• Don’t overwhip. While you want to achieve stiff peaks, be careful not to overwhip the cream. Overbeating can cause the cream to turn into butter, which will ruin the mousse’s smooth texture.
• Customize your toppings. The optional cookie crumble adds a fun texture, but you can also experiment with other toppings like fresh berries, mint leaves, or even a drizzle of lemon syrup.

Why This Lemon Mousse Is So Special

What sets this lemon mousse apart from other lemon-based desserts is the combination of lemon curd and zest. The lemon curd provides a rich, buttery base that pairs perfectly with the lightness of whipped cream. On the other hand, the zest adds a punch of freshness, enhancing the mousse’s citrus flavor without being overpowering.

The texture is another highlight. Unlike many lemon desserts that can be heavy or overly rich, this mousse is light, fluffy, and perfectly balanced. It’s not too sweet, and the tangy lemon cuts through the creaminess, making each bite a refreshing treat.

Zulay's Final Thoughts

With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a light, refreshing, and indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress any guest. You can easily customize it by adding extra flavors, switching up the toppings, or even turning it into a lighter, dairy-free treat. No matter how you serve it, the silky texture and bright citrus flavor will leave everyone coming back for seconds.

So go ahead and give this Lemon Mousse Recipe a try! It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like a gourmet chef but without the fuss!

Share Your Thoughts!

Did you love this Creamy Lemon Mousse Recipe? We’d love to hear your feedback! Drop a comment below and let us know how it turned out for you. Feel free to share your thoughts on any variations you tried or other recipes you’d like to see.

Know Someone Who’d Love This Recipe?

Share this delightful lemon mousse with your friends on social media! Don’t forget to tag us @zulaykitchen and use the hashtag #kitchenhappiness to show off your creations. The best desserts are the ones shared with loved ones!

FAQs About Lemon Mousse

Can I use store-bought lemon curd?

Yes! Store-bought lemon curd is a great shortcut. But if you have the time, making your own lemon curd can add an extra layer of freshness and flavor to the mousse. Homemade curd tends to be thicker and more vibrant, enhancing the mousse’s overall flavor.

Can I substitute the heavy whipping cream with something lighter? 

While heavy cream is ideal for the rich, velvety texture of this mousse, you can substitute it with whipped coconut cream for a lighter, dairy-free version. However, the texture may be slightly different—whipped coconut cream will be slightly denser and less fluffy than heavy cream.

How long can I store leftover lemon mousse?

Leftover lemon mousse can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. After that, it may begin to lose its fluffy texture. For best results, consume within a day for maximum freshness and texture. Avoid freezing, as it affects the mousse’s texture.

Can I add other flavors to this lemon mousse?

Absolutely! While this mousse is delightful as is, you can experiment with other flavors. Consider adding a hint of vanilla extract or a few tablespoons of fresh fruit puree (like raspberry or strawberry) to add a fruity twist to the mousse. Mix gently for a marbled effect!

Is this lemon mousse recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the lemon mousse itself is gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. However, if you choose to top it with crushed cookies, make sure you use gluten-free cookies to keep the dessert fully gluten-free. Enjoy it as a light, gluten-free treat!

Can I make this mousse without using a mixer?

While using a mixer makes the process easier and faster, you can still make this mousse by whisking the ingredients by hand. It will take more time and effort, but as long as you achieve stiff peaks and a smooth texture, it will still turn out delicious.

Can I serve this mousse in different ways?

Yes! You can serve the lemon mousse in individual glasses, parfait cups, or even as a layered dessert in a trifle bowl. You can also pipe it into tart shells for a fun twist. Get creative with how you serve this light and refreshing treat!