Creamy Lemon Mousse

Creamy Lemon Mousse is a delightful and refreshing dessert that’s both simple to make and irresistible to eat. With its light, fluffy texture and zesty lemon flavor, this mousse is a perfect treat for any occasion. It combines the richness of whipped cream with the sweetness of condensed milk and the tang of fresh lemon juice, making it a perfect balance of flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy lemon mousse is the ultimate no-bake dessert that is quick and easy to prepare. It’s incredibly smooth, light, and fresh with the perfect hint of lemony tang. Not only is it a treat for your taste buds, but it’s also a fantastic option for a last-minute dessert. The best part? You can customize it by adjusting the level of lemon juice or garnishing with fresh fruits. The mousse holds up well in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings or dinner parties.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of heavy whipping cream (cold)

• 1/2 cup of condensed milk

• 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice

• Lemon zest (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.

2. Gradually add the condensed milk and fresh lemon juice to the whipped cream, folding gently until everything is well combined.

3. Serve the mousse in small glasses or bowls and garnish with lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus aroma.

4. Refrigerate the mousse for at least 2 hours to allow it to set properly before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 small servings. Preparation time is roughly 10 minutes, and it requires at least 2 hours of chilling time in the fridge to achieve the best texture.

Variations

• Berry Topping: Add fresh berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries, on top for an added fruity touch.

• Extra Zesty: For a more pronounced lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon juice or add lemon extract.

• Chocolate Twist: You can drizzle melted chocolate over the mousse or fold some cocoa powder into the whipped cream mixture for a chocolate-lemon combination.

• Vegan Option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free condensed milk alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the mousse in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it chilled as it’s a perishable dessert.

• Reheating: This mousse is best served cold, and reheating is not recommended. If it becomes too firm after chilling, you can gently stir it to restore its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make this mousse ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mousse up to a day in advance. Just ensure you store it in the fridge until ready to serve.

How do I know when the cream is whipped to soft peaks?

When whipping the heavy cream, stop once the cream starts holding its shape but still has a slight droop at the peaks.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Absolutely! A hand mixer will work just fine for whipping the cream to soft peaks.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice will give the mousse the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

Can I substitute the condensed milk?

You could substitute with sweetened condensed coconut milk for a dairy-free version or use regular sugar for a less sweet mousse.

How can I make this mousse thicker?

For a thicker consistency, you can add a small amount of powdered gelatin to help the mousse set more firmly.

Can I freeze this mousse?

This mousse is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in individual portions. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before serving.

How do I prevent the mousse from deflating?

Be gentle when folding in the condensed milk and lemon juice to avoid deflating the whipped cream. Fold carefully, not stirring aggressively.

Can I use lemon curd in place of lemon juice?

Yes, you can substitute lemon curd for fresh lemon juice, but it will result in a slightly sweeter mousse.

Can I add more sugar to make it sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter mousse, feel free to add a little powdered sugar or more condensed milk, depending on your taste preferences.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Mousse is the perfect dessert for anyone craving something light, refreshing, and flavorful. Its simplicity and versatility make it an easy go-to option for almost any occasion. Whether you serve it as a weeknight treat or as the star of a dinner party, this mousse will surely be a crowd-pleaser.